President William Ruto on Friday hosted a delegation of grassroots leaders from Bungoma County at State House, Nairobi, where he outlined major development projects for the county amid increasing political pressure for Western Kenya to produce his running mate in the 2027 general election.
The delegation, led by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, met the Head of State to discuss infrastructure, healthcare and economic programs that the government says are already underway in Bungoma.
During the meeting, Ruto announced a KSh 30 billion housing investment that will support the construction of an 18,000-unit smart city in Bungoma town, 15 modern markets and student hostels across the county.
He also disclosed that KSh 8 billion, a project by the African Development Bank, has been set aside for a Level 6 hospital. The project is expected to significantly improve healthcare services in the region.
The President further highlighted the planned extension of the Rironi–Mau Summit highway through Eldoret, Bungoma and up to the Malaba border, saying the project will ease transportation and enhance trade along the Western corridor.
Ruto also pointed to ongoing reforms in the sugar sector, arguing that improved payment systems are already benefiting cane farmers in Bungoma and other sugar-growing areas.
Political undertones
Although the meeting focused on development, it has attracted political attention as discussions intensify over Ruto’s choice of a running mate for 2027.
In recent weeks, several leaders from Western Kenya have publicly argued that the region deserves the deputy president’s position, citing its voting strength and support for the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The renewed lobbying comes at a time when analysts say President Ruto is seeking to strengthen alliances outside his traditional Mt Kenya support base after his party suffered a landslide defeat in the Ol Kalou by-election.
