- This would be the second major and extensive development tour of the four Luo Nyanza counties since his election last year.
- He will chair a cabinet meeting at the Kisumu State Lodge in Kisumu County.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto will on Friday embark on an extensive development tour of opposition chief Raila Odinga's Luo Nyanza heartland.
The President's four-day tour comes amid calls from a section of political leaders from the region to suspend the trip over the Sondu clashes.
The clashes between two communities living along the border have so far claimed seven lives with some politicians from Luo Nyanza threatening to snub the president's tour.
This would be the second major and extensive development tour of the four Luo Nyanza counties since his election last year.
The first of such a high-level tour was in January when he traversed Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay and Siaya counties, commissioning development projects.
The President will commission projects touching on various sectors including agriculture, MSME development, housing and settlement, universal health coverage and the Digital superhighway and creative economy.
In Kisumu, Ruto will launch the groundbreaking of the Kabonyo Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Center of Excellence in Nyando.
The project is worth Sh1 billion and is aimed at enhancing food security, innovation, and employment in Fisheries and Aquaculture, benefiting thousands and contributing significantly to the Kenyan economy.
He will also commission the Lake Basin Mall, a significant retail and entertainment hub, set to stimulate trade and growth in Kisumu City and the surrounding region.
The President will also launch the Koru-Bible College Road to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of people and goods within the county.
He will launch the MV Uhuru 2, a ship that will operate on Lake Victoria, enhancing transportation, trade, and economic growth, positioning the Nyanza region as a hub for maritime transport and logistics.
In Siaya County, the President will launch the upgrading to the Bitumen standard of the 27km Bondo- Uyawi-Kibanga-Liunda Road and also launch a digital laboratory at Mutumbu Technical Training Institute.
He will also oversee the launch of the construction of a Level 4 hospital in the Ugenya constituency to enhance healthcare infrastructure in the region.
While in Homa Bay County, the President will spearhead the launch of the construction of the 53 km Mfangano Island Ring Road and the upgrading to the Bitumen standard of the 74km Mbita- Sindo-Kiabuya-Sori Road.
He will also visit Victory Fish Farms in Sindo crucial project for the region's aquaculture sector growth.
Ruto will launch the rehabilitation of the Homa Bay Pier and other piers, such as the Kendu Bay, Mbita, and Asembo Bay Piers, significantly boosting marine transport and tourism.
In Migori County, the President will launch the Last Mile water connectivity project at Kegonga, Kuria East, ensuring improved access to clean water and spearhead the commissioning of a tuition block at Rongo University.
He will also commission Uriri Hospital, strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and launching the construction of the Mabera affordable Housing project in the Kuria West constituency.
During the tour, President Ruto will also engage with the residents of the region, meet farmers, and interact with local leaders.
He will chair a cabinet meeting at the Kisumu State Lodge in Kisumu County.
On Thursday, some Luo Nyanza leaders said they will give the tour a wide berth and focus on the clashes in Sondu.
"I have not been invited, so we are not aware of any planned activities, although people are free to visit any part of this country," said National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi.