President William Ruto’s four-day tour of Kisii County has drawn praise from residents after he pledged millions towards education and infrastructure projects across the region.
In Bobasi Constituency, former MP Stephen Manoti lauded the President for allocating Sh140 million for new classrooms and laboratories aimed at expanding medical courses.
“This generous support of learning institutions is the best long-term approach of revving our economy by investing in education,” Manoti said.
Equipping learning institutions plays a direct role in regional and national development. Modern classrooms, laboratories, and hostels produce graduates with practical skills in healthcare, engineering, and ICT, creating a skilled workforce that feeds local industries and public service. Better infrastructure such as dormitories, water storage tanks, and renovated tuition blocks also keeps learners in school longer, improving retention rates and giving girls equal opportunity to complete their studies.
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Beyond the classroom, upgraded colleges and schools act as economic anchors for surrounding communities. Construction alone creates short-term jobs, while teaching, catering, security, and maintenance generate long-term employment. When rural institutions like Bombaba Primary, St Linus Etago Girls, and Nduru Primary receive the same quality facilities as urban schools, the development gap narrows and learners from all backgrounds compete on equal footing. Paired with new roads and modern markets, these institutions make areas more attractive for private investment and lift household livelihoods.
In Bomachoge Borabu, Ruto pledged another Sh140 million for hostels at Gesabakwa Technical Training Institute. The move drew mixed reactions, with some residents arguing Kenyenya Polytechnic should have been prioritized to boost intake instead of “duplicating services.”
The President blamed the funding overlap on poor ground information and accused area MP Obadiah Barongo of “abandoning his electorate to join opposition groups.”
While laying a foundation stone for a modern market at Mogonga town, Ruto made a direct appeal to Albert Ombiro: “Mwambie arudi Kenya tufanye kazi” – “Let him come to Kenya so we work together.” Ombiro, a former Principal of Cardinal Otunga Mosocho High School and current Education Attaché in China, is said to be eyeing the Bomachoge Borabu MP seat in 2027.
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Other beneficiaries include Bombaba Primary School which received Sh5 million, while St Linus Etago Girls and Nduru Primary School in South Mugirango got Sh20 million and Sh3 million respectively.
Nduru Primary head teacher Charles Abuga said the funds will go into water storage tanks and renovating the tuition block. Neighbouring Nduru Girls Principal Alice Kunde said her school also needs support: “Our school needs more funds to expand classrooms and dormitories to accommodate the growing student population.”
Ruto wrapped up his tour by launching the construction of Etago–Ekona–Mogonga and Michengo–Maroo roads, and upgrades to Mogonga–Kenyenya–Riokindo–Magenche road, plus Kiong’endo and Kenyenya bridges.
He urged residents to shun divisive politics and join the broad-based government to fast-track development.
By Enock Oking’o
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