President Ruto unveils key projects in Kisumu
National
By
Olivia Odhiambo
| Sep 01, 2024
President William Ruto unveiled key projects in health, agriculture, and blue economy in Kisumu as he concluded his four-day Nyanza working tour.
He described the projects as a game-changer that will transform the region's economy and put it on the roadmap to economic success.
President Ruto who received a warm welcome in all four counties of Siaya, Homabay, Migori, and Kisumu where he visited pledged to walk together with all leaders to transform the region.
On Saturday, the president commissioned the construction of the Sh800 million Lake Victoria Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre that will improve maritime safety and further fishing in the region.
The coordination center will act as the regional hub while other satellite facilities will be constructed in Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, and Busia.
Ruto said the center's purpose is to enhance maritime safety, improve communications, and utilize the GSM network in case of emergencies. It will be equipped with rescue assets, including rescue boats and evacuation helicopters.
"This center will reduce cases of accidents in the lake. It will reduce the over 5000 accident cases reported from the lake yearly. The center will ensure young people who go fishing are safe and can fish for us to enhance food security," said President Ruto.
President Ruto also commissioned Kibos Rice Mill where he said his government will support rice farmers through value addition so that they can produce more, earn more, and feed more Kenyans.
"The plant, with a processing capacity of 4,000 tonnes an hour, will promote rice cultivation in the more than 6,000 acres in Chiga, East Kano, and West Kano schemes, supporting more than 10,000 households," he said.
While pledging to fast-track the completion of the projects that he had earlier launched during his previous visits he reiterated that together with ODM leader Raila Odinga they have agreed to shun the politics of tribes and division to focus on building one Kenya.
He launched the Lumumba affordable housing program in Kisumu Central which he said will offer job opportunities to young people in Kisumu.
"This project will feature 2,348 units spread across more than 15 blocks, offering social housing, affordable housing, and affordable market housing units. It is designed to provide accessible and economically viable housing options for the people of Kisumu, improve living conditions, enhance housing security for low and middle-income families, and reduce the burden of accessing decent housing in the county," noted the President.
The President also commissioned Nyabondo Trauma Centre in Nyakach which will serve over five million people from the Nyanza region.
The Sh 1.1 billion facility was constructed by Kenya National Highways Authority as part of the rehabilitation of Isebania to Kisii to Ahero through the support of the African Development Bank and the government of Kenya.
President Ruto said the center targets to assist accident victims along the busy highway.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said they have toned down on politics to focus on delivering development projects for all Kenyans.
Also in attendance were CSs; Hassan Joho, Alice Wahome, Opiyo Wandayi and Governors Gladys Wanga, James Orengo, Irungu Kang'ata, Kenneth Lusaka, and several MPs.