President Ruto to Visit Italy Next Week

President William Ruto has announced that he will travel to Italy next week for an official visit.

Speaking on Monday, April 13, while in Ikonge, the President said the trip will focus on development matters. One of his main goals is to look for funds to improve health services in Nyamira County.

Ruto revealed that he plans to secure about KSh1 billion to upgrade the Nyamira County Referral Hospital, which he said is currently in poor condition.

According to the President, a team was sent earlier to assess the hospital, and their findings showed that the facility needs urgent improvement.

“Your hospital needs some work because it is not in good condition. I have already sent a team to check it, and we agreed that it must be upgraded,” said Ruto.

He added that during his visit to Italy, he will push for financial support to help improve the hospital.

SGR Station Planned for Nyamira

At the same event, President Ruto also announced plans to build a Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station in the area.

He said the government will construct a modern station in Ikonge worth about KSh300 million. The project is expected to improve transport for both passengers and goods between Nyamira and Nairobi.

“I am extending the railway from Naivasha, and here in Ikonge, we will build a major station to help you transport goods and travel easily,” he said.

The President encouraged residents to prepare their products for easier access to markets once the railway is complete.

Previous Visit to Italy

This will be President Ruto’s first official trip to Italy in about two years. His last visit was in January 2024, when he attended a major summit in Rome that brought together African leaders.