Lusaka secures billions for Bungoma as Ruto tours county

Bungoma County is set for a major development boost following the launch of projects worth billions of shillings by President William Ruto, who has been on a three-day development tour of the county starting in Cheptais, Mt. Elgon.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the KSh185 million Cheptais County Strategic Market, the President outlined a raft of transformative investments aimed at spurring economic growth and improving livelihoods.

The modern three-storey market will feature a cold room, storage facilities, an ICT hub, lactation rooms, a children’s playground, a social hall, over 500 stalls, banking spaces, and a solar-powered borehole.

“The government is committed to empowering traders and small-scale entrepreneurs through modern, well-equipped markets that enhance business operations and incomes,” said President Ruto, while announcing the construction of five additional modern markets , bringing the total to 20 across Bungoma County.

In the energy sector, the President launched a KSh2.4 billion rural electrification programme targeting over 26,000 households across Mt. Elgon and the larger Bungoma region. The initiative is expected to support a 24-hour economy and provide reliable electricity to homes and businesses.

On infrastructure, President Ruto confirmed that funds have been allocated for the upgrading and tarmacking of key roads, including the Maeni–Kimilili–Kapsokwony and Masaek–Kaboriot routes, aimed at enhancing connectivity within Mt. Elgon and neighbouring areas. He noted that contractors will soon move to site.

Additionally, the President announced the rollout of an affordable housing project in Mt. Elgon, projected to create employment opportunities for local youth while addressing housing needs.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka welcomed the development agenda, describing it as transformative for the county’s socio-economic progress.

“We appreciate the President’s continued support through impactful development projects that are uplifting the lives of our people,” said Lusaka.

“We will continue to mobilise support to ensure the successful implementation of these programmes.”

The governor further expressed confidence in the President’s leadership, urging residents to support his development-oriented agenda, noting that ongoing projects across the country are a testament to the administration’s commitment to national transformation.