President Ruto Launches Multi-Billion Development Projects in Busia County

 

Busia County has received a major development boost after President William Ruto toured the region and unveiled projects worth over KSh. 2 billion, aimed at transforming education, trade, and housing in the county.

During the visit, President Ruto commissioned a KSh. 1.17 billion complex at Alupe University, which includes modern student hostels, a student centre, and sports facilities. He also announced an additional KSh. 200 million allocation to complete stalled lecture halls at the institution. The new infrastructure is expected to enhance learning conditions and expand capacity for the growing student population.

In Teso North, the President broke ground for a KSh. 350 million modern market in Malaba, a project that will promote cross-border trade between Kenya and Uganda. The market is expected to create hundreds of jobs and empower small-scale traders, particularly women and youth who rely on business along the border.

At Bumbe Technical Training Institute in Funyula, President Ruto laid the foundation stone for a KSh. 154 million, 340-bed hostel and directed that the institution be upgraded to national polytechnic status. This move will expand technical and vocational training opportunities and improve the quality of skills development in the region.

The President also presided over the groundbreaking of the KSh. 177 million Amukura Teachers Training College in Teso South, which will serve as a key centre for training teachers across Western Kenya and beyond.

Later, at the Busia Agricultural Training Centre (ATC), President Ruto launched the Busia Affordable Housing Project, part of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The housing project aims to provide decent, affordable homes while creating jobs for local artisans, engineers, and construction workers.

Speaking during the tour, Busia Woman Representative Hon. Catherine Omanyo hailed the President’s visit as a historic moment for the county. She noted that the projects would greatly enhance education, boost the local economy, and improve living standards for residents.

“These developments mark a new beginning for Busia. The investment in education, trade, and housing will open opportunities for our people, especially the youth and women,” Hon. Omanyo said. “We thank the President for honouring Busia with these life-changing projects and for recognizing our county’s potential.”

The projects are expected to be implemented in phases, with construction works already underway in some areas. Residents expressed optimism that the initiatives would spur economic growth and strengthen Busia’s position as a key gateway for regional trade.