The national government is committed to completing all stalled infrastructure projects in the Nyanza region before initiating new ones, aiming to spur economic growth.
Topping the list is the tarmacking of the 63km Mamboleo-Miwani-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet road, which commenced in 2022 but faced funding challenges.
Information, Communications and The Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo affirmed that the state has made provisions to support the actualisation of key development projects in the area. Notably, the construction of the Mfangano Island Ring Road in Homa Bay is now complete, having been launched by the head of state eight months ago.
Owalo made these remarks during a relief food distribution exercise to households affected by floods at Masara Secondary, Muhoroni Sub-County. He also highlighted the advanced planning stage for the construction of the 478-kilometer Lake Victoria ring road, which will traverse Busia to Migori Counties along the shoreline.
“The Ministry of Roads and Transport has already approved the road project design, and the Treasury is negotiating with the World Bank to release funds for the project,” Owalo stated. Thus, the ring road, he emphasised, which connects Kenya with Tanzania and Uganda, would transform the region’s economy by boosting tourism and regional trade.
Additionally, Owalo noted that the state is keen on investing cash by leasing five struggling state-owned sugar companies despite the process being derailed by the high court process.
The government has begun paying arrears to all cane farmers and workers at South Nyanza Sugar Company, Nzoia Sugar Company, Miwani Sugar, Muhoroni Sugar, and Chemelil Sugar Company ahead of their leasing.
“We are bringing in private investors to rejuvenate these factories through leasing, enabling them to operate at optimum levels. This will revitalise the sugar belt economy,” Owalo said.
At the same time, Owalo announced that his ministry, in collaboration with the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), will roll out the construction of ICT digital hubs in all wards countrywide.
“We are working to ensure all wards in Kenya have computer hubs where Form 4 leavers and graduates can receive digital training and connect with online work from foreign organisations. This is key to addressing unemployment among graduate youths,” he added.
By Robert Ojwang’
