Ruto Champions Broad-Based Government During Development Tour Of Kisii And Nyamira

President William Ruto has reaffirmed the commitment of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to work together under the “Broad-Based Government” to accelerate national transformation.

Speaking on Monday during the second day of his four-day development tour in Kisii and Nyamira counties, the President described the political partnership as the primary engine for unity and development.

Infrastructure: SGR Extension and the Ikonge Station

Addressing concerns from Nyamira residents, President Ruto dismissed rumors that the county had been sidelined in the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha to Kisumu. He announced a significant investment to ensure the region remains a logistics hub:

• New Hub: A KSh 300 million SGR station will be constructed at Ikonge.

• Economic Impact: The facility is designed to streamline the transport of regional produce, including tea, bananas, and macadamia, to both domestic and international markets.

• Regional Connectivity: The extension through Nyamira, Kisumu, and Malaba is expected to stimulate trade across East Africa.

Education: Nyamira University College Takes Shape

The President laid the foundation stone for the Nyamira University College, an initiative he noted was previously met with skepticism. To ensure its completion, the government has ramped up funding:

• Funding Boost: An initial KSh 200 million allocation has been bolstered by an additional KSh 300 million.

• Housing: A further KSh 300 million has been set aside for the construction of student hostels.

• Community Support: The President thanked North Mugirango MP Joshua Nyamoko for relocating a secondary school to create space for the campus, pledging KSh 20 million to help re-establish the school.

Health and Sports Developments

The President outlined several large-scale projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the region:

• Healthcare: Negotiations are underway with the county government to build a new KSh 1 billion hospital.

• Sports: A total of KSh 950 million has been allocated for a new stadium in Nyamira, with Governor Amos Nyaribo tasked with identifying suitable land for the project.

A Swipe at the Opposition

President Ruto took a firm stance against critics, accusing opposition leaders of relying on propaganda and hatred rather than a clear agenda.

“We cannot allow a few people to destroy our country. Our destiny will be determined by 60 million of us and not two or three people,” the President stated.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed these sentiments, warning that “characters” seeking to incite chaos and violence would not be tolerated. He emphasized that the President’s tour is strictly about “development, not politics,” focusing on unlocking stalled roads, markets, and schools.

Local Leadership Support

The “Broad-Based” arrangement received strong backing from local governors:

• Kisii Governor Simba Arati (ODM): Defended his decision to work with UDA, stating that the engagement has led to rapid national development and better service delivery for Kisii residents.

• Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo: Expressed his gratitude for the university, hospital, and road projects, stating that the President’s record in the region speaks for itself.

The tour also saw the launch of the Bobaracho-Ting’a road and access roads to the Gianchore Tea Factory, a move expected to significantly reduce transport costs and difficulties for local tea farmers.