Ruto Pledges Major Funding For Nyamira University, SGR Station And Infrastructure Projects
Politics Updated: 13 April 2026 20:24 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki today laid the foundation stone for Kegogi Modern Market, Kitutu Chache South Constituency, Kisii County.
President William Ruto has pledged increased government funding for education, infrastructure, and social development projects in Nyamira County, during a public address where he outlined a series of new and ongoing investments in the region.
The President said the government had agreed with residents on the need to establish a university in Nyamira, noting that the project is now being scaled up after an on-site assessment.
“Now listen, I have come and I have looked at this university of yours. Before, I had given 200 million, but today, because I have seen it for myself, I am adding to it so that it becomes 500 million, firstly to build this university of yours,” he said.
Ruto added that additional funds would be allocated to support student accommodation at the institution.
“I am also going to look for another 300 million so that I can build hostels for your children at the university here. So, the total comes to 800 million to start this university of yours for the people of Nyamira County,” he said.
The President also highlighted contributions from local leaders in supporting education infrastructure, including relocation of a school to create space for the university project.
“This gentleman, I have come a long way with him… He relocated the school here and he put in 25 million,” he noted.
Ruto further announced additional support for the school, saying government funding would complement local contributions.
“I am adding to this school of yours, I am adding 20 million, so that this school of yours is ready for your children to study,” he said.
The Head of State also dismissed criticism over development plans in the region, accusing opponents of spreading misinformation.
“There are people full of propaganda who say there is no such plan. Those people have no ideas, they have no policies, their only work is petty politics,” he said.
He specifically addressed claims surrounding the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension and a planned station in Nyamira.
“They told you the university is not being built, and… another propaganda is that while we are building the SGR, they have told the people of Nyamira that there will be no station here in Ikonge,” he said.
Ruto insisted that the SGR expansion remains a government priority under his administration.
“The one building the SGR is me, is that not true?” he said, adding that the railway would be extended beyond its current terminus.
He outlined a broader vision for the railway network across western Kenya and beyond.
“If the SGR had stalled in Naivasha… I would take the SGR from Naivasha to pass through here in Nyamira, go to Kisumu, go to Malaba, and all the way until it reaches Kasese… in the DRC,” he said.
On infrastructure development, the President announced the construction of a major SGR station in Ikonge, Nyamira County.
“I want to tell you… I am building you a large station for 300 million to load passengers and load cargo,” he said.
Ruto also detailed road projects he said were being implemented following local requests, including the Chabera–Nyamusi–Kioge–Nyamaya corridor.
“You sent him to tell me you want a road from Chabera going to Nyamusi… I have announced the tender and I will return here next month to launch that road,” he said.
Another road linking Tombe, Isinta, and Etago was also mentioned for upgrading under the government’s development programme.
“You want a road from Tombe going to Isinta… that road should also have bitumen. I have announced the tender,” he said.
The President further stated that stalled road projects in the county had been revived and were now under construction, including sections in Amabuko and Manga.
“Now, that road, I have brought a contractor and it is ongoing; before the end of this year, I will have finished that road,” he said.
He also highlighted progress on the Borabu road project, saying it had reached 58 per cent completion and would be finalized within the year.
“Now I want to tell you it has reached 58%. And before the end of this year, that 61 km road, I will have finished it,” he said.
Ruto announced plans to launch additional road works linking Kemera and Kiende, saying development planning would prioritize Nyamira.
“Tomorrow I am going to start another road from Keumbu coming to Kiende… because I said when we are planning matters, this Nyamira must be at the center of those plans,” he said.
On sports infrastructure, the President confirmed funding for a modern stadium in Nyamira County as part of a broader national sports development agenda.
“I am committing 950 million to build a stadium for the people of Nyamira. And I want that stadium to be finished by February next year,” he said.
He added that similar projects would be developed across the region in coordination with county leadership.
The President also referenced ongoing hospital upgrades in Nyamira, saying the facility required urgent improvement after assessment.
“I came here last year and I told you I have planned the economy… I saw that this hospital is in a bad state, and I said this hospital must be upgraded,” he said.
Ruto concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to prioritising Nyamira and the wider Gusii region in national development planning.
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