The President made the announcement on Thursday while overseeing the NYOTA capital disbursement programme in the Nyanza region.
He revealed that he will return to Kisii next month for a development tour to officially kick off the two flagship infrastructure projects.
“I will be coming back here next month for a development tour,” Ruto said.
“We have agreed that Kisii must be transformed. I want to assure you that I will personally come to initiate development and begin the construction of an airport.”
According to the President, the airport project had initially faced delays due to land acquisition challenges.
The government had explored relocating the airport from its current Suneka site, but difficulties in securing adequate land led to a revised plan to renovate and expand the existing facility instead.
Ruto disclosed that the airport’s runway will be adjusted to accommodate larger aircraft, improving connectivity for passengers and cargo.
The government has already set aside Ksh400 million for the project, with construction expected to begin as early as next month.
Once completed, the upgraded airport is expected to significantly improve air access to Kisii County, benefiting business travellers, farmers, investors, and residents.
The facility will also enhance regional connectivity and support the transportation of agricultural produce, a key economic activity in the region.
The Kisii airport project will complement other aviation facilities in western Kenya, including Kisumu International Airport and the planned Narok Airport.
According to the President, the expanded network will reduce pressure on smaller airstrips such as Kabunde in Homa Bay and strengthen regional trade and mobility.
In addition to the airport, President Ruto announced a major overhaul of Gusii Stadium, which will be upgraded to meet international football standards.
The stadium project has been allocated Ksh770 million and will involve extensive redevelopment works.
However, the President acknowledged that the current stadium site is too small to support the scale of expansion required.
To address this, the government has opted to incorporate the adjacent Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) showgrounds into the project.
“We have engaged the ASK management and agreed to facilitate their relocation,” Ruto said.
“This will allow the stadium to be expanded fully and meet international standards, as requested by your leaders.”
The upgraded stadium is expected to host international sporting events, concerts, and major regional functions, positioning Kisii as a key sporting and entertainment hub in western Kenya.
The project is also anticipated to create jobs during construction and generate long-term economic opportunities for local businesses.
During the renovation period, football matches currently hosted at Gusii Stadium will be relocated to alternative venues.
Portions of the existing structure will be demolished to pave the way for modern facilities, including expanded seating, improved playing surfaces, and enhanced security infrastructure.
President Ruto emphasised that the airport and stadium projects form part of a broader infrastructure development strategy for Kisii County.
He said the government is focused on improving transport, housing, and urban planning to attract investment and improve the quality of life for residents.
As part of this wider plan, the President reiterated that his earlier directive to relocate Kisii Government of Kenya (GK) Prison from the town centre remains in force.
He said the land currently occupied by the prison will be repurposed for affordable housing development once the facility is moved.
“We want to reorganise Kisii town and ensure land in the central business area is used productively,” Ruto said.
“The prison will be relocated, and that space will be used to build affordable housing for residents.”
The affordable housing project is expected to align with the government’s national housing programme, which aims to provide decent and accessible homes while creating employment opportunities in the construction sector.
Local leaders and residents welcomed the President’s announcements, saying the projects could significantly change the economic landscape of Kisii County.
The region has long been considered underserved in terms of large-scale infrastructure despite its high population and agricultural productivity.
Analysts note that improved air connectivity could open new markets for Kisii’s tea, bananas, avocados, and other farm produce, while the international stadium could attract sports tourism and major events that boost local revenue.
President Ruto said his administration remains committed to equitable development across all regions, adding that Kisii’s strategic location and human capital make it well-positioned to benefit from targeted investments.
“These projects are not promises on paper,” he said.
“They are funded, planned, and ready to begin. Kisii will see real transformation.”
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