President William Ruto intensified his development tour of the Gusii region on Monday, unveiling multi-billion shilling projects in Nyamira County and Kisii County as he sought to cement support in the politically strategic region.
The President said the government is investing heavily in health training and education infrastructure to support the country’s universal healthcare ambitions.
“We are strengthening our medical training institutions to ensure that we have an adequate pool of qualified professionals to support the delivery of our universal health programme,” Ruto said.
In Nyamira, the President laid the foundation stone for a 580-capacity hostel at the Kenya Medical Training College, alongside plans to construct 20 classrooms and five laboratories to expand training capacity.
He said the government will also build hostels to accommodate 3,000 students in the county at a cost of Sh1.3 billion under the Affordable Housing Programme.
Ruto further announced the establishment of Nyamira University College, committing Sh500 million for its construction and an additional Sh300 million for student hostels. The project will include lecture halls, an administration block, laboratories, a library and a medical centre in North Mugirango.
“The construction of Nyamira University College will expand access to higher learning in the county and the wider region,” he said.
In Kisii, the President said the government has set aside Sh2.5 billion to construct 22 modern markets aimed at boosting small-scale trade and reducing post-harvest losses.
“This investment will provide traders with decent, well-equipped spaces to do business, reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening local enterprise,” he said.
Among the projects launched is the Kegogi Modern Market in Kitutu Chache South Constituency, which will accommodate more than 300 traders.
The President also flagged off key road projects, including the Bobaracho–Ting’a road and an access road to Gianchore Tea Factory in Kitutu Chache North, saying the projects will improve the transport of farm produce and ease movement.
“Our goal is to ease the movement of people and goods, foster trade, support businesses and improve service delivery,” he said.
In Nyamira, Ruto commissioned the Nyamira Water Supply Project and launched a last-mile connectivity programme expected to link more than 15,000 households to clean water across Kebirigo, Nyaramba and Miruka.
The 40-kilometre pipeline will also serve surrounding areas, including the home of local resident Joshua Machogu Twara, who hosted the President during the visit.
Ruto also inspected the Nyamira Comprehensive School tuition block, saying the expansion will enable the institution to admit more students.
The tour, which covers multiple constituencies across the Gusii region, combines development inspections with political outreach, as the President engages local leaders and residents in a region seen as increasingly pivotal ahead of the 2027 General Election.
