Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong’o has applauded President William Ruto’s commitment to advancing the county’s development agenda.
This comes after a high-level consultative meeting at State House, Nairobi, which concluded with the unveiling of a raft of transformative projects set to reshape the county's future.
Nyong’o led a delegation including MPs, county executive committee members, clergy and professionals to the pivotal meeting.
He described the discussions as a "significant turning point" in Kisumu’s growth journey, emphasising the President's pledges as a clear demonstration of vital national support for the county's progress.
A landmark announcement from the meeting was the gazettement of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital as a Level 6 facility.
This would "bolster access to specialised healthcare, ease congestion at national referral hospitals and attract skilled health professionals and investments to Kisumu".
Among the major economic investments, the governor highlighted the Sh1.3 billion Kabonyo Kanyagwal Aquaculture Fisheries Project in Nyando subcounty.
He termed it a "transformative venture that will promote fish farming, improve food security, and provide employment for local youth."
The President also committed Sh700 million towards boosting rice farming. The funds will go towards enhancing irrigation, improving access to farm inputs and providing training for farmers to increase productivity and enhance earnings.
To improve transport infrastructure, the national government pledged to accelerate the completion of critical road networks, including the Mamboleo–Miwani, Awasi–Katito and Holo–Lela roads.
An additional Sh1.5 billion has been set aside for constructing spur roads, which will improve internal connectivity and open up marginalised areas to investment.
Nyong’o also confirmed approval for more affordable housing units at Kanyakwar under the government's housing programme.
This, he said, would "help address the housing shortage, create job opportunities and stimulate the construction industry."
He welcomed a Sh900 million allocation for the Last Mile Connectivity Programme to extend electricity to rural and peri-urban communities, noting that this would power homes, schools and businesses, narrowing the digital divide.
The Naivasha–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) will now pass through Kisumu, positioning the county as a regional logistics and trade hub and boosting activity at the port and in cross-border trade.
In support of maritime development, the government will invest Sh800 million in building a ferry at the Kenya Shipyards Limited in Kisumu.
The vessel is expected to improve transport on Lake Victoria, enhance regional integration and promote the blue economy.
Education and public sector training were also high on the agenda. The government plans to construct the Robert Ouko Kenya School of Government in Nyahera, Kisumu West, to serve as a training hub for public officers.
The governor also welcomed the upgrade of Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology into a full-fledged university, which will elevate Kisumu’s profile in higher education.
As part of efforts to strengthen devolution, funding has been allocated for equipping the county assembly chambers.
Nyong’o said this would enhance legislative capacity and promote citizen engagement in governance.
The sports sector also received a boost, with Sh800 million earmarked for constructing Moi Stadium, to support talent development and host local and international events.
Additionally, five new modern markets, each costing between Sh250 million and Sh350 million, will be built to provide clean, organised spaces for traders and enhance local commerce.
The governor confirmed that the Air Control Tower at Kisumu International Airport will be completed, improving aviation safety and supporting the region’s expanding air traffic.
Another notable development is a Sh500 million allocation for the Kisumu Special Economic Zone, which aims to attract investors and stimulate job creation in the industrial sector.
In the ICT space, Nyong’o noted the approval of a Data Surveillance Centre on Lake Victoria. This facility will help monitor environmental changes, manage lake resources more effectively and support research and innovation.
Calling the pledges a “major leap forward” for the county, the governor emphasised that the alignment between national and county governments was critical in unlocking Kisumu’s full potential.
“We share a common vision for development and through continued collaboration, we are confident our people will experience real and lasting change,” he said.
