Nyanza professionals signs economic blueprint with Kenya Kwanza administration

Kenya-Kwanza government will implement development projects in blueprint Nyanza professionals signed with President William Ruto, ICT
and Digital CS Eliud Owalo has said.

Owalo said the agreement which contains projects from various sectors including agriculture, fisheries, ICT and roads was signed during
campaigns for August 9 general election.

The projects are expected to open up and transform the region for economic development and benefit residents. Nyanza region is known for sugarcane, cotton and sunflower farming.

Residents in four counties such as Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu and Migori are practicing fishing in Lake Victoria.

They are also engaging in maize, sorghum and potato farming for subsistence purposes. Owalo said they have identified some beaches around the lake in the four counties where the government will construct fish process plants in the region.

This will boost livelihood of the fishing community by providing an opportunity for value addition of fish produced 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.

Speaking at Nyangore SDA church in Suba North constituency on Friday when he launched distribution of relief food, the CS argued that the
fish processing plants will revamp the fisheries 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, if complete will enhance job creation and opportunities for residents.

Among the four counties, Homa Bay has the largest lake water cove. It has 60 per cent of the lake water. 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 prioritize it,” he said.

Leaders present were 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 a construction of affordable
housing project in Homa Bay.