President William Ruto on Tuesday wrapped up a four-day working tour of the Nyanza region with a renewed commitment to equitable and inclusive development across the country.
The President acknowledged that the region had long been marginalised by previous administrations despite its vast natural resources, noting that this had slowed economic progress in the Lake Victoria basin.
He emphasised that his government is guided by the principle of equality, insisting that all Kenyans deserve fair access to development regardless of their region.
Ruto said the government is investing heavily in unlocking the potential of the blue economy around Lake Victoria, describing it as a key driver of jobs and economic growth.
The investment, estimated at Sh9.5 billion, will support the construction of piers, fish landing sites, aquaculture centres, and rescue facilities.
“The exploitation of blue economy resources will create jobs and improve livelihoods for residents in the lake region,” he said.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sh1 billion Usenge Pier in Bondo Constituency, the President noted that a similar facility in Homa Bay is complete, while another is under construction at Muhuru Bay in Migori County.
The Usenge Pier, being built by Kenya Shipyards Limited, is expected to enhance water transport between Kisumu and Homa Bay counties while promoting the sustainable use of lake resources.
Ruto also announced plans to establish a fishermen rescue centre in Siaya at a cost of Sh250 million, alongside the acquisition of rescue boats worth Sh70 million to improve safety on the lake.
An additional Sh70 million will go towards fish cages to boost aquaculture production.
The President said the investments are expected to create more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, particularly for young people.
He further revealed that 10 fish landing sites will be constructed along the shores of Lake Victoria, stretching from Busia to Migori, with work already underway at the Asat landing site in Seme Constituency, Kisumu County.
In Migori County, the President concluded his tour with an inspection of Lichota Airstrip in Suna West Constituency.
The airstrip is undergoing expansion and modernisation at a cost of Sh280 million, a strategic investment aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, including links with neighbouring Tanzania, and boosting tourism to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The President also launched the construction of the Sh1.2 billion, 748-unit Sori Affordable Housing Project in Nyatike Constituency.
This investment, Ruto said, is expected to create over 10,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for young people.
Additionally, the government is committing Sh200 million for the development of a modern market in Sori town to stimulate local trade.
“We have also secured a private investor to establish a new rice mill in Nyatike, aimed at adding value to local produce and supporting farmers,” he said.
He added that plans are underway to build a pier and develop modern fish landing sites to revitalise fishing activities around Lake Victoria, including Sori.
“We thank residents for their continued support of our broad-based government and reaffirm our commitment to delivering on our promises.”
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko thanked the President for the projects launched within the county.
On the Lichota Airstrip, the governor noted that the development marks a major milestone for the county’s aviation infrastructure and the broader economic landscape of Migori County.
“Two years ago, my administration invested in a smaller terminal, which has served us well in handling passenger traffic. However, as our community and economy continue to grow, the need for a more advanced facility has become increasingly clear.”
He said the construction of the new terminal will not only streamline passenger services but also improve cargo handling capabilities, boosting trade and tourism potential in Migori.
“As we integrate modern technology and design into our air transport system, we will be better positioned to attract more airlines and increase air traffic, further connecting our county to national and international markets.”
Ayacko said the President is always welcome in Migori County at any time.
He said the President has been supportive in ensuring that no part of the country is left behind when it comes to development projects.
“We asked him for various development projects, and we are happy to see that some of them are already being implemented across Migori County.”
Minority Leader Junet Mohammed also welcomed the projects.
He noted that the region had faced neglect since independence but expressed optimism that the current administration is addressing the imbalance.
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