Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has pledged the government’s commitment towards fast-tracking key development projects in the Nyanza region.
He said the projects, among them the ring road along Lake Victoria, extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu, Koru-Soin dam and last mile power connectivity, were crucial to unlocking development in the area.
Speaking during the Nyanza International Investment Conference in Kisumu, Kindiki said the government would go all out to ensure that the projects are completed.
“I have listened to you and the projects mentioned here are crucial and they must be done. As government, we will go all out to ensure they are done. Even if we don’t complete now, at least we must report some progress,” he said.
The projects, which have been long-awaited, were expected to open up the region to new economic opportunities and enhance regional connectivity, he said.
According to Kindiki, the region is set to benefit greatly from the increased investments and improved connectivity, which would also support local businesses and create job opportunities.
He added that the government has done a lot of work to stabilise the economy expressing optimism that with the steady growth being experiences in the country the much needed resources for development shall be realised.
“We now have a stable macroeconomic environment, the cost of food, fuel and essential commodities has gone down,” he said.
Speaking during the same occasion, Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi said his Ministry was on course to connect all homes in the region with electricity.
Various projects on power generation and last mile connectivity in the region, he said, have been lined up.
“We are targeting all constituencies and ward in this region. Nobody will be left out,” he said.
National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi added his voice saying the government was committed to implementing the projects.
He said despite having a huge potential, the Nyanza region was contributing very little to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) adding the infrastructural projects were set to open up the region to investments.
He assured that all necessary resources would be allocated to ensure the timely completion of the projects, with the aim of transforming Nyanza into a key economic hub in the country
“As we balance development projects across the country, we must remember that this region has been marginalised for many years,” he said.
The Nyanza International Investment Conference, organised by the Nyanza Professionals Forum and the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) which brought together local and international investors, aimed to showcase the region’s potential and attract more investments.
By Chris Mahandara
