President William Ruto has kicked off a five-day development tour of the Luo Nyanza region, combining inspections and commissioning of multi-billion-shilling projects with political engagements as he seeks to strengthen his support base ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The tour will take the President through Kisumu, Siaya, Migori and Homa Bay counties, where he is expected to assess ongoing government projects and engage residents and elected leaders.
The visit comes at a politically significant time, with the administration seeking to deepen its presence in a region that has traditionally been an opposition stronghold. Ruto’s engagements are also expected to attract attention as political discussions and potential coalition arrangements ahead of 2027 gather pace.
Ruto Starts Tour in Kisumu
Ruto began the tour in Kisumu on Sunday, where he is scheduled to inspect and commission several major infrastructure, water, security and aviation projects.
Among the projects on his itinerary is the Sh16.7 billion, 63-kilometre Mamboleo Junction-Miwani-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet Highway, most sections of which have already been tarmacked.
The President will also inspect the Sh1.1 billion Rabuor-Chiga Road in Nyando Constituency. The road is expected to provide an alternative route for motorists and help ease congestion along the busy Ahero-Kisumu road.
Ruto is further expected to commission the Sh7.5 billion Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project, jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the European Union.
The project is aimed at improving access to clean water and sewer connectivity in Kisumu, where rapid population growth has increased demand for essential services.
The President will also commission the Kisumu West Sub-County Police Headquarters at Otonglo along the Kisumu-Busia road.
Another key stop will be the newly constructed Sh314 million Kisumu International Airport control tower, an eight-storey facility equipped with modern information and communication technology, surveillance and communication systems.
Ruto will later undertake a meet-the-people tour in Kisumu’s Jua Kali area, where development issues are expected to mix with political discussions.
The President is also expected to hold a closed-door meeting with approximately 10,000 people drawn from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties, alongside elected leaders from the region.
The tour has attracted a high-profile delegation of government and regional leaders, including Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who is hosting the tour, is also accompanying the President, alongside Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who is also the ODM National Chairperson.
Siaya on Tuesday
On Tuesday, Ruto will move to Siaya County, where he is expected to inspect ongoing works on the Dhogoye Bridge project in Usenge, Bondo Constituency.
The President will then tour Ugenya, Rarieda and Alego Usonga constituencies, where he is scheduled to inspect and commission several national government projects.
Among them is the ongoing construction of Siaya Stadium, being undertaken by the Ministry of Defence.
Ruto is also expected to address a public rally at Ahindi Gardens in Siaya town.
Migori Projects on Wednesday
The President will proceed to Migori County on Wednesday, with several road projects featuring prominently on his itinerary.
He is expected to inspect the Stella-Sibuoche-Gogo Road in Uriri Constituency and the Kanyawanga-Kwoyo-Madiaba Road in Awendo Constituency.
Ruto will also visit Kuria West and Suna East constituencies to inspect additional national government projects.
The Migori leg will provide another opportunity for the administration to showcase infrastructure investments while engaging residents in a region where political alignments are expected to be closely watched ahead of the next election.
Homa Bay Tour to Conclude Visit
Ruto will conclude the five-day tour in Homa Bay County on Thursday, September 17, where his administration has invested in a range of development projects, many of which have already been completed.
The President is expected to visit Economic Stimulus Programme markets in Misambi in Kabondo Kasipul Constituency, Kendu Bay in Karachuonyo Constituency and Kijabe in Suba South Constituency.
He will also tour the Sindo KMTC access road and town roads in Suba South, as well as the Junction-Kodiyo-Pier Road in Homa Bay Town Constituency.
Development Meets 2027 Politics
Beyond the development agenda, Ruto’s Nyanza visit is being closely watched for its political implications.
The President has increasingly stepped up engagements in the region as his administration seeks to demonstrate its development record while building political alliances ahead of the 2027 polls.
The government has pointed to major investments in roads, water, healthcare, housing, markets and other infrastructure across Nyanza as evidence of its commitment to the region.
Ruto has previously said planned government investments across Nyanza could reach between Sh600 billion and Sh700 billion, while more than Sh220 billion worth of projects
