President William Ruto on Sunday intensified his development tour of Nyanza, announcing a Sh28 billion investment in projects across Siaya County as he seeks to boost livelihoods and expand his political influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
During a visit to Gem Constituency, the President said the funds will go towards affordable housing, modern markets and student hostel projects, describing it as the “highest commitment ever made by any administration” in the county.
“We are investing Sh28 billion in affordable housing, modern markets, and student hostel projects in Siaya County,” Ruto said.
He laid the foundation stone for the Sh800 million Yala Affordable Housing Project, which the government says will provide decent and affordable homes while creating jobs for local residents. Officials accompanying him indicated that the wider investment package will also support small-scale traders through modern market infrastructure and expand accommodation options for students in higher learning institutions.
Ruto’s increasing visits to Nyanza signal a deliberate strategy to chip away at a region that has long been politically aligned with opposition leaders. His development-focused messaging has been central to these efforts, repeatedly linking infrastructure and housing projects to economic empowerment.
The announcement drew mixed reactions from leaders in the region. Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga welcomed the development but urged the government to ensure transparency and timely completion of the projects. “Development is welcome, but it must be done in a way that benefits the people directly and is completed as promised,” he said.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, has however, criticised the administration, accusing it of using development tours as a political tool. “You cannot use projects funded by taxpayers to campaign. Kenyans are still struggling with the high cost of living,” he said.
Despite the criticism, Ruto has maintained that investments in housing and infrastructure are central to unlocking economic opportunities and improving livelihoods. Analysts say the scale and frequency of his development tours in Nyanza point to a broader political calculation as the 2027 elections approach.
