RUTO PLEDGES SH300M SGR STATION FOR NYAMIRA RESIDENTS

President William Ruto has assured residents of Nyamira County that the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu will not bypass the region.

Speaking during the second day of his tour of the Gusii region, the Head of State announced that Ikonge will host a Sh300 million SGR station to serve both passengers and cargo.

“I will build a Sh300 million railway station for both goods and passengers here at Ikonge; it is now up to you to plan how to utilise the station,” said Ruto.

The assurance comes amid concerns from local leaders and residents who had earlier complained that the proposed SGR route map did not include any stop in Nyamira. The current plan by Kenya Railways shows stations in areas such as Narok, Mulot, Bomet, Sotik, Sondu, Ahero and Kisumu.

Ruto dismissed criticism from his political opponents, insisting that the railway line will pass through Nyamira and benefit the local population. He emphasized that his administration initiated the Naivasha–Kisumu SGR extension and remains committed to inclusive development.

During the visit, the President also revealed that he will travel to Italy next week to negotiate a Sh1 billion funding deal aimed at upgrading Nyamira County Hospital.

Additionally, he noted that the government has already settled over Sh1.56 billion owed by the Social Health Authority to county hospitals.

Ruto highlighted several ongoing and planned infrastructure projects in the region, including the Amabuko–Magombo, Motemomuamu–Manga, Keumbu–Kiendege, Chabera–Nyamaiya and Tombe–Isinta–Mokomoni roads. He also cited progress on the 62-kilometre Eronge–Manga–Chepilat–Saiga Ngiya–Kineni–Nyansiongo–Tinderet road in Borabu Constituency, which he said is currently 58 percent complete and expected to be finished by the end of the year.

The President concluded by pledging to launch more development projects in the region as he rallied residents to support his bid for a second term in the 2027 General Election.