The President has been on a four-day tour of Nyanza where he met political leaders and wananchi. The tour that began on Wednesday was also aimed at launching several multi-billion projects aimed at boosting food security, blue economy, and health.
The President began the tour by inspecting development programs in Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Kisumu counties.
In attendance were newly-appointed CSs: Hassan Joho, Alice Wahome, Opiyo Wandayi and Governors Gladys Wanga, James Orengo, Irungu Kang’ata, Kenneth Lusaka, and several MPs.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who also accompanied the President, said they have toned down on political differences with an aim of focus on delivering development projects for all Kenyans.
The tour came to a close in Kisumu over the weekend, where he held a mega rally to assure citizens that no part of the country will be left behind in matters of national development despite their political or ethnic inclinations. He added that those two vices are what has held back our nation for so long.
“I want to assure you that we will work together, shoulder to shoulder, to transform Kisumu and every part of Kenya,” Ruto said.
Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
The President broke ground for the KSh 800 million Lake Victoria Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, a project of the Kenya Maritime Authority.
It is being undertaken by Kenya Shipyards Limited, to enhance marine safety in the lake to curb cases of accidents in the lake reported yearly. Ruto added that the young fishermen should should be safe to cater to their families and enhance food security.
The facility in Kisumu will be equipped with rescue assets, including boats, ambulances, and evacuation helicopters.
The center will act as the regional hub while other satellite facilities will be constructed in Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, and Busia
It will include:
- an operational center
- a security control center
- a communications room
- a regional coordination office and
- a rescue center with emergency medical services
Kibos Rice Mill Project
The Kibos Rice Mill Project will have a processing capacity of 4,000 tonnes an hour.
President Ruto also said his government will support rice farmers through value addition so that they can produce more, earn more, and feed more Kenyans.
“The plant, with a processing capacity of 4,000 tonnes an hour, will promote rice cultivation in the more than 6,000 acres in Chiga, East Kano, and West Kano schemes, supporting more than 10,000 households,” he said.
Lumumba Affordable Housing
The newly launched Lumumba affordable housing program in Kisumu Central “will offer job opportunities to young people in Kisumu”, said Ruto.
“This project will feature 2,348 units spread across more than 15 blocks, offering social housing, affordable housing, and affordable market housing units. It is designed to provide accessible and economically viable housing options for the people of Kisumu, improve living conditions, enhance housing security for low and middle-income families, and reduce the burden of accessing decent housing in the county,” noted the President.
Nyabondo Trauma Centre
The President commissioned the Nyabondo Trauma Centre in Nyakach which aims to assist accident victims along the busy highway. It will serve over five million people from the lake region.
The KSh 1.1 billion facility, supported by the African Development Bank, is a Kenya National Highways Authority project. It is a part of the rehabilitation of Isebania to Kisii to Ahero Highway.
President Ruto reiterated that his political rival and opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has agreed to shun tribal politics and focus on nation-building.
He reminded the citizens that the stalled projects under previous regimes would be completed before his term ends. These include:
- Soin-Koru Dam
- Kabonyo- Kanywagal Fisheries Aquaculture and Training Centre for Excellence
- Tarring of Mambo Leo- Miwani- Chemilil Highway
- Kimura-Oluoch Smallholder Farm Improvement Project
- Ahero Interchange
Ruto met all the leaders from the region, in Kisumu State Lodge, where they had a platform to voice out their political and development opinions and concerns over the projects, as they exchanged notes.
