Ruto holds key Nyanza meeting, leaders push for development commitments

President William Ruto being welcomed by Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron at the Kisumu ports on March 19, 2026/HANDOUT

President William Ruto is currently holding a closed-door meeting with leaders from the Nyanza region, marking a key engagement in his four-day tour.

The consultations bring together representatives from Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, and Homa Bay counties.

The discussions are expected to go beyond public statements, focusing on development priorities, stalled projects, and funding considerations.

Central to the talks is a coordinated effort by regional leaders to secure clear timelines, budget allocations, and oversight on key projects that are ongoing or pending completion.

A source indicated that Kisumu County will lead in presenting a comprehensive memorandum, with Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o submitting a consolidated list of priorities agreed upon during preparatory sessions with local leaders.

Top of Kisumu’s agenda is a review of the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding between State House and the county government.

Leaders are seeking clarity on implementation, renewal of commitments, and inclusion of new development priorities.

Infrastructure development is expected to dominate discussions, with concerns noted over the pace of work on the Mamboleo–Kipsitet Road and the commencement of the Katito–Awasi Road—both considered important for trade and regional connectivity.

Officials are also requesting guidance on projects such as the Miwani Special Economic Zone, regarded as significant for industrialisation and employment, and the Koru–Soin Dam, which is intended to support irrigation and water supply in the region.

In education, Kisumu leaders are advocating for the elevation of Riat College to a technical university college to increase access to higher education and enhance practical skills for youth.

Healthcare financing is another focus, with calls for increased support to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital following its recent upgrade to a Level 6 facility.

The region’s blue economy is also highlighted, with leaders encouraging the national government to reduce taxes on materials used for constructing fibreglass boats, aiming to lower costs for fishermen and support the industry.

Discussions are expected to include updates on the Kabonyo–Kanyagwal fisheries project, seen as a key initiative for aquaculture and food security.

Leaders from Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori counties will also present their priority areas, broadening the talks to a regional scale.

Issues likely to emerge include road infrastructure, healthcare improvements, and market facilities.

While President Ruto’s tour has included public engagements and project launches, including the Naivasha–Kisumu SGR Phase 2B rollout, the closed-door meeting is viewed as the central event of the visit.

The President has emphasised that engagements in the region form part of a wider agenda to promote development-focused politics rather than ethnic considerations.

For leaders present, the priority is securing commitments that can deliver measurable benefits to residents.

As discussions continue behind closed doors, expectations remain that the meeting will produce concrete outcomes and guide future collaboration between the national government and the Nyanza region.