President William Ruto, on Friday, December 9, unveiled five multi-billion projects in Western Kenya.
Ruto launched the operation of commercial flights at Kakamega Airport, which will now receive planes directly without stoppages at Kisumu International Airport.
Kakamega Airport was rehabilitated in a collaboration between the national and county governments.
"This airport will serve the entire Western Kenya region. It has been opened for the farmers and any other ordinary person in the country," he noted.
Eight years ago, a military chopper carrying then Deputy President (William Ruto) was forced to land at the Kisumu International Airport due to the poor state of Kakamega Airstrip.
The airstrip’s condition was communicated to authorities at the Wilson airport moments before Ruto boarded the Kenya Air Force aircraft (140), forcing the pilot to fly to Kisumu.
President Ruto also commissioned Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital that the county government constructed under ODM Deputy Party Leader Wycliffe Oparanya.
The President lauded the effort of former Kakamega governor, Wycliffe Oparanya, and promised to ensure that the hospital was fully stocked.
While on the same tour of duty, Ruto commissioned the construction of hostels at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).
In his speech, Ruto ordered the Ministries of Interior and Land to ensure that the grabbed land around the university is recovered and given back to the rightful owner.
At the same time, he tasked the Ministry of Education with facilitating the construction of a flyover footbridge at MMUST.
Ruto also assured Western Kenya residents that the Kenya Kwanza government will honour all the pre-election promises made during the campaigns.
According to Ruto, he will bolster development for the people of Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia and Trans Nzoia counties within five years.
“Elections are now behind us, and we need to focus on the unity of purpose, especially amongst leaders.
"This is the only way we will be able to work for our people and deliver on the development agenda we have set for the country,” Ruto assured.
