Ruto pushes broad-based unity, unveils multi-billion projects in Kisii, Nyamira
President William Ruto has defended the Broad-Based Government as a key driver of national unity and accelerated development, saying it is anchored on continuous consultations with grassroots and elected leaders across the country.
Speaking at Kisii State Lodge during a meeting with more than 2,000 grassroots leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties, the President said the approach ensures government decisions reflect the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
He noted that the administration is focused on uniting the country around its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda to achieve inclusive growth.
Ruto said the collaboration between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) under the Broad-Based Government framework will continue to drive transformation across the country.
“We will continue uniting the country and preaching peace under the broad-based arrangement,” he said during the second day of his development tour of the region.
At the same time, the President criticised opposition leaders, accusing them of promoting propaganda and threatening instability ahead of the next general election.
He maintained that Kenya’s future would be determined collectively by its citizens, not a few individuals.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed the President’s remarks, warning against attempts to incite chaos and insisting that the country belongs to all Kenyans.
Local leaders also backed the initiative, with Kisii Governor Simba Arati saying the cooperation between UDA and ODM has accelerated development. Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo also praised the national government’s projects in the region.
During the tour, President Ruto announced a series of development initiatives, including the construction of a Sh300 million Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station at Ikonge in Nyamira County. The station is expected to serve as a key transport hub for passengers and agricultural produce.
He also presided over the laying of the foundation stone for the proposed Nyamira University College, where the government has increased funding from Sh200 million to Sh500 million, with an additional Sh300 million allocated for hostels.
In the health sector, the President revealed plans for a Sh1 billion hospital in Nyamira, while a further Sh950 million has been set aside for the construction of a stadium in the county.
Infrastructure development featured prominently in the tour, with the launch of the Bobaracho–Ting’a road and access roads to Gianchore Tea Factory in Kisii County, aimed at easing transport challenges for farmers.
The President also commissioned the construction of the Kegogi Modern Market worth Sh100 million, part of a wider programme to build 22 markets across Kisii County at a cost of Sh2.5 billion to support small-scale traders.
On energy, Ruto said the government will invest Sh300 million to connect an additional 20,000 homes to electricity under the last-mile connectivity programme.
He further highlighted gains made by his administration, including the employment of 100,000 teachers, construction of 23,000 classrooms, and stabilisation of the economy through reduced inflation and increased foreign exchange reserves.
Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to equitable development, assuring residents of Kisii and Nyamira that they remain central to the government’s national development agenda.
