By Anderson Ojwang
Deputy Chief of Staff Mr Eliud Owalo has made a clarion call to the people of Nyanza to prioritise development over politics, saying this is the best way to help the community grow and become economically independent.
He said that through the implementation of development projects, the community stands to benefit from improved road networks, better provision of electricity and water, and a more vibrant local economy.
“I humbly appeal to our people that, going forward, let us prioritise development over unending politics. It is only through development that we will uplift our community,” he said.
Owalo said there are currently 10 ongoing and proposed projects that could radically transform the region’s economy, urging residents to take a keen interest in them and actively lobby for their implementation.
Water infrastructure
The Koru–Soin Dam in Muhoroni Constituency is a key project that the community should support, as it will help control Nyando floods, support irrigation, provide water for domestic use and generate electricity.
The Magwagwa Dam in Kisii is another critical water project that must be completed to improve livelihoods and stimulate the local economy.
Lake Region Ring Road
Owalo said the Lake Region Ring Road, which will connect Busia to Migori, will open up the Nyanza region to increased economic activity with neighbouring countries, including Uganda and Tanzania.
“Our counties will be able to conduct business among themselves and with other countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi,” he said.
Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)
He said the Standard Gauge Railway, once completed, will be a game changer for the region’s economy, adding that the community should fully support and lobby for its completion.
Kisumu Airport
Owalo said Kisumu Airport should be upgraded to full international status to enable the region to import and export goods directly through the facility.
“It is embarrassing that fish from Lake Victoria must be transported to Thika for processing before export, yet we have an airport in Kisumu. What a shame,” he said.
He added that the only cargo commonly flown into Kisumu currently comprises coffins carrying the remains of the deceased from Nairobi, terming the situation shameful.
Sugar factories
Owalo said the five sugar factories in the region must operate efficiently and effectively so that farmers can reap the benefits of their produce.
He also called for increased investment in the rice sector to further spur the regional economy.
Fish landing sites
He said there is a need to construct modern fish landing sites at all beaches to minimise losses incurred by fishermen and traders.
Minerals
Owalo said mining laws should be reviewed to ensure that local communities benefit from mineral extraction activities taking place in their areas.
He emphasised that the region must embrace developmental politics to stimulate economic growth and improve the social well-being of residents.
Recently, Owalo dismissed the ongoing debate about political kingpins as retrogressive, unwarranted and useless, saying the community needs development rather than political rhetoric.
“Kingpin for what? Why can’t these leaders be kingpins for development? Leadership should be about service delivery to the people,” he said.
He added that obsession with political supremacy does not serve the interests of ordinary citizens.
“You are not worthy of being called a leader if you disregard the needs and challenges facing wananchi. Let us not be preoccupied with kingpin politics because it does not serve the people,” he said.
Owalo said residents are more interested in tangible development that has a direct impact on their lives.
“We want to see roads, water, electricity, revitalisation of the sugar belt, upgrading of Kisumu International Airport and fish processing plants along the lake. That is what the people want,” he said.
He urged voters in Nyanza to change their mindset when electing leaders.
“Let us vote for leaders who are focused on service delivery through tangible development projects rather than mere political rhetoric,” he said.
Owalo noted that since independence, the region has been heavily engaged in politics at the expense of development.
“We have done this since independence and it has not taken us far. We need a paradigm shift. Starting with the 2027 elections, we are heading towards a third liberation. The first was liberation from colonialism, the second was the transition from single-party to multiparty democracy, and the third must be economic liberation,” he said.
The battle for regional political influence has pitted Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo against one another.
In recent months, Wandayi and Mbadi have engaged in a supremacy contest, while similar tensions have emerged between Wanga and Omollo.
