State reports major progress in Nyanza development

The government has reported significant progress in the implementation of development projects across the Nyanza region, citing notable gains in housing, water and sanitation, and market infrastructure as part of a broader push to accelerate economic transformation.

An assessment of ongoing projects in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira counties shows steady advancement across eight priority sectors under President William Ruto’s development agenda.

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However, challenges such as funding gaps, contractor delays, and legal disputes continue to slow progress in transport and industrial park projects.

Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa said the scale of implementation reflects the government’s commitment to bridging long-standing infrastructure gaps in the region.

“The figures speak for themselves of thousands of homes under construction, markets with clean water and electricity, and water projects delivering long-awaited services. The Blue Economy is also turning Lake Victoria into a source of livelihoods,” she said.

According to the RC, housing remains the largest investment sector and a key driver of employment, with over 1,000 jobs generated daily across construction sites.

In Kisumu, the Lumumba Affordable Housing Programme is about 56 per cent complete, with more than 9,000 housing units under construction, the largest rollout in the region.

Migori’s Mabera project is nearing completion at 98 per cent, while Homa Bay has already completed its housing units.

Siaya has 3,832 units under development, while Kisii has 2,116 units in progress.

"Nyamira, however, lags behind, with projects at early stages between two and four per cent, prompting calls for accelerated implementation. Markets Transform Grassroots Economies ”.

The Economic Stimulus Programme's marketing initiative, she said, has emerged as one of the most impactful interventions at the grassroots level, providing modern trading spaces equipped with water and electricity.

Homa Bay leads with markets between 70 and 98 per cent completion, while Siaya’s projects range from 88 to 95 per cent and are nearing handover. Kisii’s markets stand between 85 and 93 per cent complete.

Mworoa noted that Kisumu shows mixed progress due to phased implementation, while Migori records moderate advancement. Nyamira again trails, with most projects below 20 per cent completion.

The RC said Investment in education is focused on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and student accommodation to support skills development and youth employment.

“Kisumu and Siaya are leading with plans for over 10,000 student hostel beds. Homa Bay is expanding its TVET facilities, while Migori is developing hostels for Kenya Medical Training College and Technical Training Institutes ”.

She added, "Kisii and Nyamira remain in early phases but are expected to benefit in the next implementation cycle ”.

On water and sanitation projects, the RC said they have recorded the highest success rate, delivering immediate benefits to communities, with Projects in Kendu Bay and Oyugis in Homa Bay, as well as Ugunja in Siaya, being fully complete and operational.

“The Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation project in Kisumu is at 85 per cent completion. However, the Soin-Koru Dam project remains stalled due to court cases and funding challenges, with efforts underway to resolve the issues”.

On transport infrastructure, Mworoa said despite receiving significant funding, has faced major setbacks due to unpaid contractor bills, land compensation disputes and site withdrawals.

However she said the Rusinga Ring Road in Homa Bay is nearly complete at 98 per cent, while airport upgrades in Kisumu and Kabunde are progressing well at between 85 and 98 per cent.

“Most road projects in Kisumu, Homa Bay and Siaya remain between six and 25 per cent complete. Industrial park development is also uneven. Homa Bay’s Aggregation and Industrial Park is the most advanced at 59 per cent, while Siaya’s has stalled due to contractor and financing challenges. Kisii and Nyamira have minimal progress”.

On energy, the RC said the last-mile infrastructure rollout has been slower than targeted, though anchor transmission works are recording strong progress.

“The Sondu Transmission Line in Kisumu is at 94 per cent completion, which will significantly enhance electricity supply stability across the lake region. Market lighting projects are at varying stages of between two and 50 per cent completion and will be accelerated alongside the markets they serve”.

On Blue economy, the Homa Bay Pier has been completed and is operational. The Homa Bay Fish Market is fully operational and supports income generation for fishing communities.

“Fisheries development centres across the region are progressing, and the Kisumu Maritime Rescue Centre has been established to safeguard lives on the lake. The government continues to expand its Blue Economy investment as part of a broader strategy to make Lake Victoria a driver of regional economic transformation."

The ongoing investments are expected to play a central role in unlocking Nyanza’s economic potential and improving livelihoods across the lake region.