President William Ruto has called for unity and caution in the face of divisive politics while laying the foundation stone for the Soko Kubwa, Bungoma Modern Market. Speaking to residents in Bungoma Town, the President emphasized the importance of rejecting selfish and tribal leaders who seek to undermine Kenya’s progress. He urged Kenyans to prioritize national transformation, stating that those focused on division, corruption, and hatred have no meaningful contribution to the country’s future.
“We have no business with people who have no plan for the country,” President Ruto said. “I will not let such leaders derail our transformation agenda.”
The President, accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Cabinet Secretaries, governors, and members of Parliament, assured the people of Kenya that the government’s inclusive approach would ensure no community, region, or religion is left behind in the nation’s development journey.
“My mission is to unite all communities and regions in this country, to create a prosperous nation where all of us will be proud to call home,” he declared.
Highlighting the formation of a broad-based government, President Ruto reaffirmed that this was designed to enhance inclusivity and bring together all leaders to work towards the country’s common good. He also extended support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission chairmanship, describing it as an example of the “politics of brotherhood, patriotism, and unity.”
In his address, President Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming critical sectors, including the sugar industry. He announced plans to overhaul the management of Nzoia Sugar Company, citing the successful turnaround of Mumias Sugar Company as a model. The new measures are expected to ensure that farmers and employees benefit directly, with weekly payments to farmers and monthly salaries for workers.
“We want to ensure that Nzoia Sugar Company pays farmers every week, pays employees every month, and at the end of the year, we pay bonuses to farmers,” said the President.
President Ruto also stressed the importance of education reforms, with the government having hired 76,000 teachers to ensure adequate staffing in schools. He reiterated his commitment to universal healthcare, urging Kenyans to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA) to enable the government to plan effectively for healthcare delivery across the country.
Earlier in the day, the President inaugurated the KSh230 million Bumala Modern Market in Busia and laid the foundation for the Soko Kubwa, Bungoma Modern Market. These projects are part of a broader initiative to enhance market infrastructure across the country. The new markets are designed to provide traders with clean, safe, and efficient working environments, while also reducing post-harvest losses.
“These markets will ensure that traders work in a clean and decent environment, and reduce post-harvest losses,” President Ruto noted.
In addition, the government is scaling up road construction projects to enhance infrastructure across the nation, ensuring the effective movement of goods and services.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged Kenyans to support President Ruto’s leadership, expressing confidence in the government’s ability to steer the nation towards prosperity. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also commended the government’s development initiatives, particularly the ongoing reforms in the sugar sector in the Western region.