KISII, Kenya — President William Ruto has handed over a new team bus to Shabana FC and launched the upgrade and expansion of Gusii Stadium, as part of the government’s broader push to invest in sports infrastructure.
The FKF Premier League side received the bus, valued at Sh27 million, in a move aimed at improving the club’s mobility and supporting its participation in national competitions. The government also allocated Sh20 million to assist the club with match venue arrangements during a transitional period.
Speaking at the event, President Ruto said the administration is committed to strengthening sports development by upgrading facilities and supporting local teams to compete more effectively at higher levels.
The President also presided over the launch of the redevelopment of Gusii Stadium, a key sporting facility in Kisii County. The project is expected to expand seating capacity, modernise infrastructure and improve amenities for both players and fans.
Once completed, the stadium is projected to meet national and international standards, positioning it as a major hub for sporting activities in the Gusii region.
Local leaders and sports stakeholders welcomed the investment, citing the region’s strong football culture and loyal fan base as key factors that could benefit from improved infrastructure.
The event coincided with the start of President Ruto’s four-day tour of the Gusii region, which includes Kisii County and Nyamira County. The visit is expected to combine project launches, inspections of ongoing developments and political engagements ahead of the 2027 general election.
During the tour, the President is scheduled to visit most constituencies across the two counties, commission new projects and assess progress on existing initiatives.
Among the projects lined up for inspection are a regional cancer centre, the Suneka Airstrip in Bonchari and Kiabonyoru University in North Mugirango, alongside several road developments.
President Ruto is also expected to meet community leaders at the Kisii State Lodge.
The tour comes amid local concerns over infrastructure planning, particularly following reports that the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension between Narok and Kisumu may bypass parts of Nyamira County.
Despite earlier expectations that areas such as Ikonge would host passenger stations, revised plans appear to exclude the town, prompting dissatisfaction among residents and leaders.
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Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba urged residents to support the President’s development agenda during the visit.
“We are here to ensure a smooth tour by the president. I am urging you to support him and prioritise development. The President will launch several projects and inspect others that are ongoing,” he said ahead of the visit.
The latest announcements form part of a wider government strategy to invest in sports as a driver of youth engagement, talent development and economic activity.
In recent months, the administration has also prioritised major infrastructure projects, positioning them as central to economic growth and regional equity.
