By Erick Otieno
William Ruto on tuesday capped a four day working tour of the Nyanza region with the launch and inspection of key development projects in Migori County, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to economic transformation and infrastructure development.
In Nyatike Constituency, the President officially launched the KSh1.2 billion, 748-unit Sori Affordable Housing Project, a flagship initiative expected to create over 10,000 direct and indirect job opportunities while addressing housing needs in the area.
“This project is not just about putting up houses, but about creating jobs, empowering our youth and transforming livelihoods in Nyatike and across the country,” said President Ruto.
He was accompanied by Migori County Governor Ochilo Ayacko, Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury John Mbadi and Cabinet Secretary for Energy Opiyo Wandayi, alongside several Members of Parliament from Migori County and the wider Nyanza region.
The Head of State also announced a KSh200 million investment for the construction of a modern market in Sori town to boost trade and improve working conditions for small-scale traders.
“We are committed to building modern markets that will provide a conducive environment for traders and stimulate economic growth at the grassroots,” he said.
To support agriculture, President Ruto revealed that a private investor has been secured to establish a rice mill in Nyatike, aimed at adding value to local produce and increasing farmers’ earnings.
“Our farmers must benefit more from their produce. This rice mill will ensure value addition and better returns,” he noted.
Fishing communities along Lake Victoria are also set to benefit from planned construction of a pier and modern fish landing sites in Sori and surrounding areas to revitalise the blue economy.
In a separate engagement in Suna West Constituency, the President inspected the ongoing expansion and modernisation of Lichota Airstrip, a KSh280 million project aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.
The upgraded airstrip is expected to strengthen transport links within the region, including connections to neighbouring Tanzania, and boost tourism to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
“We are investing in strategic infrastructure such as airstrips to open up our regions for trade, tourism and cross-border opportunities,” President Ruto said.
The visit marked the conclusion of the President’s four-day tour of Nyanza counties of Migori County, Homa Bay County, Kisumu County and Siaya County, during which he launched and inspected various development projects.
President Ruto thanked residents of the region for their support of the broad-based government, reiterating his administration’s resolve to deliver on its development promises.
“We thank the people of Nyanza for their warm reception and continued support. Our focus remains on delivering tangible development that improves lives across the country,” he said.
