Raila inspects port works amid tight security

African Union Envoy Raila Odinga (center) while commissioning a dredger machine at Kisumu port on January 18, 2019. [Collins Oduor/Standard]

Opposition leader Raila Odinga visited the Kisumu port yesterday that is undergoing Sh3 billion facelift.

The visit comes days after President Uhuru Kenyatta and Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i made similar visits to the facility.

Raila's visit, where the media were blocked from interviewing him, signaled the Government's increased interest on development projects in Nyanza since the handshake between President Kenyatta and the ODM leader in March 2018.

The revival of the port after decades of a lull is expected to stimulate economic growth in the lakeside city, create more work and employment opportunities.

Uhuru and Raila have made discreet visits to the port on two occasions to inspect the ongoing works, with the President demanding speedy completion of the rehabilitation.

Yesterday, Raila declined to speak to the media, saying the visit was private.

There was a heavy presence of the Kenya Navy personnel, Administration Police, NYS, and Prison warders.

Already, the Kenya Navy have repaired MV Uhuru, which had stalled for many years.