President William Ruto began a four-day working tour of the South Rift counties of Bomet and Kericho on Wednesday to hand over, commission, inspect, and launch several major development projects.
Upon arrival, the President inspected ongoing construction at Itembe Airstrip in Bomet town, assuring residents the facility would be operational within two months. He subsequently launched the construction of the Kapkwen-Olbutyo-Siongiroi road, the Kapkwen Last Mile Connectivity project, and the Kapkwen Modern Market.
Addressing large crowds of residents who turned out to welcome his entourage, President Ruto announced that Bomet County has been allocated KSh 19 billion for the construction of 11 road projects spanning 380 kilometers. He emphasized that the national government has revived all previously stalled road projects across the country while simultaneously initiating new ones.
Regarding rural electrification, President Ruto stated that KSh 2.8 billion has been earmarked to connect 25,000 households in Bomet under the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity project. He added that 11 modern markets are currently under construction across the county at a total cost of KSh 1.7 billion.
Reflecting on his administration's progress over the past four years, the President declared that he has delivered on at least 80% of his 2022 campaign promises.
"We are fulfilling our promises to the people as we accelerate the transformation of our nation. Across the country, the results speak for themselves," President Ruto said.
On Universal Health Coverage, the President commended Bomet leaders and residents for trailing only Mombasa nationwide in Social Health Authority (SHA) registration. To date, 701,000 residents—representing 82% of the county’s population—are enrolled under the authority.
"We have disbursed KSh 3.2 billion over the past two years to healthcare facilities providing SHA services here in Bomet, significantly expanding access to quality medical care for local residents," he noted.
During the visit, President Ruto handed over 220 completed affordable housing units to buyers in Bomet town and announced a further KSh 5 billion investment to construct 2,000 additional units in the area.
Dismissing critics of his administration’s development agenda, the President characterized political opposition figures as individuals with no concrete vision for the nation.
"We have successfully implemented transformational programs across housing, agriculture, health, education, and the broader economy," he asserted, calling on opposition leaders to present a credible policy agenda rather than relying on political slogans.
Addressing residents in Bomet town, President Ruto highlighted the completion of a KSh 1.7 billion local water project. He noted that an additional KSh 600 million will be deployed in December 2026 to expand water distribution networks across the county and upgrade Bomet town's sewerage system. He also announced plans to construct a KSh 1 billion sports stadium in the county, noting that securitization of the Sports Fund has enabled the funding and construction of 32 stadiums nationwide over the past four years.
Later in the day, President Ruto commissioned the 300-bed Dr. Joyce Laboso Memorial Mother and Child Wellness Centre. The facility will serve as a regional referral hub, easing pressure on the Longisa County Referral Hospital and catering to patients from Bomet and neighboring counties.
The President was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome (Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development), Davis Chirchir (Roads and Transport), and Aden Duale (Health). Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, and several regional Members of Parliament were also in attendance.
Addressing the crowds, Senate Majority Leader Cheruiyot and Governor Barchok cited the administration's localized infrastructure footprint as the foundation of their campaign for President Ruto’s re-election, urging residents to fully support his second-term bid.
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