Ruto injects Bungoma with development in strategic infrastructure projects

President William Ruto on Friday unveiled a package of infrastructure and economic projects in Bungoma County, with local leaders describing the visit as a major boost to trade, transport and agriculture in the Western region.

During his visit for the 98th Kenya National Music Festival State Concert at the Bungoma State Lodge, the President commissioned the tarmacking of the 41km Bukembe–Nzoia market- Mutomolo road and access roads unveiled the construction of the Sh100 million Bukembe Modern Market.

The road project is expected to improve connectivity between Bukembe, Mutomolo and Nzoia, ease movement of goods and people, and open up new opportunities for farmers, traders and investors.

Speaking at Bukembe and Nzoia, President Ruto said the projects were part of the government’s plan to accelerate development and strengthen local economies.

“These investments will improve connectivity, support businesses and create more opportunities for our people,” the President said.

The Head of State also issued a stern warning to contractors handling national projects, directing them to fast-track implementation and ensure timely completion of all ongoing works.

“I will not tolerate lazy contractors who delay projects and deny wananchi the services they deserve. Every project must be completed on time,” President Ruto warned.

He said the government was closely monitoring progress on infrastructure projects across the country and would take action against contractors who derail delivery timelines.

The President added that his administration was determined to ensure that all projects initiated under the Kenya Kwanza government are completed as scheduled, saying timely delivery was critical to sustaining public confidence and accelerating economic transformation.

In a major aviation announcement, the Head of State disclosed that a contractor had already been deployed to Matulo Airstrip in Webuye to begin construction of a passenger terminal aimed at facilitating commercial air transport.

The facility is expected to reduce the burden on residents who have been travelling long distances to access air services and position Bungoma as an emerging business and investment hub.
President Ruto also announced bonuses for Nzoia sugarcane farmers, saying the revival of the sugar sector had restored confidence among farmers and workers.

“We have revived the sugar industry in Western Kenya. Farmers and workers are now receiving their dues,” he said.

Earlier, the President made a stopover at Nzoia Sugar Company, where he interacted with workers and addressed them on the government’s efforts to stabilize the sugar sector.

He assured both workers and farmers that the government was working around the clock to ensure all pending dues are paid.

“We are committed to ensuring that every farmer and every worker receives what is owed to them. The government is working day and night to clear the outstanding payments and restore the factory to full stability,” President Ruto told the workers.

The assurance was received with optimism by employees and farmers, many of whom have faced prolonged delays in payments.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka welcomed the projects, describing them as transformative investments that would have a direct impact on livelihoods and economic growth.

“The Bukembe–Mutomolo–Nzoia road and the modern market will transform Bungoma by expanding trade, creating jobs and improving the movement of people and goods,” Lusaka said.

The governor further commended the President for ongoing regional infrastructure programmes, including the Rironi–Mau Summit–Malaba dual carriageway and the Standard Gauge Railway extension to Malaba through Myanga in Bumula, Bungoma.

“These projects are a game-changer for Bungoma and the entire Western region because they will enhance connectivity, attract investment and unlock long-term economic growth,” he added.

Lusaka also praised the revival of Nzoia Sugar Company, saying it had brought relief to thousands of farmers and workers who depend on the sugar economy.

“The revival of Nzoia Sugar has restored hope and income to many families,” he said.

The governor appealed to the President to extend tarmacking along the Bukembe–Sichei road to improve connectivity to the upcoming Sichei Level Six Referral Hospital in Kabuchai.

He said the projects commissioned and announced during the visit reflected a visible development record and urged residents to support continued investment in Bungoma and the Western region.

The President’s emphasis on project completion and visible development is aimed at consolidating support in Bungoma and the wider Western region as he builds momentum for his 2027 re-election bid.

President Ruto’s tour left Bungoma with a combination of road, market, aviation and agricultural interventions that leaders say will accelerate the county’s economic transformation and strengthen its role as a key growth corridor in Western Kenya.