Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery Management Eliud Owalo has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revamping the economy of the Nyanza region, promising to address historical economic and political neglect.
Speaking at the funeral of renowned scholar Bethwell Ogot at Odera Akang’o Campus in Yala, Owalo emphasized the administration’s dedication to fostering economic progress in the region.
He highlighted that Kenya has undergone two major political liberations; independence and the transition to a multi-party democracy. Now, he said, the focus must shift towards economic empowerment, which he termed as the third liberation.
“The first liberation led to the independence of Kenya and was led by politicians. The second liberation facilitated the transition from single-party dictatorship to multi-party democracy, which again was led by politicians. But with those two liberations, we are now on the threshold of the third liberation. It will not be political but economic liberation of the Kenyan people,” Owalo noted.
“That is why the president leading from the front is very deliberate about improving the Nyanza region. Nyanza has been left behind in the past, but this time, under President William Ruto, we are determined to change that.”
Owalo stressed that President William Ruto’s administration is determined to bridge the development gap that has left Nyanza behind in previous years. This, he noted, will be achieved through strategic investment in infrastructure, industrial growth, and job creation.
He noted that the government has pledged to implement key economic projects in the region, ensuring that they are completed within the current administration’s term. Owalo assured residents that the leadership is united in its mission to foster economic prosperity and will tirelessly work towards making meaningful progress.
“We are committed to seeing these projects through during the tenure of President Ruto. We are united in our pursuit of economic development for Nyanza, and we will not rest until these changes are realised,” Owalo said.
10 projects
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reiterated the government’s commitment to expediting key development projects in the Nyanza region.
Speaking at the Nyanza International Investment Conference in Kisumu on February 8, 2025, Kindiki emphasized the importance of projects such as the Lake Victoria ring road, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha to Kisumu, Koru-Soin Dam, and last-mile power connectivity. He assured that the government would push to ensure progress, even if full completion is not immediate.
“I have listened to you, and the projects mentioned here are crucial and they must be done. As the government, we will go all out to ensure they are done. Even if we don’t complete now, at least we must report some progress,” he stated.
The projects are expected to enhance regional connectivity, attract investments, and create job opportunities. Kindiki noted that economic stability has been restored, leading to lower costs of food, fuel, and other essentials.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi reiterated the government’s plan to ensure universal electricity access in the region.
“We are targeting all constituencies and wards in this region. Nobody will be left out,” he reaffirmed.
Treasury CS John Mbadi acknowledged Nyanza’s untapped economic potential, stressing that the planned infrastructure projects would unlock growth.
“As we balance development projects across the country, we must remember that this region has been marginalised for many years,” he said, assuring that adequate funding would be allocated.
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