President William Ruto is gearing up for an intensive four-day developmental tour in the Nyanza region, starting this Friday. This information was relayed to the public on Thursday by State House spokesperson, Hussein Mohamed.
Spanning across four major counties of Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Migori, the President’s visit is primed to be a historic one. Its central focus is on unveiling projects that will directly uplift the quality of life for the inhabitants of these regions. This initiative comes under the umbrella of the government’s revolutionary Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The BETA strategy is designed with key focus areas, including, but not limited to, reducing living costs, fighting hunger, bolstering job opportunities, broadening the tax network, refining foreign exchange balance, and fostering growth that is inclusive. It aims to revamp five essential sectors: agriculture, MSME development, housing and settlement, universal health coverage, and a blend of digital superhighway with the creative economy.
In Kisumu, President Ruto has a packed schedule. He will be at the helm of the inaugural ceremony for the Kabonyo Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Center of Excellence in Nyando. With a whopping Sh1 billion invested, this project is poised to be a cornerstone in food security, pioneering innovative methods, and creating numerous employment opportunities in the realm of Fisheries and Aquaculture. This stands to make a monumental contribution to Kenya’s economy. Another highlight is the unveiling of the Lake Basin Mall. This edifice is anticipated to be a central hub for retail and entertainment, further invigorating trade dynamics in Kisumu City and its peripheries. Furthermore, President Ruto will inaugurate the Koru-Bible College Road, enhancing local connectivity. He will also proudly introduce the MV Uhuru 2 ship, destined for operations on Lake Victoria, which will magnify transportation avenues, amplify trade, and position Nyanza as a key node for maritime activities.
In Siaya County, President Ruto will oversee the advancement of the 27km Bondo- Uyawi-Kibanga-Liunda Road, elevating it to the Bitumen standard. He will also preside over the opening of a state-of-the-art digital laboratory at Mutumbu Technical Training Institute and will mark the beginning of construction for a Level 4 hospital in Ugenya, augmenting regional healthcare capacities.
His visit to Homa Bay County promises progress as he inaugurates the construction of the 53 km Mfangano Island Ring Road and the 74km Mbita- Sindo-Kiabuya-Sori Road. The President will also make a significant stop at the Victory Fish Farms in Sindo, a cornerstone for aquaculture in the area. Additionally, he is set to revitalize the Homa Bay Pier and neighboring piers, thereby uplifting marine transit and the tourism sector.
Migori County will witness the commencement of the Last Mile water connectivity initiative at Kegonga, Kuria East, ensuring residents have increased access to potable water. Other major landmarks include the unveiling of a new academic block at Rongo University, commissioning the Uriri Hospital, and initiating the Mabera affordable housing project in Kuria West.
Beyond infrastructure, President Ruto is keen on establishing a personal rapport with the citizens of Nyanza. He will immerse himself in dialogues with regional inhabitants, farmers, and local dignitaries. To cap off this whirlwind tour, he will also lead a cabinet meeting at the Kisumu State Lodge in Kisumu County.