KENYA : Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has pledged that the government is committed towards fast-tracking key development projects in the Nyanza region.
Speaking on February 8, during the Nyanza International Investment Conference in Kisumu, Kindiki said the government would go all out to ensure that the projects are completed.
He said the projects, among them the ring road along Lake Victoria, extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu, Koru-Soin dam and last mile power connectivity, were crucial to unlocking development in the area.
"I have listened to you and the projects mentioned here are crucial and they must be done. As government, we will go all out to ensure they are done. Even if we don't complete now, at least we must report some progress," he said.
The projects, which have been long-awaited, were expected to open up the region to new economic opportunities and enhance regional connectivity, he said.
According to Kindiki, the region is set to benefit greatly from the increased investments and improved connectivity, which would also support local businesses and create job opportunities.
He added that the government has done a lot of work to stabilise the economy expressing optimism that with the steady growth being experiences in the country the much needed resources for development shall be realised.
"We now have a stable macroeconomic environment, the cost of food, fuel and essential commodities has gone down," he said.
Speaking during the same occasion, Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi said his Ministry was on course to connect all homes in the region with electricity.
Various projects on power generation and last mile connectivity in the region, he said, have been lined up.
"We are targeting all constituencies and ward in this region. Nobody will be left out," he said.
National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi added his voice saying the government was committed to implementing the projects.
He said despite having a huge potential, the Nyanza region was contributing very little to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) adding 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 balance development projects across the country, we must remember that this region has been marginalised for many years," he said.
The Nyanza International Investment Conference, organised by the Nyanza Professionals Forum and the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) brought together local and international investors.
The Conference is aimed to showcase the region’s potential and attract more investments.
The Leaders Remarks, Come Just days after President William Ruto's Week-long tour of the Western Kenya Region late last month.
Ruto, promised that the government will continue to invest in the region to boost economic growth and create a thriving business environment especially in the counties of Kisumu, Busia, Bungoma, Homa Bay and Vihiga.
Vihiga, Bungoma, and Busia counties are among the beneficiaries of the planned 400 modern markets projects, nationwide, he said.
He presided over the groundbreaking of the Alupe Dam Water Supply Project in Teso South, Busia County, which Once rehabilitated, will store up to 300,000 cubic meters of water, ensuring clean and reliable access for thousands.
The industrial park, another Project he launched in Busia, is expected to employ more than 5,000 residents directly, while hundreds of thousands of others will be engaged indirectly, said Ruto.
The government is setting up such industrial parks in all the 47 counties to spur economic growth, enhance livelihoods, and provide jobs for the youths, Ruto explained.
The President's tours in the Country have been under scrutiny after accusations of embarking on early and premature campaigns for the 2027 elections in the guise of uniting Kenyans and Development.
In a press conference at the Wiper Party headquarters after a National Executive Council meeting last month, Kalonzo Musyoka said that Ruto should be aware by now that citizens are not happy with the unpopular policies that he has come up with.
" Ruto should desist from moving around the country carrying out early campaigns yet citizens entrusted him with a responsibility which he has now proven that it is beyond his capability. He should be ready to go home in 2027 for failing Kenyans,” said Kalonzo.
Kalonzo said that the President cannot purport to unite the country which is already united in anger against the failure in health and education systems while the economy was dwindling yet the leadership in place was not ready to listen to the plight of citizens.
