President William Ruto has launched a comprehensive series of development projects across the Gusii region, driving initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, expanding access to essential services, and improving the quality of life for residents of Kisii and Nyamira counties.
Highlighting the Government’s broad commitment to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the President’s ongoing tour features major investments ranging from the upgrade of Gusii Stadium to the construction of Nyamira University and the commissioning of the Kegogi ESP market.
Launched on Sunday, April 12, the KSh1 billion upgrade of Gusii Stadium will transform the facility into a 14,000-seater venue complete with a FIFA-standard pitch, a VIP pavilion, and covered terraces.
Beyond sports development, the construction phase is expected to generate hundreds of local jobs across the masonry, carpentry, plumbing, and material supply sectors.
“We are committed to transforming the region through programmes and projects that address key challenges, uplift lives, expand opportunities, and drive sustainable development for all,” President Ruto stated.
The tour encompasses a robust itinerary of foundation stone layings and project groundbreakings. In Kisii, the President is scheduled to lay foundation stones for the Mogonga ESP Market, Nyamache KMTC, Kisii University hostels, and Keroka TTI. He will also inspect Masimba Market and the ongoing construction of the Kisii Cancer Centre, launch last-mile electricity connectivity in Ibeno, and break ground for the Keumbu-Ibeno Road.
In Nyamira, the agenda includes laying foundation stones for the Ikonge ESP Market and KMTC Nyamira, inspecting a new tuition block at Nyamira University, breaking ground for the Nyamira last-mile water supply project and the Bobaracho-Manyasi-Tinga Road, and commissioning the Kegogi ESP Markets.
These region-wide projects are securely anchored in the five pillars of the BETA framework: Agriculture and Food Security, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Affordable Housing, Healthcare, and the Digital and Creative Economy.
To enhance agriculture and food security, the government is supporting farmers with essential inputs, financing, and small dam irrigation projects. Notably, the flagship Fertiliser Subsidy Programme—delivered via an e-voucher system—has reduced the cost of a bag of fertilizer from KSh7,000 to KSh2,500. With 24 million bags disbursed to registered farmers nationwide, annual maize production is projected to surge from 40 million to over 60 million bags.
Under the healthcare pillar, Taifa Care anchors the transition to Universal Health Coverage. Primary healthcare services are now fully government-funded, with facilities paid based on the actual number of patients served. Over 30 million Kenyans are already registered with the Social Health Authority, gaining expanded access to affordable care. Through the Enhanced Comprehensive Essential Benefits package, cancer care coverage has doubled from KSh400,000 to KSh800,000, dialysis coverage has increased from KSh6,000 to KSh10,000 per session, and ICU limits have risen from KSh4,000 to KSh28,000 per day.
The Affordable Housing and Markets Programme simultaneously addresses the constitutional right to shelter and stimulates economic growth. Offering social housing units from as little as KSh3,800 per month, the initiative is making homeownership a reality for low-income earners, including Mama Mbogas and boda boda riders. To date, the pillar has created over 300,000 jobs across more than 70 active construction sites.
Furthermore, the MSME sector continues to receive a vital boost through accessible, collateral-free financing. The Hustler Fund has disbursed over Sh82 billion to more than 26 million Kenyans, while the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project is injecting Sh50,000 in seed capital to 70 youth in each of the country’s 1,450 wards.
The President was accompanied by Kisii Governor Simba Arati; Cabinet Secretaries Salim Mvurya (Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports), and Migosi Ogamba (Education). Also in attendance were Principal Secretaries Stephen Isaboke (Broadcasting and Telecommunications), Patrick Mariru (Defence), Raymond Omollo (Interior) and Elijah Mwangi (Sports).
The parliamentary delegation was led by Majority Whip Sylvannus Osoro, alongside host MP Zaheer Jhanda, MPs Alpha Miruka and Japheth Nyakundi, and Women Representatives Dorice Donya Aburi (Kisii) and Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira).
