• Among the projects he said the government will undertake in the region include flood mitigation.
• Owalo said they plan to construct dykes to control flood waters in the affected areas. The government will also build dams for water storage and irrigation.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
Nyanza residents should create conducive environment for the government to implement development projects, ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has said.
Owalo together and a section of State officers from Luo Nyanza argued that staging anti-government protests as called by opposition leaders in the counties is likely to slow down government's development agenda.
Anti-government demonstrations are spearheaded by Azimio leaders Raila Odinga, Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka.
Apart from Nairobi, four Nyanza counties like Homa Bay, Kisumu, Migori and Homa Bay have been worst hit by destructions during the mass protests.
Owalo and Chief Administrative Secretary for Trade, Evans Kidero, Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency chairman Odoyo Owidi and Kenya Fisheries Marketing Authority chairman Martin Ogindo said development can be undertaken smoothly in the Luo Nyanza counties if they embrace the leadership of President William Ruto.
Raila has a wider political support in Nyanza region compared to President William Ruto.
Owalo said street protests will not solve any challenge that is faced by the people but worsen the economic situation of Nyanza region.
“Kenya Kwanza administration has agendas of transforming the lives of people including Nyanza residents. No region can if their people stage anti-government protests day in day out,” Owalo said.
Speaking on Sunday during distribution of relief food to floods affected people at Nyatoto trading centre in Suba South constituency, Owalo assured residents that the government is committed to undertake development projects in Nyanza.
He said what they want is for residents and political leaders to provide a conducive environment for such projects. Suba South MP Caroli Omondi was also present.
The leaders also distributed rice and beans in Ogando, Suba North constituency and Ndhiwa market in Ndhiwa constituency.
“Chaos, disruption and destruction of properties during Azimio demonstrations hamper the government's efforts to develop Luo Nyanza counties. Let’s stop demos to enable the government implement its development agenda faster,” he added.
Among the projects he said the government will undertake in the region include flood mitigation.
Owalo said they plan to construct dykes to control flood waters in the affected areas. The government will also build dams for water storage and irrigation.
He challenge political leaders who criticise their frequent visit to Nyanza region and distributing relief food to the less fortunate to provide alternative methods of improving their living standards.
“Kenya is past the 2022 presidential election and we’re focusing on implementation of the government campaign pledges,” he added.
Kidero told Nyanza residents to focus on development instead of street protests. He urged them to take advantage of the long rains to grow crops.
According to the former Nairobi governor, the region has the potential to be the national food basket.
“The government provided subsidized fertiliser for food crop production. Let’s grow crops to ensure we get adequate food,” Kidero said.
He announced his ministry is planning to set up aggregation and industrial park in Homa Bay at a cost of Sh250 million.
“Homa Bay is expected to be the first beneficiary of the programme. It is development which will transform your lives not endless politics,” Kidero said.
Caroli said he is working closely with Kenya Kwanza government to enable his constituents realise faster development. He was elected on ODM ticket.
He said he has been lobbying for development projects for his constituents.
Some of the projects include the 72km Mbita- Magunga- Sori road, rural electrification and ICT projects.
“The government has agreed to equip Nyatoto Resource Centre with 100 computers. We’re waiting for tarmacking of the road,” Caroli said.
Owidi asked residents to refrain from anti-government protests because they do not support economic growth.
“Youths shouldn’t allow themselves to be misused by anti-development leaders. Such leaders focus on their own interests,” Owidi said.
Ogindo said they plan to revive fish industry in Homa Bay.
“Homa Bay has the largest producer of fish in Kenya hence it needs at least a processing industry,” he said.
