The Chairman of the Broad-Based Youth Council, Beavon Magare, has welcomed President William Ruto ahead of his four-day tour of the Gusii region, scheduled to begin on November 8 and run until November 11.

President Ruto is expected to launch and commission various development projects during the visit, as well as drum up support for his re-election bid.

Speaking to journalists in Kisii town, Magare said the Omogusii community had not benefited significantly from previous administrations but maintained that the region had witnessed increased development under President Ruto’s administration.

He called on elected leaders from the region to support the Head of State, saying cooperation with the national government would enable the community to benefit from more development initiatives.

On agriculture, Magare called for reforms in the tea sector to improve farmers’ earnings, citing concerns over the low bonus payments recorded this season.

He also urged the government to fast-track the development of Suneka Airstrip, saying its completion would ease the transportation of people and goods, while boosting economic activities and opening up the region to investment.

On matters of political tolerance, Magare called on leaders and young people to shun political goonism and embrace peaceful political engagement ahead of the President’s visit.

He further challenged young people to actively participate in leadership by seeking elective positions rather than merely criticising the current crop of leaders.