The Information, Communications and The Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo has assured Nyanza residents that President William Ruto’s administration is committed to decentralizing development projects across the nation in a bid to serve Kenyans equally.
Owalo issued the remarks during his tour to the region where he presided over relief food distribution in Migori, Homabay and Kisumu Counties on Friday.
He prevailed upon local leaders from the region and Kenyans at large to rally behind President Ruto’s government which has proved to be all-inclusive.
“Time to politic is now over, the only politics we are doing right now is helping mwananchi get basic needs and offer opportunities that uplift their living standards,” divulged Owalo.
He stated that the government has approved a Sh.1 billion Fisheries and Aquaculture project in Kisumu County intended to revolutionize the sector and a bold step towards the realization of food security in the country.
The Kabonyo Fisheries and Aquaculture Service and Training projects in Nyando Sub-County are flagship projects for the lake region approved by the cabinet during its first meeting.
The CS affirmed that the mega project will ensure the establishment of technology and innovation centres for aquaculture and fish as well as the Kenya School of Fishing to enhance training, research, innovation and best practices in the industry.
“Unfortunately, fish produced in Lake Victoria has been ferried for processing in other regions. With the industries available locally, this will have to change so fishermen can reap maximum benefits from their toil as well as the creation of employment opportunities,” he stated.
Owalo further pledged that the government would fast-track the completion of the Koru-Soin dam project. The multipurpose dam is expected to put an end to the perennial flooding in Nyando’s Kano plain.
The communities are also set to benefit from the electricity supply, irrigation for horticulture and rice production as well as provision of clean and safe water for domestic use.
The state, Owalo added, is at an advanced stage of constructing a 468 km ring road along Lake Victoria that will connect the counties bordering the freshwater mass to unlock the economic potential of the lakefront.
The CS further disclosed that the government is committed to addressing the troubled sugar and cotton sectors in the Nyanza region.
“According to the government’s economic development blueprint, there are elaborate plans to offer long-term solutions to the ailing rice, tobacco, mining, sugar and fishing sub-sectors across this region,” he stated.
In addition, he urged the youth and women to take advantage of the Hustler Fund initiative that will be rolled out on December 1 to apply for business capital.
Highlighting the various government projects that are in the pipeline, the leader opined that it is a clear indication that the head of state is keen on spreading economic development across the nation.
He was flanked by Kisumu County Commissioner Josephine Ouko, Nyando MP Jared Okello, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, former Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma and former Senator Fred Outa among other local leaders.
By Robert Ojwang’
