The government has announced plans to fast-track key development projects in Nyanza in renewed efforts to transform the region economically.
Among the projects lined up for implementation in the area are Ring road along Lake Victoria, extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu, construction of multimillion Koru-Soin dam and last mile power connectivity.
Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki said completion of the projects aims to transform the region and improve livelihoods.
Kindiki said the proposed projects will help in unlocking the region’s development potentials.
He noted that the long-awaited projects are expected to open up the region to new economic opportunities as well as promote regional connectivity.
“The government will go out to ensure that the projects are completed. The projects mentioned here are crucial and they must be done,” he said.
Nyanza International Investment Conference
The DP who spoke when he opened Nyanza International Investment Conference in Kisumu, said that Nyanza region is set benefit greatly from the increased investments and improved connectivity, which is envisaged to support local businesses and create job opportunities.
Prof Kindiki announced that the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy were already bearing fruit, while expressing optimist that with the steady growth being experienced in the country the much needed resources for development shall be realised.
“We now have a rubust and stable macroeconomic environment, the cost of food, fuel and essential commodities has gone down. This is a positive sign for our economic turn around,” he said.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi revealed that the ministry was on course to connect all homes in the region with electricity.
Wandayi disclosed that various projects on power generation and last mile connectivity have been earmarked to be undertaken in the region.
“We are targeting all wards and constituencies in this region,” he said.
National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi assured of the government’s committment to implementing the projects.
Mbadi said, Nyanza region, despite having a huge potential, was contributing very little to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) adding the the infrastructural projects were set to open up the region to investments.
He assured that all necessary resources would be allocated to ensure the timely completion of the projects, with the aim of transforming Nyanza into a key economic hub in the country.
“As we prioritize and balance development projects across the country we must be cognizant that Nyanza region has been marginalised for many years,” Mbadi said.
The three days conference that concluded on Saturday, was organised by the Nyanza Professionals Forum in collaboration with the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB).
The forum which brought together local and international investors aimed to showcase the region’s economic potential and attract more investments.
Themed ‘Nyanza Rising – Towards Economic Transformation for Socio-Economic Growth and Development,’ the conference aims to turn the region’s existing economic gaps into viable opportunities for both public and private sectors investment.
The event held at the Kisumu’s Ciala resort attracted over 700 delegates, including professionals, government officials, opinion leaders, academias,, the diaspora, local and international investors and non-governmental organizations.
Over 170 exhibitors showcased their products and services at the event.
Discussions in the conference focused on various thematic areas, including the blue economy, agriculture, food security, nutrition and health, infrastructure, transport , energy, housing, Education, climate change and irrigation, environment and waste management.
Others are technology and innovation, research and development and diaspora engagement.
