By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
President William Ruto on Thursday commenced a two-day development tour of Kericho and Bomet counties.
A statement from the State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed indicates that the President will inspect and launch several projects that cut across various sectors of the economy.
“These projects are meant to transform lives and help accelerate economic growth in the regions,” Mohammed said.
Among the projects the president will be touring and launching include Belgut TTI Digital Hub, Affordable housing, Modern Chepseon market and the upgrade of Kapsuser-Sosiot road.
Upgrade of Kericho town roads, a passport centre In Bomet and construction of Bomet Universiy-Chebirir-Airstrip Junction road are other projects in the President’s itinerary.
“The President will have a busy schedule launching a series of projects aimed at delivering the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), whose overriding goal is to positively impact the lives of all Kenyans,” the State House Spokesperson said.
The President will also inspect the progress of affordable housing in the county and later interact with and address the people at Bomet Green Stadium.
Commenting on the various road projects that Ruto will be launching in the two counties, the State House Spokesperson said “The government has prioritized making all parts of the country easily accessible through construction and upgrading of roads.”
“Sound transport infrastructure opens up every corner of the country for trade by linking producers of goods and the markets. This aligns with Kenya Kwanza’s BETA blueprint, which places counties at the heart of the plan to revitalize and diversify value chains to boost livelihood and transform the lives of millions of Kenyans,” he added.
On the affordable housing project that has faced controversies, the State House insists the projects in both Bomet and Kericho will not only provide decent homes for the residents from humble backgrounds but will also play a central role in the creation of jobs and boosting MSMEs.
“Furthermore, the housing projects seek to prevent further subdivision of arable land, thereby securing food security in the country,” Mohammed said.