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By Rodegrs Omondi
Busia, Kenya: President William Ruto has initiated a major development push in Busia County, marked by the launch of several key projects on the second day of his regional tour. These initiatives are designed to significantly upgrade infrastructure, sports, health, housing, and education in the area.
A cornerstone of this tour was the groundbreaking for a modern 10,000-seater stadium at the ATC, a KSh900 million project slated for completion by December. During the ceremony, the President emphasized that this new facility would be crucial for fostering sports talent and empowering the youth.
“We are committed to nurturing youth talent and advancing sports development across Kenya. This county has produced great athletes, and we are determined to identify, develop, and elevate the potential of our young people,” said the President.
In a move aimed at improving connectivity and trade, president Ruto also launched the construction of the 15-kilometre Matayos–Nangina and Nangina–Sio Port–Mumbaka roads at a cost of KSh773 million. The roads are expected to ease transport, enhance access to markets, and open up economic opportunities within the county and neighbouring regions.
The President further inspected the progress of the Nangina Affordable Housing Project in Funyula , assuring residents that the government has resolved legal hurdles that had delayed the project. He confirmed that the housing units are now expected to be completed within the next six months.
“This is part of our broader plan to transform the country through affordable housing and improved living standards,” he noted.
In the effort to improve health in the county, the President revealed that the national government will allocate KSh400 million to expand the Busia County Referral Hospital in collaboration with Governor Paul Otuoma’s administration.
“The funds will also help address the persistent shortage of essential drugs in public health facilities.We want our people to access quality and reliable healthcare services. Strengthening our hospitals is a key priority,” he said.
Ruto also announced that Busia will benefit from the newly established Infrastructure Development Fund, which will support the expansion of the Busia–Kisumu road into a dual carriageway. The project is expected to improve road safety and boost regional trade once completed.
In addition, he indicated that the government has set aside KSh1.4 billion to connect at least 15,000 households to electricity, a move aimed at enhancing rural electrification and improving livelihoods.
In the education sector, the President visited Kocholia in Teso North Subcounty, where he laid the foundation stone for a 340-bed capacity hostel and social centre at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) – Teso Campus.
“This project is going to cost KSh133.4 million and is expected to be completed within one year and will significantly improve student accommodation and welfare. The government is investing KSh2.5 billion in the construction of modern hostels across the county to support up to 6,500 students, ensuring access to affordable and quality training facilities.
To support small-scale traders and boost local commerce, the President officially opened the Amagoro ESP Market, constructed at a cost of KSh70 million. The modern market is designed to provide a safe, organized, and dignified working environment for traders, enabling them to grow their businesses and improve their incomes.
“This is a true reflection of the government’s broader development agenda aimed at transforming livelihoods, creating opportunities for the youth, and strengthening key sectors of the economy in Busia County.”
