By Lauryne Akoth
His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto on Thursday commenced a 2-day development tour in Kericho and Bomet Counties where he is expected to inspect and launch several projects cutting across various sectors of the economy.
According to State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed, the president’s projects aim to transform lives and accelerate regional economic growth. This morning, the president launched a digital Hub at Belgut Technical Training Institute in Kerich County.
According to Ruto, the Hub will empower youths with contemporary, in-demand skills that boost their competitiveness in the job market and enhance their capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship.
He then commissioned the Kapsuser-Sosiot Road, in Belgut, Kericho County. Other projects expected to be launched by the president in Kericho include the inspection of affordable housing, the launch of a modern Chepseon market, the upgrade reconstruction of Chepseon-Maili Nne road, the upgrade of Kericho town roads, and a passport centre.
In Bomet, the president is expected to launch several projects comprising the upgrade of Bomet town roads and the construction of the Bomet University-Chebirir-Airstrip Junction road and Kyogony-Sigor road. The President will also inspect the progress of affordable housing in the county and later interact with and address the people at Bomet Green Stadium.
According to Hussein Mohammed, these projects are aimed at delivering the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), whose overriding goal is to positively impact the lives of all Kenyans. In line with Kenya-Kwanza’s BETA blueprint, Ruto has prioritized road construction, affordable housing, the creation of digital labs, and the construction of modern markets.
The digital labs in Bomet and Kericho counties provide employment opportunities to the youths of these counties respectively. Additionally, the labs are part of Ruto’s broad plan to create one million online jobs every year.
The markets set for launching will be equipped with a variety of essential amenities such as ICT infrastructure as well as storage facilities. Chesindet, Kapkatet, Mulot, and Chebunyo markets in the two counties are also scheduled for facelifts.