Preparations are underway to receive President Dr. William Ruto in Homa Bay County for a development tour next week.
Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo said the President was expected to tour Homa Bay County for the launch of the construction of three piers in the county this coming Wednesday.
This is going to be President Ruto’s fourth visit to Homa Bay County since his election last year.
The President will launch the construction of piers in Homa Bay County, including Homa Bay, Kendu Bay, and Mbita.
Mr. Owalo and the State Department for Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary, Dr. Raymond Omollo, confirmed the President’s visit.
Speaking when they inspected the state of piers in Homa Bay County on Saturday, they said the president’s visit is anchored on the implementation of development projects.
Omollo said the government has set aside Sh2 billion in shillings that will be used to boost the blue economy in Lake Victoria in the Nyanza region.
These include the construction of Homa Bay, Kendu Bay, Mbita Bay, and Asembo Bay piers and the purchase of a ship worth Sh600 million that will be operated in Lake Victoria.
“The government will spend Sh2 billion on improving blue economy activities in Lake Victoria in a bid to transform the lives of Nyanza people,” Omollo said, urging residents to own the projects and avoid vandalising them.
“Today, the government is going to construct these projects. Let us avoid vandalising them for whatever reason, including demonstrations. People should demonstrate peacefully without destroying infrastructure put in place by the government,” Omollo said.
Owalo told residents of the Nyanza region to embrace the government’s development initiatives, noting that development does not thrive in a chaotic environment.
“The government is ready to serve the people of Nyanza without any prejudice. Let us all create an enabling environment for it to serve us,” Owalo said.
He said his ministry will establish Wi-Fi internet connectivity at the piers to promote e-commerce, adding that the piers will enhance bilateral trade between Kenya and her neighbours.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who also attended the inspection tours, said she did so for the sake of development.
She said her administration was complimenting the national government for development only.
“I am an ODM governor, but development unites us. When it comes to development, I work with the government, but when it comes to politics, I will work with my party leader, Raila Odinga,” Wanga clarified.
She said the piers will spur development in the county. “These piers will promote business and other economic activities in this county; let’s support the projects,” Wanga said.
By Davis Langat
