Ruto Launches Major Projects in Western Kenya
Politics Updated: 17 March 2026 17:51 EAT
President William Ruto handing-over of Boma Yangu Milimani Kakamega Estate – Phase I.
President William Samoei Ruto today launched a series of major development initiatives in Western Kenya, underscoring the government’s commitment to local infrastructure, economic growth and community empowerment as part of an ongoing regional development tour.
The head of state arrived in Cheptais, Mt Elgon Sub-County, where he was welcomed by large crowds of residents and local leaders who gathered to witness the launch of transformative projects aimed at improving livelihoods.
In Cheptais, Ruto oversaw the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Cheptais Modern Market, a multi-million-shilling facility expected to provide a modern trading hub and stimulate local commerce.
The President also launched the Last Mile Connectivity Programme in the area, part of a broader government push to extend electricity access to underserved households across rural areas, enhancing business opportunities and quality of life.
During the Cheptais engagements, Ruto reaffirmed the government’s determination to accelerate infrastructural investments, telling residents that tangible development, rather than political distraction, remains the administration’s focus.
Education infrastructure also featured prominently today as the President highlighted recent improvements, including new classrooms funded by development partners aimed at expanding access to quality schooling in the Mt Elgon region.
From Cheptais, the head of state proceeded to Chwele in Kabuchai Constituency, where further flagship public works were flagged off in the presence of county officials and community stakeholders.
In Chwele, Ruto commissioned the KOICA-Chwele–Kibabii Water Project, a significant investment set to provide reliable water access to tens of thousands of residents — a critical boost for health, agriculture and commerce.
He also inspected ongoing works at the Chwele Modern Market, another trade-focused development aimed at empowering traders and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the local population.
The President’s tour, now in its second day, is part of a multi-day Western Kenya development tour designed to launch, inspect and promote projects in energy, water, trade, education and housing across Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, and Bungoma counties.
In his remarks to the cheering crowd in Cheptais, Ruto reiterated that the government’s development agenda is driven by service delivery, not political rhetoric, emphasizing that his administration remains fully engaged in meeting the needs of ordinary Kenyans.
The President, who has been accompanied by senior government officials on the tour, underlined the importance of inclusive economic growth, noting that access to power, water, markets, and quality education are foundational to unlocking regional potential.
Local leaders at both Cheptais and Chwele pledged support for the national development agenda, welcoming the timely investments that are expected to reduce business costs, expand opportunities for youth, and improve social services.
Ruto’s engagements today also drew attention to the broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the government’s flagship policy framework aimed at elevating the economic prospects of historically marginalized regions through targeted investments.
The President is expected to continue his itinerary later in Kakamega County, where he will inspect additional projects and interact with residents as part of efforts to further enhance local infrastructure and economic empowerment.
As the day’s events concluded, supporters and regional officials commended the President for honouring his development pledges with concrete action, reinforcing the narrative that the changes promised to Western Kenya are moving beyond aspiration into delivery.
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FELIX MAKONA
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