State will implement Nyanza pre-election blueprint, says Owalo

The Kenya Kwanza administration will implement development projects in Nyanza as contained in the blueprint, ICT and Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo has said.

The blueprint was signed by President William Ruto and professionals from the region it was signed during campaigns for the August 9 general election. 

Owalo said the agreement contains projects from various sectors including agriculture, fisheries, ICT and roads. 

The projects are expected to open up and transform the region for economic development, he said.

Nyanza region is known for sugarcane, cotton and sunflower farming. Residents in Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu and Migori counties practice fishing in Lake Victoria.

They also engage in maize, sorghum and potato farming for subsistence and sale.

Owalo said they have identified beaches around the lake in the four counties where the government will construct fish processing plants.

This will boost the livelihoods of the fishing communities by providing an opportunity for value addition of fish caught in the lake.

“The government will build a training institute for fisheries and aquaculture in Kabonyo area in Kisumu. We want optimal exploitation of fish for the benefit of the people,” Owalo said.

He spoke at Nyangore SDA church in Suba North constituency on Friday when he launched distribution of relief food in the region.

The CS said the fish processing plant will revamp the sector in Nyanza.

“The blueprint stipulates that Ruto’s government will establish fish processing plants near the source. We shouldn’t produce here and process it elsewhere and deny them some benefits,” he added.

The projects, he said, when completed will enhance job creation and opportunities for residents.

Among the four counties, Homa Bay has the largest lake water cover at 60 per cent.

Owalo said the government is also supporting aquaculture to increase fish production and bridge the gap in demand for the commodity.

“Aquaculture is key for economic development, we are going to prioritise it,” he said.

He was accompanied by Homa Bay Deputy governor Oyugi Magwanga, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, former Lake Basin Development Authority chairman Odoyo Owidi and former Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo.

Homa Bay county commissioner Moses Lilan was also present.

President Ruto is planning to launch the construction of an affordable housing project in Homa Bay.

“The government will deliver on its election pledges regardless of how Kenyans voted,” Owalo said.

The state will also undertake projects like the construction of a ring road along the shore of Lake Victoria from Busia-Kisumu- Homa Bay- Migori counties.

Internet connectivity in villages, schools and health facilities will also be undertaken.

“The road will open this region for the promotion of blue economy by boosting trade,” he said.

Magwanga and Caroli urged the government to support irrigation in Homa Bay to enhance food security.

“We ask the national government to support us with irrigation projects to boost food security in Homa Bay,” Magwanga said.

Caroli said the time had come for Lake Victoria water to be used in irrigation too. “Five out of eight constituencies are affected by famine,” he said.

From Homa Bay, Owalo moved to Nyando in Kisumu county where he also donated relief food. 

On Saturday, the minister led a similar drive at Aram market in Rarieda, Siaya county. The relief food distribution programme was launched by President William Ruto.

It is aimed at cushioning Kenyans from the ravaging effects of the drought that has hit at least 23 counties across the country.

Saturday's distribution saw thousands of locals turn up to receive food packages.

Owalo told local farmers, youth and women of the Kenya Kwanza plans to empower them.

The CS was with MPs David Ochieng (Ugenya) and Caroli Omondi (Suba South), former Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma,  former Kisumu Senator Fred Outa and former MPs Ken Nyagudi and Jared Kopiyo.

Siaya county UDA chairman Dianga Waore was also present.