By Anderson Ojwang
Despite rolling out the various projects in Nyanza by President William Ruto government, the region’s leadership and residents want the broad-based government to gift them with the largest industrial park in Kisumu to spur its economy.
They want the government to deliberately allocate 5000 acres of land in Muhoroni sub-county of Kisumu County to create the largest industrial park in East and Central.
Former Alego MP and Entrepreneur Mr. Sammy Weya said that the creation of the industrial park will enable Kisumu to be the largest manufacturing hub in East and Central Africa and spur the region’s and the country’s economy.
He said the proposed construction of the Standard Railways Gauge (SGR), Kisumu should be turned into a manufacturing hub for the region because of its proximity and the available economic opportunities.
“It is possible for the national government to allocate 5,000 acres of land in Muhoroni sub-county for the construction of the industrial park.
This will enable the government to evacuate the geothermal from Olkaria Gorge to the park to provide subsidized electricity to allow manufacturing which will in turn create employment opportunities to the youths in Western Kenya and the country at large,” he said.
Weya said the creation of the park would provide opportunities in technology, vehicle assemblies and other forms of manufacturing activities to be undertaken, and this will open Western Kenya’s economy.
Weya said all the raw materials from East Congo, minerals from Kenya, Uganda can be manufactured, processed and exported from Kisumu and subsequently making it a manufacturing hub.
Plans to extend the standard gauge railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu have started to take shape after the State commenced an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).
Kenya Railways (KR) officials disclosed that a consultancy firm was already in place to conduct the assessment, which is preparing the way for Phase 2B of extending rail infrastructure to Kisumu. The study is focusing on evaluating potential environmental and social impacts while developing mitigation measures in consultation with Project-Affected Persons (PAPs).
In linking major urban centers, the KR officials revealed the route will facilitate seamless movement between Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). “This improved connectivity is essential for fostering trade and commerce, as it significantly reduces transportation costs and travel time,” said Otieno. As the SGR project progresses, it promises to create numerous job opportunities, benefiting local communities and contributing to the overall economy.
The broad-based government has witnessed the appointment of former MPs John Mbadi to the Treasury and Economic Planning cabinet secretary, while his former colleague Opiyo Wandayi was appointed cabinet secretary for Energy.
Other community members have been appointed to high-profile employment opportunities. On development, President Ruto has rolled out various infrastructural projects.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga signed a memorandum of understanding with President Ruto and has committed to helping stabilize the government.
In Siaya, the construction of the Ugunja Water Treatment plant has been completed and has been operationalized to serve at least 8,000 households.
According to Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who is coordinating the delivery of the projects, the projects were designed to enhance access to clean and safe water for thousands of residents in Ugunja and its environs.
The project complements other projects the government is pursuing in the region, including affordable housing projects in Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay.
In Kisumu, the construction of the housing units are at an advanced stage and is already transforming the city’s skyline.
Kisumu’s iconic Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) was elevated to a national teaching and referral facility and established as a state corporation, marking a milestone.
In Siaya County, the cabinet approved the upgrading of Siaya Institute of Technology to national polytechnic status.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management Eliud Owalo has highlighted 10 projects the government is keen on implementing in Nyanza before the end of President William Ruto’s term.
As detailed in the Nyanza Development Agenda document released in February, Ruto is keen on undertaking the construction and completion of road projects in the region.
Key among the road projects include the 478-kilometer Lake Region Ring Road that will connect the counties bordering Lake Victoria.
To ease access to water in the lake region, the government is also keen on constructing the Koru-Soin Dam and Magwagwa Dam.
On the other hand, the government plans to revitalize the economic activity of the region through the revival of various companies that thrived in the past. This includes sugar companies and cotton processing industries.
Equally, the Ruto administration will be constructing a fish processing plant given the fishing activities in the area.
Meanwhile, a potato processing plant will be set up in Kuria as a soapstone factory is constructed in Kisii County.
Owalo added that mining was also a sector the government was keen on focusing given various mineral deposits in the region such as gold in parts of Siaya and Migori counties.
Finally, the government is also keen on enhancing electricity connectivity in the region.
Weya and former Nyakach MP Ochieng Daima welcomed the ongoing various projects but maintained the creation of the industrial park would be a milestone.
“The creation of an industrial park in Muhoroni would be a game changer and a milestone to the region. This will be the legacy of the broad based government,” Ochieng said.
