Expectations rise ahead of Ruto's visit to Busia

President William Ruto with Governor Paul Otuoma during a past event. [Chrispen Sechere, Standard]

The county is optimistic ahead of President William Ruto's tour on Sunday, saying he is poised to bring State goodies.

Ruto will be in the county for the first time since his election for an inter-faith thanksgiving service in Matayos Constituency.

Governor Paul Otuoma said the county has several stalled projects which they expect the president to look into, and also initiate others.

He cited the industrial park and Export Processing Zone (EPZ) at Nasewa, the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Scheme, Busia-Kisumu dual highway, the Lake Region ring road and the Muluanda border point as some of the stalled projects.

"We are ready to partner with the national government to effectively utilise the 843-acre parcel in Nasewa, which has, undeniably, a big potential to transform the economy of this region," said Dr Otuoma.

He said his administration had committed S 250 million to the industrial park, with the State promising to inject a similar amount into the project.

"This project alone will play a critical role in alleviating poverty through the production of edible oil from groundnuts, sim sim, soya beans, sunflower and cotton seeds. We intend to engage at least 40,000 farmers across the 35 wards," he disclosed.

As for the EPZ, the county boss revealed that the state has committed about Sh1 billion and an additional Sh100 million from the county government for its take-off.

"The EPZ will attract foreign investment and in the process, diversify the region's economy, create jobs and increase foreign exchange earnings," he said.