By DUNCAN WASWA
March 17, 2026| President William Ruto is currently on a three-day development tour of Bungoma County, where he has unveiled a series of transformative projects aimed at revitalizing trade, expanding water access, and upgrading critical infrastructure.
A centerpiece of the tour is the near-completion of the Sh345 million Chwele Modern Market, which the President announced will be officially opened in August. During an inspection visit, President Ruto highlighted the facility as a key part of the government’s strategy to provide dignified and organized working spaces for small-scale traders, particularly the women who are the backbone of local commerce.
Once operational, the modern market is poised to revolutionize business in the area. It will offer a clean, secure, and structured environment, boosting hygiene standards and creating a more attractive and efficient trading hub. This positions Chwele to become a premier commercial center in Bungoma County and the wider Western Kenya region.
“I will be returning in August to officially open this market so that our mama mboga can operate from a space that is dignified and well-organized,” the President stated.
An Ambitious Agenda for Trade and Water
President Ruto emphasized that the Chwele market is part of a broader initiative to construct modern markets across the county. He announced that at least 15 markets are currently under construction, with plans for an additional five in the coming months. This ambitious programme is designed to empower traders by improving their working conditions and, in turn, their earning potential.
Beyond trade, the President addressed the region’s persistent water shortages with significant new investments. He revealed a Sh230 million project to extend an 88-kilometer water pipeline, bringing clean water to households in the Kibabii and Kanduyi areas of Bungoma town, a move set to ease the burden on residents who have long faced unreliable supply.
In a major boost for the county’s long-term water security, Ruto also disclosed that Sh2 billion in funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will be used to construct a major water treatment plant. This facility will serve several key towns, including Kapsokwony, Kimilili, Naitiri, and Webuye, dramatically expanding access to safe and reliable water.
Infrastructure and a United Call for Delivery
The President’s tour also focused on infrastructure development. Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka made a passionate appeal for the swift completion of ongoing road projects, urging the national government to ensure contractors adhere to agreed timelines to avoid hindering economic progress.
“Your Excellency, we kindly request that pressure be put on contractors working on key roads within Bungoma so that they are completed on time,” Governor Lusaka said. He noted that improved roads are vital for enhancing trade, easing transport, and connecting farmers to markets, thereby strengthening the county’s entire economy.
Governor Lusaka welcomed the President’s development agenda, describing it as both timely and transformative. He expressed confidence that the completion of these flagship projects would bring tangible benefits to residents through improved services and increased economic opportunities.
President Ruto’s visit underscores the government’s focus on grassroots development and empowering local communities. As the three-day tour continues, residents are hopeful that these ambitious projects will be delivered on time, creating a lasting and positive impact on livelihoods across Bungoma County.