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The Nairobian

Nyanza counties eye Sh134 billion investment by local, foreign firms

Counties

By Brian Otieno | Jan 15, 2025

Governors from Nyanza’s six counties are eyeing investments worth Sh134 billion as the region gears up to host its first international investments conference next month.

The sectors the governors are pushing to gain local and foreign sector investment include infrastructure, transport, energy, agriculture, housing, education tourism, and the blue economy, where they target Sh100 billion-worth investments.

They have set an ambitious target of securing 10 deals and are banking on the region’s advantages to woo investors during the Nyanza International Investments Conference, which will be held between February 6 and 8.

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President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga are expected to grace the event.

The event’s programme lists business leaders, ambassadors and government officials as speakers, with organisers upbeat that they will secure significant deals and commitments.

“Underpinned by a business environment characterised by sound policies and regulations, stability, and security, Nyanza caters for the investment needs of individuals and families, charities, professional advisers, and institutions who are looking for new areas both commercially driven investment and, socially impactful investments,” a profile of the event reads in part.

Organisers say the conference aims to seek private sector support for key development projects, a move that mirrors Ruto’s push for public-private partnerships in implementing mega projects.

“Development in our counties has largely been driven by the national and county governments but we cannot leave development to the two levels of government. We have a critical mass from Nyanza, who have networks and resources,” said Eliud Owalo, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Performance and Delivery, a patron of the conference alongside Education CS Julius Ogamba.

Owalo said the organizing committee, led by businessman Japh Olende, had met 29 ambassadors from the European Union, securing commitments that they would rally investors to set base in Nyanza and other regions.

Similarly, it has met representatives from several professional bodies in what planners say is aimed at achieving inclusivity.

Kisumu County, which will host the event, targets to secure Sh67 billion worth of investment opportunities. A blueprint of the event shows the county plans to go huge on marketing Lake Victoria and is planning the construction of a 46-kilomtre promenade along the lakefront, to draw in tourists. The said project is projected to cost some Sh40 billion.

On healthcare, the Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o-led county wants investors to fund the construction and equipping of a new 500-bed capacity hospital that will cost Sh4 billion. Also in the pipeline is a Sh400 million fish processing plant aimed at creating a wholesale and retail market.

Homa Bay is seeking investments of Sh17.8 billion and prioritises small and medium-scale irrigation projects, estimated to cost Sh6 billion. The Governor Gladys Wanga-led county has urged investors to pump in Sh2.3 billion into multi-fish processing projects.

Siaya equally has grand ambitions and has its targets set on securing Sh13 billion investments. A Sh2 billion hydro-power production plant at the River Yala’s Ndanu Falls, with the James Orengo-led county also focusing on tourism and agriculture, among others.

Migori has highlighted investment opportunities worth Sh12.7 billion, with some Sh2.4 billion earmarked for small and medium size irrigation services. The Governor Ochillo Ayacko-led county also wants energy independence through the setting up of a micro-hydro electricity production plant at Sh2 billion.

Kisii County is banking on agriculture to spur development and is eying investments worth Sh12 billion. Agriculture features top among its priority areas, with Kisii seeking Sh2.4 billion to fund an agro-industrial value-addition park to maximize export opportunities for agricultural produce.

Governor Amos Nyaribo’s Nyamira targets to secure deals worth Sh11.6 billion and is exploring an agro-industrial park worth Sh3 billion as well as enhancing dairy animal production and value addition at Sh10.6 billion.