BY MANUEL ODENY

President William Ruto on Thursday ensured Kisii region felt his development agenda during the launch of Nyota Fund project.

He was speaking at Gusii Stadium, Kisii town, when he presided over the disbursement of the NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital for young entrepreneurs from Kisii, Nyamira and Migori counties.

The region has already produced former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and former Judiciary head David Maraga who seek to unseat him at the 2027 general elections.

The president said KSh33 billion has been allocated for affordable housing, college and university student hostels and modern markets.

The President explained that 10,000 affordable housing units, 20 modern markets and hostels to accommodate 7,800 students are earmarked for the county.

He also announced that KSh7 billion will be used to build and improve roads in Kisii.

“As we promised, we are initiating development projects across the country in an effort to take inclusive transformation to all parts of Kenya,” President Ruto pointed out.

Additionally, he explained that the expansion of Gusii Stadium, at a cost of KSh770 million, has been delayed because the Agricultural Society of Kenya offices are to be moved to pave way for the stadium.

“We will provide the funds for relocation of ASK offices. The expansion of the stadium should be completed before December this year,” he said.

Later, the President laid a foundation stone for Nyambera Modern Market in Kisii town.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said young people have, for long, been misused by politicians as hecklers, goons and bloggers to push their agenda.

He, however, explained that this will change as the government has rolled out initiatives that enable young people to engage in meaningful work.

 “Our youths should now take advantage of the NYOTA programme, among other initiatives, and reject those who want to use them as agents of chaos and division,” Prof Kindiki said.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati was present alongside Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMES), Salim Mvurya (Sports and Youth Affairs), and Migosi Ogamba (Education), National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, and many MPs attended the function.