UGUNJA: The Maendeleo ya Wanawake organization in Ugunja sub-county is urging the President to prioritize upgrading the existing airstrips within Siaya County to unlock more opportunities for the region.

Speaking to the press ahead of the President’s visit on Friday, Maendeleo ya Wanawake Chairperson Roseline Atieno emphasized the importance of these upgrades in empowering women in the county.

“As Maendeleo ya Wanawake, our focus is on development. We request the Head of State to consider upgrading the Gombe Airstrip in Siaya and the Sega Airstrip in Ugenya sub-county,” Atieno stated.

In addition to the airstrips, the women are also appealing to the President to consider extending the Butere railway line to Ugunja.

“Ugunja has now been designated as a municipality. With the plans to revive the Kisumu-Butere railway line, we urge the President to extend it to Ugunja. This will facilitate smoother transportation and promote free trade between the regions,” Atieno noted.

On the issue of supporting widows, Ms. Atieno called on President Ruto to ensure that funds are made available to help widows engage in income-generating activities that can improve their living standards.

“We call for the necessary frameworks to be established, ensuring that widows receive seed capital to engage in small-scale businesses that will uplift their livelihoods,” she added.

President Ruto is scheduled to visit Siaya on Friday, August 30. His itinerary includes a visit to Mageta Island, the Siriwo Rice Milling Plant, and the homecoming ceremony of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi in Ugunja.