For years, Nyanza region leaders have complained of being left behind in national development conversations, often entangled in opposition politics that have seemingly kept it on the periphery of major government investments.
However, this is changing following deepening ties between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, with a wave of new projects coming up across the region.
From infrastructure upgrades to water supply projects and affordable housing, the Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties are now witnessing a level of government attention that is hard to ignore.
Infrastructure Projects
According to a brief from the government, one of the biggest game-changers for Nyanza is the Lake Region Ring Road, a project aimed at improving connectivity within the counties. The Rusinga Ring Road, which is nearing completion, is another milestone opening up business opportunities for traders and fishermen by easing transportation.
Additionally, roads such as the Bondo-Uyawi-Kibanga-Liunda Road and Ngege-Mapera-Rabuor Road in Migori are being upgraded to enhance accessibility.
The Rusinga Ring Road
On top of that, the rehabilitation of piers at Homa Bay, Kendu Bay, Mbita, and Asembo Bay is reviving the once-forgotten marine transport sector. The launch of MV Uhuru 2 on Lake Victoria is “further positioning the region as a key player in maritime trade and logistics, boosting economic activities across Kisumu, Siaya, and Migori.”
The brief further points to the construction of the Lake Victoria Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Kisumu City as a critical step in ensuring safety in the region’s growing blue economy.
Water Projects
Water scarcity has been a persistent challenge in many parts of Nyanza, but new projects have also been set up to change the narrative. The Oyugis Water Project in Homa Bay is already providing relief to residents of Kabondo Kasipul and Kasipul.
The ongoing Kendu Bay, Oyugis, and West Karachuonyo water projects aim to provide over 11,000 households with clean water.
In Siaya, the Mageta Island Solar Grid was already launched to power cold storage facilities for fish traders while ensuring that schools and hospitals operate smoothly.
The government also notes that the Kegonga Cluster Water Project in Migori is expected to benefit over 139,000 families, addressing a long-standing water crisis in the region.
Reviving Agriculture and Manufacturing
The Agriculture sector in the region has also received some boost. For instance, the Lower Kuja Irrigation Development Project in Nyatike is one such initiative, set to irrigate 19,000 acres and yield an estimated 80,000 tonnes of rice annually.
Other notable interventions include the revival of cotton farming and the textile industry, as well as the establishment of a Soapstone Factory in Kisii and a Potato Processing Plant in Kuria.
“In Kisumu, the Kabonyo Fisheries Aquaculture Service and Training Centre of Excellence has been launched to produce up to 10 million fingerlings annually, helping to restock Lake Victoria and boost fish farming. The establishment of a Fish Processing Plant in the region is expected to bolster the local economy and create thousands of jobs,” the statement notes.
Affordable Housing and Urban Development
Records by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Planning show that it has kickstarted a few housing initiatives in the region.
The Alego Usonga Affordable Housing Project in Siaya and the Mabera Affordable Housing Project in Migori have been set up to offer modern housing solutions to residents who have long lived in informal settlements.
Kisumu, the region’s largest city, is also benefiting from the Lumumba Affordable Housing Estate, a massive project comprising 2,348 units. This initiative is not only improving housing conditions but also creating jobs in the construction industry.
Housing projects in Kisumu
Additionally, the Siaya Integrated Modern Market Hub, which will host over 1,000 traders, is set to revolutionize the local economy by providing conducive business spaces.
Health and Education
The government further highlights its push for better healthcare leading to the launch of several new facilities, including the Nyabondo Trauma Centre in Kisumu, a 150-bed specialized facility equipped with modern theatres, an ICU, and HDU services catering to over five million people.
In Migori, the upgrading of Uriri Hospital is expected to ease pressure on existing health facilities. Similarly, Ugenya Hospital has received a KES 400 million allocation for upgrades, with part of the funds going to healthcare and agricultural initiatives.
On the education front, the state notes it has invested in vocational training to give young people more opportunities to acquire marketable skills.
Such centres in the region include the Gamba Technical Training Institute in Siaya, the Matumbu Technical Training Institute digital laboratory, and the Lake Victoria Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Kisumu.
Ruto and Raila Political Relationship
Perhaps the most intriguing political shift is Raila’s evolving relationship with President Ruto, which has cascaded down to other regional leaders.
Since the formation of a broad-based government in 2024, Raila has taken a more diplomatic approach, engaging the government on development matters while maintaining his influence over the opposition.
While some of Raila’s supporters see his engagement with Ruto as a move to secure development for the region, others remain sceptical, fearing that Ruto is strategically using Raila to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
By directly investing in key projects and working with local leaders, Ruto has signalled his intent to make inroads into the region’s political stronghold.
By Nairobi