President William Ruto has unveiled development projects worth billions of shillings in Bungoma County during his ongoing three-day Ruto Bungoma Tour, which began in Cheptais, Mt. Elgon, on March 19.
The tour, officials said, is aimed at accelerating economic growth and improving livelihoods through investments in markets, energy, infrastructure and housing across the county.
Ruto Bungoma Tour Launches Market Projects
During the Ruto Bungoma Tour, the President presided over the groundbreaking of the KSh185 million Cheptais County Strategic Market. The project is expected to modernise trade and support small-scale businesses in the region.
The three-storey facility will include a cold room, storage spaces, an ICT hub, lactation rooms, a children’s playground and a social hall. In addition, it will host more than 500 stalls, banking spaces and a solar-powered borehole.
President Ruto said the government is prioritising modern market infrastructure to support traders and boost incomes. He also announced plans to construct five more modern markets, bringing the total number to 20 across Bungoma County.
Electrification and Infrastructure Plans
The Ruto Bungoma Tour also focused on expanding access to electricity. The President launched a KSh2.4 billion rural electrification programme targeting more than 26,000 households in Mt. Elgon and surrounding areas.
Officials said the initiative is designed to support a 24-hour economy by ensuring reliable power for homes and businesses.
Meanwhile, the President confirmed that funding has been allocated for upgrading key roads, including the Maeni–Kimilili–Kapsokwony and Masaek–Kaboriot routes. According to the government, contractors are expected to move to site soon to begin construction.
Housing and Employment Initiatives
In addition, the Ruto Bungoma Tour included the announcement of an affordable housing project in Mt. Elgon. The programme is expected to create employment opportunities for local youth while addressing housing demand in the area.
Government officials indicated that the housing project forms part of a broader national plan to increase access to affordable homes and stimulate local economies.
County Leadership Welcomes Projects
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka welcomed the development initiatives, describing them as significant for the county’s socio-economic progress.
“We appreciate the President’s continued support through impactful development projects that are uplifting the lives of our people,” Lusaka said.
He added that the county government will support implementation efforts to ensure the projects deliver the intended benefits.
Outlook for Bungoma Development
The Ruto Bungoma Tour highlights ongoing government efforts to expand infrastructure and economic opportunities in counties outside major urban centres.
As implementation begins, attention is expected to shift to project timelines, contractor performance and the delivery of promised benefits to residents.
The coming months will determine how quickly the projects move from announcement to completion and their overall impact on Bungoma’s economic growth.
