Ruto, Raila to share podium at Nyanza investment conference

President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga are scheduled to share a podium this week at the Nyanza International Investment Conference in Kisumu.

The three-day event, which begins tomorrow, aims to unlock investment opportunities worth Sh134 billion across various sectors.

Organisers are optimistic about securing significant deals and commitments.

The six Nyanza counties - Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, and Nyamira - are focused on attracting both local and foreign investment in infrastructure, transport, energy, agriculture, housing, education, tourism, and the blue economy, with a target of Sh100 billion in investments. They are aiming to secure 10 deals from local and international investors as the government seeks private-sector support for development.

"These investors come in as agents of necessity to help us fill the void of the development gap to facilitate full exploitation of the economic potential of Nyanza," said Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff, Performance and Delivery, and the event's patron alongside Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.

Kisumu County aims to secure Sh67 billion in investment, while Homa Bay targets Sh17.8 billion. Siaya hopes to attract Sh13 billion, Migori is aiming for Sh12.7 billion, Kisii seeks Sh12 billion, and Nyamira aims for Sh11.6 billion.

The President will officially open the event on Friday, with Raila invited to close it on Saturday

The visit could boost Ruto's popularity in Raila's stronghold as he looks for alternatives to the Mount Kenya region, which is increasingly slipping from his grasp.

Ruto, who started a tour of North Eastern yesterday, has been keen on securing Nyanza's support, banking on his association with Raila for this mission. During recent tours of Nyanza and Western Kenya, Ruto expressed support for Raila's bid for African Union Commission chairperson, which appears to be part of his strategy to win support from the region.

"It tells a lot that the President is visiting Nyanza and the general Western region," said Timothy Onduru, a History lecturer at Moi University. "Ruto seems to have anticipated the shift in Mount Kenya and gave Musalia Mudavadi the important role of Prime Cabinet Secretary," he added, noting that gains in Nyanza and Western could offset losses in Mount Kenya.

To secure Nyanza, the Head of State has also handed goodies in the form of promises for mega projects, which include some Sh1.6 billion meant for electricity connection and heavy investment in road construction.

During the Piny Luo cultural festival held in Siaya last month, Ruto pledged new government investments worth Sh500 million.

The President graced the event alongside Raila.