President William Ruto will begin a three-day development tour of Kisii County on November 9, 2026, during which he is expected to commission roads, support school infrastructure and launch industrial projects.
Speaking in South Mugirango, area MP and National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro said the visit is developmental rather than political and will touch every corner of the Gusii region.
Among the roads the President is expected to open in South Mugirango are Nyakeyo-Ekona y'Onduko-Nyamasege-Etago-Omogenda-Nyamaiya, alongside the Etago Modern Open Air Market. Mr Osoro said other projects lined up include the tarmacking of feeder roads that have stalled for years, last-mile electricity connectivity and support for schools that have waited for government intervention for over a decade.
School bus pledge pending since 2013
The MP singled out a pledge of a school bus for St Linus Etago Girls Secondary School, pending since 2013. The school, one of the best-performing girls' schools in South Mugirango, has been using hired vehicles for academic trips and games, a burden to parents. Mr Osoro said he has personally reminded the President of the pledge and expressed confidence that it will be delivered this time.
Residents of neighbouring Bomachoge Borabu Constituency responded sharply, saying their area has been sidelined despite voting overwhelmingly for the Kenya Kwanza government. They argued that while South Mugirango continues to receive roads, markets and school buses, Bomachoge Borabu is left with stalled projects and impassable roads.
"We have waited for the bus at St Mary's Nyabiore Girls Secondary School for 13 years. May the President do something please when he comes. We know he loves education and our children. Political differences put aside," one resident said.
The constituency has complained that it was left out of the presidential itinerary and asked Governor Simba Arati to formally request the President to tour the area.
Albert Ombiro appealed to the President to extend his tour to Bomachoge Borabu, where residents are awaiting the operationalisation of the Tongeti Industrial Park. He said the Tongeti Aggregation and Industrial Park would provide a ready market for bananas, avocados and soapstone products and create thousands of jobs for youth in Kisii and Nyamira counties. He said wrangles over land ownership had delayed the project, and urged residents to avoid disputes over land and compensation.
"This land belongs to the people. Let us not fight over it and chase away development. If we fight, the park will go elsewhere," he warned.
Mr Ombiro also raised concern over a stalled hall at Kenyenya Secondary School, incomplete for 13 years since 2013 for lack of funds. He said the hall would serve as a key academic and social facility for the sub-county. He also criticised Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo, accusing him of playing opposition politics at the expense of development, and urged him to work with the government and use the visit to lobby for projects.
"When the President comes, we must speak with one voice. We cannot be insulting the government in the morning and begging for development in the evening. Let us support the government of the day for the sake of our people," Mr Ombiro said.
Leaders across Kisii County have called on residents to turn up in large numbers to welcome the President and to maintain peace and unity during the tour. They said the region has lagged behind in development because of divisive politics and that the way to catch up is to embrace unity and support the Kenya Kwanza administration's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
President Ruto is expected to be accompanied by several Cabinet Secretaries, Governors and Members of Parliament.
Reader Discussion (0)
Sign in to comment