Ruto storms Western Kenya on Day 1 of region-wide development blitz
By Nancy Marende, October 30, 2025President William Ruto has kicked off an extensive development tour of Western Kenya, marking the start of a multi-day series of project launches and inspections aimed at accelerating growth and improving public service delivery in the region.
Accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and a host of Western Kenya leaders, President Ruto began his tour in Kakamega County, where he commissioned major health and infrastructure projects.
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He officially opened the new 124-bed Butere County Hospital, a milestone achievement for the people of Butere and the larger Western region.
The hospital, equipped with modern medical facilities, is expected to significantly improve access to quality healthcare for thousands of residents.
Speaking during the launch on Thursday, October 30, 2025, President Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the country’s healthcare system through reforms and investment in health infrastructure.
“We are undertaking a bold transformation of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to make it more efficient, sustainable, and effective, raising its current drug availability rate from 48 per cent to 68 per cent,” the President said.
“Our ultimate goal is to achieve a 100 per cent refill rate by the end of the year, ensuring consistent access to essential medicines and other commodities, and thus improving health outcomes for all citizens. We are further investing KSh150 million to equip and upgrade the hospital, guaranteeing modern facilities, quality care, and greater dignity in healthcare delivery,” he added.
In addition to the hospital opening, President Ruto inaugurated the new Malava Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), which will train hundreds of young Kenyans in various health-related disciplines.
The institution is expected to boost the local health workforce and support the government’s push for universal health coverage.
Additionally, the President launched the Malava–Samitsi–Navakholo Road, a key infrastructure project designed to enhance connectivity across Kakamega County and spur economic growth through improved access to markets, schools, and health facilities.
The Western Kenya tour underscores the government’s renewed focus on regional development and equitable resource distribution, with the President expected to visit several counties in the coming days, including Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, and Trans Nzoia.