Projects windfall for Homa Bay ahead of Madaraka Day fete

Construction of administration and lecture hall block (phase two) at Tom Mboya University which has been completed. Homa Bay County is poised for economic transformation ahead of this year's Madaraka Day celebration as President William Ruto's government is undertaking projects worth more than Sh14 billion in the county (James Omoro, Standard).

Homa Bay County is set for a major infrastructure overhaul ahead of the national Madaraka Day celebrations on 1 June and President William Ruto's scheduled tour of the region.

In recent weeks, senior government officials have been inspecting the implementation of various development projects across the county. During his visit, President Ruto is expected to commission and officially launch several of these initiatives.

Among the completed projects is the Sh600 million rehabilitation of Homa Bay Pier. Additionally, the second phase of the administration and lecture hall block at Tom Mboya University, which cost Sh1.2 billion, is nearing completion.

The government has also finalised the Sh673.9 million Kendu Bay Water Supply and Sanitation Project. In Rachuonyo South and East Sub-counties, the Oyugis Water Supply and Sanitation Project, valued at Sh1.3 billion, has been completed.

Road infrastructure has seen significant improvement, including the upgrade of the Rusinga Ring Road at a cost of Sh1.2 billion. On Mfangano Island, the Mfangano Ring Road has been upgraded to bitumen standard at a cost of Sh299.8 million. The tarmacking of the Mbita-Sindo-Kiabuya-Sori Road in the Suba region is underway.

In the housing sector, the government is constructing 110 affordable housing units in Homa Bay Town at a cost of Sh227.01 million. According to officials, the project is 97 per cent complete.

Several modern markets are also being built across the county, including a fish market at Koginga Beach in Homa Bay Town, costing Sh345.8 million.

The Raila Odinga Stadium is also undergoing upgrades and is now more than 90 per cent complete.

In preparations for the Madaraka Day celebrations, access roads in Homa Bay Town are being upgraded to bitumen standard. The main highway in the town is being converted into a dual carriageway from Junction Kodoyo to Rang'wena via the Pier.

Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan noted that implementation is progressing well and several projects will be inaugurated by President Ruto.

"Some of the projects are complete and will be commissioned soon. I urge residents and leaders in this county to support the government's development agenda," Lilan said.