SGR extension tops agenda as Ruto embarks on Nyanza visit

When President William Ruto begins his four-day tour of Nyanza on Friday, the visit will carry significance beyond the commissioning of development projects. 

From the launch of the extension of the standard gauge railway to the inspection of roads, hospitals and markets, the tour is expected to highlight the government’s key development agenda in the region.

But it also comes at a time when political dynamics in the region are shifting, making the visit an economic and political moment. 

Nyanza regional commissioner Flora Mworoa said the tour will start on Friday in Kisumu, with a meeting between the President and local leaders before the launch of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Busia phase of the SGR at Kibos on Saturday.

For years, travellers moving between Nairobi and Kisumu have relied on a highway that is often congested during peak seasons. 

Mworoa said during holidays, traffic on the Nairobi–Kisumu corridor can stretch for hours, sometimes forcing travellers to spend the night on the road. 

If completed as planned, the railway extension could ease the movement of passengers and goods between western Kenya and the rest of the country, while strengthening trade links with neighbouring countries through Busia. 

Beyond the railway project, the President’s itinerary includes a series of road, housing and market projects across Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties. 

Among the projects lined up for commissioning is the Rusinga Island Ring Road in Homa Bay, which Mworoa said is now complete after being launched earlier by the President. 

The road is expected to improve connectivity for communities on the island while supporting tourism and fishing activities. 

Affordable housing projects will also feature prominently during the tour. 

The President is expected to lay the foundation stone for the Yala housing project in Ugunja and commission the Mabera affordable housing units in Migori. 

Markets funded through the Economic Stimulus Programme will also be launched, including Kabondo and Bar Ober markets, aimed at providing modern trading spaces for small-scale traders.

Observers say the projects reflect key pillars of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which focuses on housing, infrastructure, agriculture and small business development.

In the energy sector, the President will commission the Sondu–Homa Bay–Awendo transmission line, a project expected to improve electricity supply in parts of the region.

Healthcare infrastructure is also part of the itinerary, with the President set to inspect construction works at Kegonga Level 4 Hospital and commission the newly completed Pinowatch Level 3 Hospital. 

The tour will also spotlight investments in the blue economy around Lake Victoria. 

In Usenge, Siaya county, Ruto is expected to break ground for a pier being constructed by the Kenya Ports Authority. 

Landing sites and related infrastructure have become increasingly important to fishing communities around the lake, with the government positioning the blue economy as a driver of regional economic growth. 

Improved fish landing sites and transport infrastructure could enhance the movement of fish and other aquatic products to markets while creating jobs for local communities. 

While the tour is framed around development, its political undertones are difficult to ignore. 

Nyanza has traditionally been considered the political stronghold of former ODM leader Raila Odinga (deceased), even with broad-based arrangement, his presidential visits to the region are closely watched. 

Ruto has in recent months intensified engagements in the region launching projects running into billions, signalling a strategy aimed at expanding his political reach beyond traditional support bases. 

Political analysts say such visits allow the President to showcase development projects while building relationships with local leaders and residents. 

The presence of national and regional leaders during the tour could therefore shape the political narrative in the region ahead of future electoral contests. 

Even as preparations for the visit intensify, authorities have urged residents and politicians to maintain peace during the public events. 

Mworoa warned against disruptions that have occasionally marred previous presidential visits, including shouting matches between rival political supporters.

“In previous meetings, we have seen a few isolated cases where young people disrupt gatherings or carry weapons. During the last visit, we arrested a young man who had a knife and could not explain why he was carrying it,” she said. 

She urged political leaders to guide their supporters and ensure respect for speakers during the meetings. 

Security agencies, she said, have already put measures in place to ensure the events proceed without incident.

“We want this tour to be peaceful and successful. Members of the public are encouraged to come out in large numbers to witness the launch and commissioning of these projects,” Mworoa said. 

For residents across Nyanza, the tour is expected to bring attention to long-standing infrastructure needs while offering an opportunity to assess the government’s development promises. 

Trader James Ouma from Kisumu East said they are excited about the SGR extension. 

“Travelling from Nairobi to Kisumu has always been stressful, especially during holidays. If the railway works as promised, it will save us time and money. I hope the President delivers on this project fully,” he said.

Mary Atieno from Homa Bay said, “The roads being commissioned, like the Rusinga Ring Road and Chemelil–Muhoroni road, will make it easier for us to move around and for children to reach schools. It’s good to see the government investing in infrastructure in our region.”

Farmer Peter Okoth from Migori said the Mabera housing and market projects are welcome, but what matters most is whether the promises lead to actual jobs and support for farmers like me.

"We have seen projects launched before but benefits were slow to reach ordinary people,” he said.

Fish trader Esther Anyango from Siaya said the focus on landing sites and the blue economy is very important for them around the lake. 

“We hope the government continues supporting fishermen and traders, not just launching projects but something long term that we as the people in the area will benefit from,” she said.