NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has outlined a multi-billion-shilling development programme for Kisii County, saying sustained investment in infrastructure and social projects — not political rhetoric — is key to transforming the region.
Ruto said the government is working with local leaders, led by Governor Simba Arati, to implement projects aimed at improving livelihoods, boosting trade, and expanding public infrastructure.
“Kisii County will not be transformed by rhetoric but by development projects and programmes,” the President said in a statement on Thursday.
According to Ruto, the national government has committed Sh33 billion towards the construction of affordable housing units, modern markets, and hostels in the county. He said an additional Sh7 billion has been invested in upgrading road infrastructure, while more than Sh400 million has been allocated to modernise Suneka Airport.
The President said the airport upgrade is expected to improve regional connectivity and support economic growth in Kisii and neighbouring counties.
Ruto also announced plans to upgrade and expand Gusii Stadium to international standards, describing sports infrastructure as a critical investment in youth development and talent nurturing.
During the visit, the President broke ground for the construction of the Sh350 million Nyambera Modern Market. The facility is expected to be completed later this year and will accommodate more than 1,000 traders.
The government has positioned market construction and affordable housing as key pillars of its bottom-up economic agenda, aimed at supporting small-scale traders, creating jobs, and stimulating local economies.
The announcement comes amid ongoing national debates on public spending, project prioritisation, and the sustainability of large-scale infrastructure investments, as the government balances development goals with fiscal constraints.
