President William Ruto met with grassroots leaders from Bungoma County, led by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, at State House Nairobi to outline a multi-billion-shilling development agenda for Western Kenya.

The meeting highlighted a KSh 30 billion housing investment, including an 18,000-unit smart city in Bungoma town, 15 modern markets, and student hostels.A KSh 8 billion Level 6 hospital is also set to be built, along with road extensions to boost regional trade.Ruto emphasized reforms in the sugar sector to improve farmer earnings.

Political analysts view the engagement as a strategic move to strengthen support in Western Kenya and Nyanza ahead of the 2027 General Election, as Mt Kenya's backing for Ruto faces challenges.The meeting underscores Ruto's efforts to consolidate alternative electoral bases through development initiatives and political outreach.