Kisumu set for major facelift as Nyong'o lines up new projects

Kisumu is set for a major facelift as Governor Anyang' Nyong'o's administration pursues a new plan to implement major infrastructural upgrade.

The plan is part of a wider strategy to attract investors to the lakeside city as the region continues to attract partnerships.

The projects will be implemented under the Kisumu Urban Support Programme whose first Phase transformed Kisumu through reorganisation of targeted areas.

Among the projects that were implemented include a new fire station, non-motorised transport, Rotary Vocational center, and Nyamasaria bus park, among others.

The projects positioned Kisumu to be among the cleanest cities with an effective non-motorized system that allows pedestrians to walk with ease.

Currently, plans to unveil a new set of projects are at an advanced stage.

According to city manager Abala Wanga, the plans to implement new projects seek to unlock the city's potential.

The plans include the establishment of an industrial area to make it easier for customers to access goods.

“We expect to have a very organized place,” Wanga said.

As part of the plans to exploit the blue economy and the city's tourism potential, Nyongo's administration is also set to construct a marina long Dunga front and Hippo point as well as expand the non-motorized transport from the CBD to Dunga.

In the past, the construction of the Dunga road altered the scope of development along the waterfront and ushered in a new platform to exploit the location.

Local and international tourists have been flocking to various locations to witness the magnificent sunset in the west of Lake Victoria. With the planned construction of the non-motorised transport, residents are optimistic that it will improve the economy of the area and expand its tourism potential.

Tthe city manager said they expect to have a very big marina along Dunga and Hippo Point.

“We expect to have a serious convention center along the lake,” Wanga said.

He noted that the lakefront needs to be converted to a marina park with a jetty that could handle more than 100 boats and speed.

The city manager highlighted plans to extend non-motorized activities from Nyerere Road, Ngumbi Streets, Mamba area, Patel, Lumumba estate, Makasembo, Anderson to Kachok and cross to Kisumu Polytechnic.

As part of the reorganisation there are plans to relocate manufacturers to its industrial park.

This means that manufacturers along Obote road, Jua Kali, Kiboswa and Nyamasaria will be allocated space in the new industrial park.

“It is because this area has become a city where we need hotels, stores and the likes. This will allow the CBD to remain for other transactions,” Mr Wanga said.

The city's reorganisation will also affect the entertainment industry as the devolved unit draws out a plan to establish zones for clubs that operate for 24 hours.

The city manager explained that they needed to organise one of the key entertainment zones next to Mamba hotel, beautify it, and talk to the restaurant owners to modernize their restaurants and line them up properly for daily entertainment.

Governor Ny’ong’o’s administration has already improved parks, Oile, Sports Ground and Victoria parks and is planning to improve Baby Pendo Park.

The major facelift is expected to complement another ambitious Sh120 billion mega waterfront residential project whose construction has already commenced next to the Kisumu International Airport.

The project spearheaded by GulfCap Real Estate is backed by Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal and is expected to transform the Kisumu city's skyline with a state-of-the-art marina or a small port for leisure with hotels, restaurants, and bars, luxury residences, and world-modern amenities.

The project will also feature schools and hospitals.

GulfCap Chairman Suleiman Shahbal emphasized the project's economic significance while announcing the firm had commenced construction.

“This investment demonstrates our confidence in Kisumu's potential as a major economic hub in the region. LV Marina will not only transform the cityscape but also create a ripple effect of economic opportunities across various sectors,” he said in a statement.