Western Kenya safe with Ruto until 2032, Governor Lusaka says

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has declared that the Western Kenya region will remain firmly behind President William Ruto until 2032, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration has laid a solid foundation for economic transformation through major investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare and youth empowerment.

Speaking during a meeting with church leaders in Bungoma County, the President Ruto’s Western Kenya Re-election Coordinator said the national government’s development record over the last three years had convinced many residents that President Ruto deserves a second term to complete the implementation of his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

“In just three years, Kenyans are beginning to witness real transformation under President William Ruto’s administration. Those who focus only on what has not been done are ignoring the remarkable progress already taking shape across the country,” Lusaka said.

The governor cited ongoing multi-billion-shilling infrastructure projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to transforming the country’s economy and improving regional connectivity.

He singled out the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba Highway, describing it as one of the most significant road projects in Kenya’s recent history.

“The dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba Highway is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the country’s history. With multiple contractors already on site, the project will greatly improve transport and unlock economic opportunities for Western Kenya,” he said.

Lusaka also welcomed the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway beyond Naivasha towards Western Kenya, saying the project would accelerate trade, lower transport costs and position the region as a major economic corridor.

“The extension of the Standard Gauge Railway beyond Naivasha and through Miyanga to Malaba border demonstrates the President’s commitment to connecting Western Kenya to the national transport network and accelerating regional development,” he added.

The governor praised the government’s agricultural reforms, particularly the fertilizer subsidy programme, saying it had significantly reduced production costs and restored hope among farmers.

“President Ruto has restored hope to our farmers by reducing the price of subsidised fertilizer from Sh7,500 beyond the reach of ordinary farmers to an affordable Sh2,500,” Lusaka said.

He noted that expanded irrigation programmes, improved access to quality farm inputs and continued support for agricultural value chains were helping revive the country’s agricultural sector while enhancing food security.

Lusaka further commended the government’s investment in education, saying the recruitment of more than 76,000 teachers since 2022 and the construction of over 23,000 classrooms had strengthened the implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum and improved learning conditions across the country.

In the health sector, the governor defended reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying they were intended to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare while strengthening public hospitals through improved financing, better equipment and expanded medical services.

He also pointed to ongoing investments in sports infrastructure, including the construction of the 60,000-seat Talanta Sports City Stadium (also known as the Raila Odinga International Stadium), rehabilitation of Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums and upgrades of regional sports facilities ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host.

Lusaka further applauded the redevelopment of Bomas of Kenya into the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC), saying the project would elevate Kenya’s status as a regional hub for conferences, cultural tourism and international events while creating employment opportunities for thousands of young people.

On housing, the governor defended the Affordable Housing Programme, saying it was improving living standards while generating jobs across the country.

“Affordable Housing is not just about constructing houses; it is about replacing informal settlements with decent homes and giving thousands of Kenyans an opportunity to own property,” he said.

The Bungoma governor also welcomed reforms in the sugar sector, saying the government’s decision to attract private investment into state-owned factories would ensure prompt payments to farmers and revive the industry.

“The revival of the sugar sector through private investment is intended to ensure that farmers receive prompt payments while factory workers regain stable livelihoods,” he said.

Lusaka acknowledged that the Kenya Kwanza administration inherited a difficult economic environment but maintained that reforms introduced over the last three years were beginning to yield positive results.

“When President Ruto assumed office, he inherited a difficult economic situation, but the painful reforms undertaken are beginning to bear fruit as the economy steadily recovers,” he said.

He added that the administration’s achievements had strengthened public confidence in President Ruto’s leadership.

“Most of the promises President Ruto made to the people are already being fulfilled, particularly the road projects that are transforming our region,” Lusaka said.

Calling for political unity across the Western region, the governor urged residents to rally behind the government’s development agenda and support President Ruto’s bid for a second term.

“President Ruto has demonstrated that he can deliver results within one term. Given another opportunity, he will complete the transformation agenda he has started for the benefit of all Kenyans. Western is safe with President William Ruto until 2032,” Lusaka said.

His remarks come as political leaders across the country intensify early campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the Kenya Kwanza administration continuing to defend its development record while seeking renewed public support.