By Josiah Kariuki
Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke was among key leaders who accompanied President William Ruto on his second of a development tour in the Gusii region.
Ruto commissioned and inspected infrastructure and public service projects aligned to the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) in both Kisii and Nyamira Counties.
In Kisii County, the President presided over the groundbreaking of the Bobaracho–Manyasi–Tinga Road, including an access road to Gianchore Tea Factory in Kitutu Chache North.
The project is expected to improve transport for farmers and traders, enhance market access and reduce post-harvest losses in the tea value chain.
Ruto also commissioned the Kegogi ESP Market and inspected the ongoing construction of the Nyakoe ESP Market.
Additional projects launched or initiated in Kisii include the Mogonga ESP Market, Kisii University hostels and Keroka Technical Training Institute.
The tour also featured the rollout of last-mile electricity connectivity in Ibeno and the groundbreaking of the Keumbu–Ibeno Road, aimed at improving rural access to power and transport infrastructure.
In Nyamira County, the President laid foundation stones for Ikonge ESP Market and KMTC Nyamira, and inspected a tuition block at Nyamira University.
He also presided over the groundbreaking of the Nyamira last-mile water supply project.
Officials said the projects are intended to boost agricultural productivity, support small-scale traders, expand access to education and healthcare, and improve infrastructure connectivity across the region.
The President was also accompanied by Kisii Governor Simba Arati, his Nyamira counterpart Amos Nyaribo, Cabinet Secretaries Salim Mvurya and Migos Ogamba, as well as Principal Secretaries Patrick Mariru, Raymond Omollo and Elijah Mwangi.
The parliamentary delegation was led by Majority Whip Sylvannus Osoro.
The government said the initiatives form part of broader efforts to drive economic growth through investments in agriculture, micro and small enterprises, healthcare, housing and infrastructure.
