Ruto's weekly roundup: From Rwanda, Kirinyaga to his home county

The elevation of Eldoret municipality to city status was the week's standout event in President William Ruto's schedule.

Ruto presided over the function Thursday at the Eldoret Sports Club.

He was accompanied by his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua among a host of leaders from the country.

"Eldoret has grown from a settlement centre to a vibrant municipality, establishing itself as a key investment hub," he said.

"Its elevation into a city will attract more and quality investments, presenting an opportunity to harness its full potential."

Hosting champions

Earlier on, the president hosted Olympic champions at the Eldoret State Lodge for breakfast.

The team was led by 1,500m world record holder Faith Kipyegon.

During the recently concluded games in Paris, Kenya won 11 medals to become the top in Africa and 17 globally in the medal rankings.

Speaking during the event, Ruto stated "We will scale up collaboration with stakeholders to elevate our profile as the Land of Champions."

He also awarded them with cash rewards.

A groundbreaking Saturday in Sagana

Before embarking on the Gusii region visit, the head of state and his delegation spent time launching development projects in Kirinyaga.

He started by breaking the ground for the construction of the Sagana Export Processing Zone Flagship Project and the Kirinyaga County Aggregation and Industrial Park.

He also launched the last mile connectivity project at Joyland village in Kagio, Ndia constituency.

The head of state also addressed the residents and traders of Sagana Town where he urged them to rally behind the recently-formed broad-based government.

He also opened the Kirinyaga Central Technical and Vocational College and the Jitume ICT Hub and the tarmacking of the 65km link roads in the county.

Governor Ann Waiguru was accompanied by the president during the tours.

A Kagame Sunday

The president made his first trip, in two months outside the country, to Rwanda where he joined other leaders during the inauguration of President Paul Kagame.

The ceremony was held at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

"Rwanda is a valuable member of the East African Community, the African Union and the international community," he said.

Cabinet Monday

He chaired, a joint session of Cabinet and Principal Secretaries at State House Nairobi.

This was the first meeting since he presided over the swearing-in of the new cabinet.

In his address, he called on the CSs to focus on the implementation of programmes and policies that will transform the lives of Kenyans and move the country forward.

"We have formed a broad-based government to unite the country and rally all Kenyans behind the country's transformation journey," he stated.

He later flew to the Gusii region, where he commenced the tour by laying the foundation stone for the construction of the Kiabonyoru Secondary School dormitory in North Mugirango, Nyamira County.

In Kitutu Masaba, he also laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Kenyerere DOK Primary and Junior School tuition block.

According to Ruto, the government is upgrading facilities in 68 schools in Borabu, North Mugirango, West Mugirango and Kitutu Masaba Constituencies in the county to increase student enrolment and boost learning.

"Under the Sh1.4 billion Kuwait-funded Development of Schools Infrastructure in Nyamira County Project, we will build 183 new classrooms, dormitories and dining halls in 47 secondary and 21 primary schools," he disclosed.

In Kisii County, (Nyaribari Chache), he commissioned Nyang’eni Village Electrification Project

Tuesday- Kisii Cancer Centre

The president presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Kisii Cancer Centre in Nyaribari Chache.

The 76-bed facility is set to help in cancer awareness, prevention, screening, early detection and diagnosis, and provide the latest treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was present during the tour.

He later addressed the residents and traders of Keumbu and committed to rehabilitating and expanding the local fresh produce market.

Ruto also commissioned an Outpatient, Surgical and Mother and Child unit at Keroka Level IV hospital.

The government has equipped the facility to the tune of Sh90 million.

While in Nyaribari Masaba, he launched the construction of a 350-unit affordable housing project, the tarmacking of Metembe-Ngenyi/Bobaracho-Ititi/Rioma-Nyaore/Marani-Nyakoe roads and the Itabo Ria Karani village last mile electrification project in Bonchari.

The housing project is set to employ 2,000 youth.

In Sombogo, Kitutu Chache, Ruto broke ground for the tarmacking of 65-kilometre-long link roads in the area. 

During his tours, he was accompanied by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Governor Simba Arati and National Assembly majority whip Sylvanus Osoro among several other leaders.

He also flagged off materials for the Rural Electrification Project that targets 30,662 households in the county.

On the same day, he commissioned the Sirari corridor accessibility and safety improvement project, Lot 1: Isebania - Kisii (A1) road.

The revamping of the road and its access roads, he noted, will unlock the region's economic and agricultural potential by enhancing cross-border trade between Kenya and Tanzania.

Wednesday 

In Bomachoge Chache constituency, he launched the construction of a 244-unit Affordable Housing Project and Etago fresh produce market project in South Mugirango Constituency that will benefit 200 traders.

Earlier on, Ruto switched on power at the home of 85-year-old Yunuke Nyanchongi of Riasuta Itibonge Village in South Mugirango.

Ruto wrapped his three-day tour by launching the tarmacking of the 23km Nyabigena - Nyamarambe road and the 60km link roads in Borabu.

Friday

Ruto hosted the Kenya National Music Festival (KNMF) State Concert at the Eldoret State Lodge.

During the event, the best in each of the categories had the privilege of performing for the President and other dignitaries.