President Ruto Unveils £15 Billion Development Package for Western Kenya Counties
Nyamira, 19 April 2026
Kenya’s government has committed £15 billion to transform Nyamira and Kisii counties through comprehensive infrastructure development. The ambitious package includes a £300 million Standard Gauge Railway station, modern markets, affordable housing projects, and hospital upgrades. This represents one of the largest regional development investments in western Kenya, promising to create thousands of jobs and improve connectivity for over two million residents in the Gusii region.
Presidential Tour Signals Major Regional Investment
President William Ruto concluded a development tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties on 17 April 2026, announcing the substantial Sh15 billion investment package during his visit to the Gusii region [1]. The tour focused on housing, infrastructure, healthcare, education and water projects, highlighting the government’s commitment to transforming western Kenya’s economic landscape [1]. Among the flagship announcements was the construction of a Sh300 million Standard Gauge Railway station at Ikonge in Nyamira County, designed to improve regional connectivity and create new economic opportunities for local communities [1].
Infrastructure and Transport Developments
The development package encompasses extensive road infrastructure improvements, including the ongoing 61-kilometre Eronge–Kebuse–Omonyenya road project, which stands at 58% completion, and the Manga–Motemomwamu road at 38% completion [1]. New road projects in the pipeline include the Keumbo–Kiendege road, Chabera–Nyamusi–Nyamaiya, and Tombe–Isinta–Gitaru roads, which have been advertised for development [1]. In Kisii County, road projects launched include the 25-kilometre Nyabigena–Matangamano–Esaka–Nyamarambe–Mochengo–Ayora–Moticho–Nyansembe–Moticho–Maroo–Otendo stretch and the 17.8-kilometre Etago–Ekona–Geteri–Nyamaiya road [1]. Additional roadworks encompass the Sameta–Egetuki–Ikoba road, a 50-kilometre network in Nyaribari Chache, and the construction of Omingo Magara Bridge [1]. The Standard Gauge Railway extension from Narok to Kisumu will include the Sh300 million station at Ikonge, representing a significant boost to regional transportation infrastructure [1].
Stadium and Sports Infrastructure Overhaul
The development initiative includes a comprehensive overhaul of sporting facilities, with President Ruto ordering the demolition of sections of the existing Gusii Stadium on 15 April 2026 [3]. Demolition work began at the stadium by 16 April 2026, as part of plans to rebuild it into a modern, globally competitive arena [3]. The new Gusii Stadium is planned as a Sh1 billion facility with a 14,000-seater capacity, featuring a FIFA-standard pitch and an eight-lane track, with completion scheduled for April 2027 [1][3]. Additionally, Sh900 million has been allocated for a new stadium in Nyamira County, further enhancing the region’s sporting infrastructure [1].
Healthcare, Housing and Market Development
Healthcare infrastructure receives significant attention under the package, with Sh1 billion allocated for upgrading Nyamira County Referral Hospital [1]. President Ruto indicated during his regional visit that he would seek additional funding during his upcoming trip to Italy, stating his intention to secure Sh1 billion specifically for Nyamira Hospital upgrades [2]. The housing component includes the foundation stone laying for the 189-unit Nyachenge Affordable Housing Project in South Mugirango, Kisii County [1]. Market infrastructure development features prominently, with the completed Sh55 million Masimba Modern Market in Kisii accommodating 300 traders, whilst in Nyamira, the foundation stone for the Sh70 million Ikonge Modern Market, designed for 200 traders, was laid during the presidential visit [1]. Water supply improvements include a Sh700 million rehabilitation and expansion of the water supply network in Kisii County, incorporating a Sh350 million investment to solarise an 80-kilometre pipeline [1]. The President also commissioned the Nyamira Water Supply Project and launched a last-mile connectivity programme, with the 40-kilometre pipeline set to connect 15,000 households [1].