Nyong’o: Kisumu poised to be regional investment hub
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o speaks on December 2, 2021 during his 4th State of the County address. He said the ongoing urban regeneration agenda has positioned Kisumu as a regional hub.
The ongoing urban regeneration agenda being implemented by the Kisumu County government has positioned the city as the investment hub of the lake region, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o said in his fourth State of the County address on Thursday.
Prof Nyong’o, while appreciating the collaboration between the county government, residents and traders doing business in the lakeside city, the governor said the venture has helped build a sustainable and resilient city.
“I want to thank the private sector who have joined us in the city beautification, urban aesthetics enhancement and the city greening projects,” he said while delivering his address to members of the county assembly.
The Kisumu governor said the projects have brought life to focal places in the city, especially the roundabouts.
Governor Nyong’o, who addressed the MCAs at the Tom Mboya Labour College, said his administration will extend infrastructural improvement in the newly established towns of Maseno, Kombewa, Katito, Muhoroni and Ahero.
“In the concluded financial year, we have prioritised infrastructure improvement in those towns that will prepare them for commercial take-off,” he stated.
He noted that the paving of Kadani road in Ahero, Kombewa ring road in Kombewa town and Katito market in Katito town will ease movement of goods and services and allow for more trading hours in a healthier environment.
Africities Summit
The county chief thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration for implementing transformative infrastructural projects in the county, citing the construction of the Africities Convention Centre in Mamboleo and the expansion of Kisumu International Airport, which, he said, will position Kisumu as an investment hub for the lake region.
He expressed confidence that Kisumu is adequately prepared to lay out the red carpet and deliver the most memorable Africities Summit.
“As a precursor to this Pan-African event, we have organised Kisumu Investment Conference to be held in Kisumu from 19th to 22nd December 2021. This conference seeks to lay the ground and prepare us to fully reap the benefits of Africities when the world converges in Kisumu,” he said.
Siaya Senator James Orengo, who was the chief guest, challenged Kisumu residents to vote in leaders who can take the county to higher levels of development.
According to Mr Orengo, Kisumu was able to get international recognition by being selected to host the 2022 Africities conference.
“This can only mean that Kisumu has convinced other nations that it is highly secure and has advanced infrastructures, telecommunications and social amenities,” said Senator Orengo.
Governor Nyong’o highlighted his administration’s focus on laying down infrastructure for the dairy industry, with focus on production, marketing, value addition and strengthening the value chain.
Milk production
He pointed out that investment in the sector has seen the county’s milk production grow from 26 million litres in 2017 to 37.9 million litres, valued at 1.9 billion shillings, in the last financial year.
Over the past four years, he said, the county has distributed a total of 336 dairy cows and 669 dairy goats to farmers with very minimal losses.
On health, the governor pointed out that the launch of Marwa health scheme in 49 facilities has so far recorded 109,828 new outpatient visits due to availability of commodities and provision of quality services within the hospitals.
He said the implementation of Marwa has led to a steady increase in the claims process from NHIF for secondary healthcare, bringing the total claims to Sh143 million.
“Going forward, we shall digitise all aspects of health provision including clients’ hospital visits and community health management,” said the governor.
He cited the establishment of Kawuonda Bakery cottage industry by supplying and installing a modern, energy efficient 3-oven 25.2KW bakery machine in Nyakach as some of his notable development initiatives.
