Busia ready to receive president Ruto

Busia, Friday May 26, 2023

by Victoria Magar/Salome Alwanda 

The County leadership of Busia is prepared to receive President Dr. William Ruto during his visit scheduled for Sunday this week.

Speaking to the press during a breakfast meeting at Busia Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) Thursday, Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma said that the President will join local residents in an Interdenominational Prayer at Busia Stadium. 

Otuoma said the two governments will coordinate the activities from Thursday, until the conclusion of the prayer service, adding that he will welcome Dr. Ruto as the Head of State and join him in the prayer service. 

The Governor said he will later address pertinent issues affecting the county, where he will seek the President's indulgence on matters affecting the smooth operations of his administration. 

Otuoma outlined areas of collaboration between the county and national Government, which he said needs to be fast tracked by the Kenya Kwanza administration. 

He cited the fast tracking of the Export Processing Zone at the 843-acre Nasewa public land and construction of a modern stadium at Nasewa, which his government has already donated 50 acres for the project as a priority agenda to be tabled to the Head of state.

" We also want the County Aggregated Industrial Park at Nasewa co-funded by the County Government to the tune of Sh.250million and the national government contributing a similar amount, noting that this will create over 2,000 direct jobs and do value addition. 

He added:" The other issue of urgent concern is the dualization of Korinda-Customs Road and Road infrastructure. Currently the Kenya National Highway Authority is undertaking maintenance works. The dualization will pave way for creation of pathways, motorways, " he said, adding that it will open up the town for investors.

The Governor said he will also seek the government’s indulgence to have Kenya Urban Rural Authority (KURA) reimburse the County Government of Busia for projects not executed in Busia County for the last 10 years, which amounts to hundreds of millions of shillings. 

He added:" We also want the establishment of a 20,000-acre irrigation scheme in Bunyala Sub County funded by the County and National Governments, noting that Busia should be a leader in rice production in the country.

Busia Acting County Commissioner Kipchumba Ruto urged the local residents to come out in large numbers and join the president in the payer forum, adding the security will be beefed up. 

Courtesy ; K. N. A