VIHIGA COUNTY — President William Ruto today transformed Vihiga into the focal point of his national development tour, launching three major infrastructure projects aimed at shifting the county’s economic trajectory. The visit, characterized by high-speed construction pledges and sharp political rebuttals, centered on sports, housing, and trade.
The Military Sprint for Sports Excellence
The highlight of the day was the groundbreaking for the Sh900 million Kidundu Stadium. In a strategic move to ensure the 10,000-capacity facility does not become another “stalled project,” the President officially handed the construction mandate to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The military is expected to complete the international-standard Kidundu Stadium within just nine months, aiming for a December 2026 commissioning. This project ends decades of logistical nightmares for local clubs like Vihiga Queens and Vihiga United, who have historically been forced to play “home” matches in Kisumu at great expense.
Integrated Development: Housing and Trade
Parallel to the sports infrastructure, the President addressed Vihiga’s urban landscape through two major initiatives:
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Affordable Housing: Ruto officially handed over 220 units of the Milimani Estate Phase One in Majengo. He simultaneously commissioned Phase Two, which will add an additional 1,000 units to the county’s housing stock.
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Mbale Modern Market: The President laid the foundation stone for a Sh365 million strategic market. Currently at 4.1% completion, the facility is designed to host over 1,500 traders, moving them from makeshift roadside stalls into a modern commercial hub.
The Political “Riswa” and Economic Outlook
The tour was marked by a heated political atmosphere. Using the symbolic term “Riswa,” President Ruto led the Vihiga residents in a chant to “cast away” tribalism and the “politics of sabotage” often attributed to the opposition. He challenged critics to provide a concrete alternative plan rather than opposing progress for the sake of politics.
With the KDF now on-site at the Kidundu Stadium, Vihiga residents are hopeful that the facility will finally transition from a political promise into a world-class reality. Local leaders believe that once these projects are operational by late 2026, Vihiga will evolve from a transit corridor into a primary regional hub for sports and trade.
