Kisumu Governor H.E Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has expressed his gratitude to
H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta and the African High Commissioner for Infrastructure Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga for identifying Kisumu for major infrastructural projects that are expected to open up significant trade opportunities within the region.
Addressing the press at the County Headquarters in Kisumu, the Governor noted that the projects identified will be a major game changer for the county and the region at large positioning Kisumu for more business.
“It is not lost on us that these projects will not only revolutionize the economic landscape of Kisumu alone but will be game changers for the whole western sector”. He said
President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga accompanied by various government officials were in the county to inspect various development projects being implemented by the National Government.
The two-day visit saw the President lay the first foundation stone for the Kshs. 415 million Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium at Mamboleo Grounds followed by the unveiling of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex where he committed to inject an additional Ksh. 100 million to support efforts put forward by the County Government. The team also inspected ongoing works at the Kisumu Port and the Uhuru Business Park.
The visit opened a basket of goodies for the lakeside City as the President directed the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) to ensure that the road leading up to the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium from Kisumu Boys is completed ahead of its launch in April 2021. Other projects in the pipeline include the construction of the Koru – Soin Multipurpose Dam and the 63 kilomteer Mamboleo – Miwani – Muhorni road not forgetting the Special Economic Zone whose discussions are at advanced stages.
The Governor says he is humbled by the President’s commitment towards the successful attainment of these planned projects adding that the innitiatives are as a result of the cordial relationship between the two governments.
“This bright future has been nurtured and cultured by the good relationship cultivated with the National Government”. Nyong’o said
He is confident that the infrastructural development will ease planning for the upcoming Africities Convention in 2021.
The Africities Summit is expected to open numerous business opportunities for the youth and the tech-savvy population here in Kisumu and beyond. The youth have been challenged to tap into the opportunities by making early preparations ahead of the convention. Already, the county is gearing up for the second Nation Media KUSI IDEAS festival in December following the inaugural event in Kigali last year.
At the same time, the Governor thanked the Rt. Hon Raila for his unending commitment to ensure economic growth for the region by consistently engaging with the national government on various development fronts.
He urged the people of Kisumu to support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) fully as it will set the stage for democracy, national unity and development.
Joining the Governor for the briefing were Cabinet Members Achie Alai, Tourism and Dixon Obungu, Lands and Physical Planning, Speaker of the County Assembly Elisha Oraro, County Secretary Godfrey Kigochi among other County Officals.
By: Nancy Juma
