President William Ruto has directed that the Kisii GK Prison, located less than 500 meters from Kisii town’s Central Business District (CBD), be moved to a new location outside the town. The move aims to create space for 10,000 affordable housing units, addressing the growing demand for housing in the region.
Speaking at Gospel Embassy Chapel in Kisii County, President Ruto emphasized that prisoners do not need to be housed within the CBD. By relocating the facility, the government seeks to free up prime urban land for residential development. The President highlighted that the limited size of land parcels in Kisii makes affordable housing a practical solution for accommodating the town’s growing population.
President Ruto also warned that continued subdivision of land in Kisii threatens agricultural productivity, urging residents to consider the long-term impact of shrinking land parcels.
During the event, which marked the conclusion of a high-profile development tour in the Gusii region, the Head of State used the platform to rally support for his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He encouraged political rivals to set aside “unhelpful politics” and focus on initiatives that drive national growth.
In addition to the housing plans, President Ruto unveiled projects aimed at improving infrastructure, student housing, and water security across the region. He specifically promised to upgrade accommodations for students in tertiary institutions, including Kisii University, Kisii National Polytechnic, TVETs, and KMTC, ensuring they meet modern standards.
The President further lauded the Kenya Kwanza administration for allocating Ksh.32 billion for housing development in Kisii, a historic investment that underscores his administration’s commitment to the transformation agenda.
The relocation of GK Prison and the construction of affordable housing units are expected to enhance urban planning, boost housing availability, and improve living standards for Kisii residents, marking a significant milestone in the region’s development journey.
