Hope for Nyanza as region eyes mega projects to revive economy

Nyanza counties are pegging their hopes on several multi-billion infrastructural projects to attract investment and exploit the region's economic potential.

The promise is taking shape as professionals and leaders from the region pitch the region's potential to investors in the ongoing Nyanza International Conference in Kisumu.

And for the first time in several months, the efforts has brought together political leaders across the political divide to pursue fresh plans to unlock Nyanza's economic potential.

While some of the projects were completed under the former Jubilee administration, others are taking shape across the region. President William Ruto's administration is also pursuing other projects in the region.

The investments seek to exploit the region's blue economy, tourism, trade, agriculture and sports potential which has been grossly underused in the past due to lack of political goodwill with past regimes.

According to Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo, Nyanza, a region blessed with abundant natural resources, vibrant cultures, and resilient people, has long been a place of untapped potential. 

"The vast resources of Lake Victoria present immense opportunities for the fish processing sector. By modernizing processing plants, improving quality control, and expanding value-added products, the region can tap into global markets, contributing to economic growth and sustainable livelihoods for local communities," said Owalo.

Treasury CS John Mbadi noted that even as the Nyanza region showcases to private investors, there are certain things that both national and county governments must do to provide an environment for investment.

Speaking during the Nyanza investment conference, Mbadi said the political leadership must engage their minds to ensure the infrastructural projects happen to make the region realize its full potential.

"If we are to unlock the full potential of this region we must do the Lake Victoria ringroad to open up completely this region and interconnect it to the entire region. We must complement it with transport in the lake. I am happy Kenya Shipyards is already constructing a ferry and it will be ready in June this year," said the CS.

He noted that there is a need for the lake transport to connect Busia with Migori counties.

"We must extend SGR from Mombasa to Kisumu and to Malaba. The Koru Soin dam will be a game changer not only to Nyanza but Kericho who will benefit substantially from it," he added.

Mbadi also said that he was currently looking for money to pay the three contractors who were working on the Muhoroni to Mamboleo road which has stalled but is equally important in opening the region 

"We have an opportunity, a great one. We have had occasions when we spoke about the lack of opportunity in this region. But at the moment, my colleagues from this region will agree with me that this is a rare opportunity," said Mbadi.

His counterpart Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi said his ministry had lined up several projects in the region stemming from power generation, to power transmission and distribution and eventually to last-mile connectivity which will enable the Nyanza region to rise.

"We have firm instructions from President William Ruto that we do these projects fairly and without any discrimination and so Nyanza is not going to be left behind. We will rise together, including all the six counties," said Wandayi.

Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o who read a speech on behalf of Council of Governors chairperson Ahmmed Abdullahi asked investors to take full advantage of the available incentives and the well-structured public-private partnership framework that will drive sustainable growth.

"The County Governments in collaboration with the National Government have embarked on the establishment of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPS)and this initiative is aimed at enhancing value addition, improving market access, and creating employment," he said.

He further added that (CAIPS) will support the processing, packaging, and marketing of agricultural and Industrial products, ensuring that counties move beyond raw material production.

Trade and Investment CS Lee Kinyanjui said Lake Victoria’s fisheries and the broader blue economy remain largely untapped.

"The government is focused on expanding fish processing plants in Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Siaya to boost exports and develop local fish-based industries," he noted.

He added: "By investing in cold chain storage, transport infrastructure, and value-added products such as fish oil, fish meal, and canned fish, we can maximize the region’s fisheries potential."

CS Kinyanjui said expanding cage fish farming and modern aquaculture practices will promote sustainable fish production and create additional employment opportunities.

He noted that in Siaya and Migori, most groundnuts are sold raw, missing an opportunity for agro-industrial growth. 

"Investments in peanut butter processing, roasted nut production, and edible oil extraction can create a structured and profitable groundnut value chain while increasing farmer incomes," he added.