Since taking office in September 2022, President William Ruto has launched development projects across Kenya, including in the Nyanza region, which has historically been an opposition stronghold.
His administration has rolled out numerous infrastructure, economic, and social projects aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering economic growth in counties such as Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira, and Kisii.
In 2024, President Ruto also went on a development tour of the region and launched many projects
Here’s a comprehensive look at the key development projects currently underway in Nyanza under President Ruto’s leadership:
Infrastructure and Roads
Kisumu-Kakamega Dual Carriageway
The expansion of the Kisumu-Kakamega highway into a dual carriageway is one of the flagship road projects in the region.
This initiative is expected to ease transport and boost trade between Kisumu and neighbouring counties.
Upgrading of Rural Roads
The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has been allocated funds to upgrade several feeder roads in Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori to enhance connectivity, particularly for agricultural produce transport.
Key projects include:
Ahero-Katito-Homa Bay Road rehabilitation
Rodi-Kopany-Sori Road upgrade
Migori-Muhuru Bay Road improvement
Kisii-Chemosit Road Rehabilitation
The government is also rehabilitating the crucial Kisii-Chemosit road, which serves as a vital link between Kisii and Bomet counties.
READ ALSO: Ruto's triumphant entry into Kisumu
Affordable Housing Projects
President Ruto’s administration has prioritised affordable housing in various counties, and Nyanza has not been left behind. The government has launched major housing projects in:
Kisumu City – A 5,000-unit affordable housing project in Makasembo and Manyatta estates.
Homa Bay Town – A 2,000-unit housing initiative, part of the broader national housing agenda.
Migori Town – Plans are underway for a 1,500-unit project targeting middle- and low-income earners.
These projects aim to address housing shortages while creating employment opportunities in the construction sector.
Revival of the Sugar Industry
One of the most significant interventions in the region is the government's commitment to reviving the struggling sugar industry.
Some key efforts include:
Restructuring of State-Owned Sugar Factories
The government has initiated reforms at state-owned sugar mills, including:
Mumias Sugar Company – Support for ongoing revival efforts through financial restructuring.
Chemelil, Muhoroni, and Sony Sugar Companies – Plans to lease the mills to private investors to enhance efficiency and productivity.
READ ALSO: Ruto launches 15 projects worth billions in 4-day Nyanza tour
Debt Waiver for Sugar Farmers
The administration has announced plans to waive debts owed by sugarcane farmers to cushion them from financial distress and encourage cane farming.
Blue Economy and Fisheries Development
Given Nyanza’s proximity to Lake Victoria, the government has invested in the blue economy sector to empower local fishermen and boost fish production.
Construction of Fish Landing Sites
The Ruto administration is developing modern fish landing sites in Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties, including:
Dunga Fish Landing Site (Kisumu)
Nyandiwa Landing Site (Homa Bay)
Sori Beach Market (Migori)
These sites will include cold storage facilities, improving fish preservation and reducing post-harvest losses.
Aquaculture Development
The government has introduced fish farming programs, providing subsidized fingerlings and fish feed to encourage aquaculture among local communities.
Agriculture and Food Security
Irrigation Projects
To mitigate the effects of climate change, the government has initiated irrigation projects in Nyanza, including:
Expansion of the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme in Migori to boost rice production.
Support for smallholder irrigation projects in Siaya and Homa Bay.
Fertilizer Subsidy Program
Farmers in Nyanza have benefited from the government's fertilizer subsidy program, which has significantly reduced input costs and enhanced maize and sugarcane production.
Energy and Electrification
Rural Electrification
Through the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), President Ruto’s administration has been expanding electricity connectivity in remote areas of Kisumu, Nyamira, and Siaya counties.
Green Energy Projects
The government has also partnered with investors to develop renewable energy projects, such as:
Solar mini-grid projects in Homa Bay and Migori
Hydropower projects along River Sondu in Kisumu
Health Sector
The Ruto administration has committed to improving healthcare services in Nyanza through:
Upgrading of Kisumu Referral Hospital
Kisumu County Referral Hospital is set to receive additional funding for the expansion of its intensive care unit (ICU) and cancer treatment centre.
Construction of Level 4 Hospitals
New hospitals are being constructed in:
Ndhiwa (Homa Bay)
Awendo (Migori)
Nyamira Town (Nyamira County)
The government has also supplied medical equipment to various health centres under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program.
Education and ICT Development
School Infrastructure Development
Several secondary schools and technical training institutions in Nyanza have received government funding for new classrooms, dormitories, and science laboratories.
ICT Hubs and Digital Transformation
Establishment of ICT hubs in Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Kisii to provide digital skills training and job opportunities for youth.
Digitization of government services to improve service delivery in county and sub-county offices.
Under President William Ruto’s leadership, Nyanza has seen a renewed focus on development through strategic investments in infrastructure, agriculture, health, and education.
These projects not only aim to boost the region’s economy but also enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
As implementation continues, the success of these projects will largely depend on effective execution, transparency, and sustained government support.
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