President William Ruto on Thursday revealed plans to relocate the Kisii Town prison to pave way for a massive affordable housing project, saying the move would unlock prime land for development and modernise the town’s skyline.

Speaking during a rally in Kisii, the Head of State questioned the placement of the correctional facility in the heart of the town.

“I ask you, what are prisoners doing in the middle of the town?” Ruto posed to the crowd, before announcing a new vision for the site.

According to the President, the land currently occupied by the prison will be transformed into a large housing estate. “We have talked with the governor.

The location where the prison is, we will construct there 10,000 affordable housing,” he said, adding that the facility would be moved to a different location. “We will transfer the prison to somewhere else.”

Ruto framed the announcement as part of a wider development push across Kisii County, outlining ongoing and planned investments in markets, roads and sports infrastructure.

He disclosed that funds had already been set aside to upgrade several trading centres. “There’s this Ogembo market, Onchari and other 16 markets here in Kisii. We have set aside KSh 16 million to build them,” he stated.

The President also highlighted continued progress on housing projects in Ogembo and Nyaribari, linking them to his administration’s affordable housing agenda.

In addition, he announced significant allocations for transport infrastructure, saying, “I have given out 7 billion shillings for road constructions in Kisii.”

On sports development, Ruto promised to extend stadium projects beyond the county capital. “Once I’m done with Talent Stadium, I will come to construct a stadium here, a modernized stadium,” he said.

The proposed prison relocation and housing project has sparked discussion among residents, with supporters welcoming the promise of new homes and urban renewal, while others await further details on timelines and the new site for the correctional facility.