Kisumu targeted for branding

By Anderson Ojwang’

Kisumu County

The Kisumu Municipal Council has embarked on an ambitious programme to brand the town to attract investors and spur economic growth.

Brand Kenya Chief Executive Officer Mary Kimonye said Kisumu has what it takes to be an economic hub for East and Central Africa.

"We must deliberate to undertake a move to brand the city to compete regionally and globally. Kisumu has the facilities and the lake and what is required is attitude change and branding," said Mrs Kimonye.

She said the city was the first the Government earmarked for branding to exploit its vast economic potential.

Kimonye said because Kisumu was a millennium city and hub for East Africa, it was prudent that measures were put in place to brand it to jump-start economic growth.

She said the Government was branding towns and cities to attract investment and jump-start the economy.

Kisumu mayor Sam Okello said they had embarked on a deliberate programme that would define the identity of the town and place it to compete globally.

He said the branding would involve re-routing of the matatus and other public service transport providers, branding of assets and residence.

"We will map and patent our cultural heritage and tourist destination. This process requires the support of all," he said.

Local politicians were criticised for maintaining negative politics on programmes the council attempted to implement in the town.

The participants accused politicians of rejecting some of the council programmes to win voters for the 2012 General Election.

"We have faced opposition from politicians, but this attitude must change for us to develop," said Absalom Ayany, the director of planning at the council.