DP Kithure Kindiki addressing Kisumu residents after opening Ojola Huduma Centre in Kisumu West Constituency.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured residents of Nyanza that the government is committed to unlocking the region’s economic potential through multi-billion shilling investments targeting key sectors.
Speaking on Friday 7th February during the official opening of the inaugural Nyanza International Investment Conference at Ciala Resort, Prof. Kindiki emphasized the government’s dedication to fulfilling the region’s development priorities.
“I have noted down the nine development priorities for this region as raised by the leaders here. We will go out of our way to make sure we accomplish them,” said the Deputy President.
Key projects earmarked for investment include the construction of dams in Kisumu and Nyamira counties, the establishment of flagship factories such as a potato processing plant in Kuria, an abattoir, the development of the Kisumu ring road, and the acquisition of a new ferry to enhance transport across Lake Victoria.
“I have taken notes as I always do because it is the only way to account for my coming. I have noted what the people of Nyanza want from the government, and we will push for their realization,” he added.
The three-day conference, themed “Nyanza Rising Towards Economic Transformation for Socio-economic Growth and Development,” aims to unlock multi-billion shilling investment opportunities in sectors such as ICT, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and the blue economy.
Addressing economic progress, Prof. Kindiki noted that the country’s economy has stabilized after two challenging years, attributing this to key macroeconomic interventions that have laid a strong foundation for growth.
“The indicators of macro-economic stability are looking promising thanks to the hard work of former Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo, and the senior teams at the National Treasury. We are seeing improvements in the strength of the shilling, lower interest rates, reduced inflation, and lower costs of fuel, food, and other essential commodities,” he said.
The Deputy President stressed the importance of revamping key value chains for sustainable growth, particularly in agriculture, livestock, the blue economy, and mining.
“We are keeping an eye on macro-economic stability, and that is why we must transform the value chains where the majority of Kenyans derive their income and livelihoods,” Prof. Kindiki stated.
He urged National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to maintain the momentum, warning against any reversal of the gains achieved.
“I plead with you, CS Mbadi, to do whatever it takes to ensure that the stability and strength of the shilling, interest rates, inflation, and the cost of essential commodities are not reversed. This is the foundation of macro-economic stability,” he emphasized.
On job creation, the Deputy President outlined the government’s multi-faceted approach to tackling unemployment.
“We are attacking joblessness from all fronts — Kazi kwa ground, Kazi Mtandaoni, and Kazi Majuu. Job creation is a big priority, and we are leaving nothing to chance,” he said.
Prof. Kindiki also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully implementing Universal Health Coverage under the Taifa Care program, despite existing challenges.
“This administration is going out of its way to ensure Taifa Care works. It is better to have imperfect care now than no care at all. We have doubled the number of people with insurance coverage to over 18 million, and we will continue to scale up registration,” he concluded.
The conference brought together leaders, investors, and stakeholders from across the region to discuss strategies for driving Nyanza’s socio-economic growth.
Ends
