Ruto set for return to Raila's Homa Bay backyard on projects tour

President William Ruto is Tuesday expected in Homa Bay to inspect the progress of projects and officially opens the county International Investment Conference.

Kenya Kwanza administration had launched some development projects like the construction of 110 units of affordable houses in Homa Bay town, the renovation of both Homa Bay and Kendu Bay piers and construction fish market in Homa Bay town.

The president is expected to tour the projects before he opens the second edition of the Homa Bay County International Investment Conference at Tom Mboya University grounds.

Governor Gladys Wanga and the county commissioner Moses Lilan said preparations are complete for the three-day event to kick off.

Wanga said they have identified four key areas for investment opportunities for the event. They are production of cotton and other edible oil crops like oil palm, sunflower and peanut, cotton, aquaculture and tourism.

Other dignitaries will be potential investors from America, the United Kingdom, European Union countries and other foreign countries.

She said the county has other investment opportunities but they are prioritizing the four sectors from which investors will tap resources.

“The four are our top priorities for investment. However, the county has other investment opportunities in which our investors can undertake income-generating activities,” Wanga said.

Speaking when they inspected the ground at Tom Mboya University, Wanga said the investment opportunities will benefit both investors and residents if utilised properly.

She said her administration had put in place the requisite modalities for ensuring production of the edible oil on a large scale in the county.

It is expected that the revival of cotton will enhance wealth creation in the county.

Cotton used to be a cash cow for many residents of the county about 20 years ago but its production collapsed even though the county is endowed with suitable land for cotton propagation.

On the blue economy, the use of Lake Victoria and other water bodies in the county is expected to create wealth.

Wanga argued that Homa Bay is rich in blue economy activities since it owns 80 per cent of Kenyan Lake Victoria.

She said proper investment in the Lake resources will turn fortunes in the county.

“Lake Victoria is the chief producer of fish in Kenya. But Homa Bay has more than 60 per cent of the lake water cover. This signifies a good investment opportunity,” Wanga said.

On tourism, the county has several tourist attractions such as Ruma National Park, the historic Rusinga Island and other Lake Victoria islands, Lake Simbi Nyaima, and Gor Mahia Shrine among others.

Wanga appealed to investors to attend the conference and invest in Homa Bay. She also urged residents to be ready to welcome the investors.

“I state with conviction that Homa Bay is the best place for investment. We’re strategically located as a gateway to Kenya, favourable agro-climatic conditions, and a steadily growing population hence I appeal to various development partners to come to Homa Bay,” Wanga said. 

Lilan assured the investors and locals of security during and after the conference.

“Security has been beefed up. Let our guests feel at home as they attend this important conference,” Lilan said.