Gov't reports major gains in Nyanza development projects

The government has reported significant progress in the implementation of development projects across the Nyanza region, citing advancements in key sectors including housing, water and sanitation, markets, transport, and the blue economy.

According to a press statement by the Ministry of Interior released on March 21, 2026, the projects span six counties - Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Kisii, and Nyamira - and are part of a broader national strategy aimed at reducing regional inequalities and accelerating economic transformation.

Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa said the scale of ongoing projects reflects a deliberate push by President William Ruto’s administration to bridge infrastructure gaps between urban centres and historically underserved areas.

Housing has emerged as the largest investment sector in the region, generating more than 1,000 jobs daily. In Kisumu, the Lumumba Affordable Housing Programme is 56 per cent complete, with over 9,000 units under construction.

Migori’s Mabera project is nearing completion at 98 per cent, while Homa Bay has already completed its housing programme.

Siaya and Kisii counties also have thousands of units underway, although Nyamira lags behind with projects at early stages.

Market infrastructure under the Economic Stimulus Programme has also shown strong performance, with several markets nearing completion in Homa Bay, Siaya, and Kisii.

These projects are providing traders with access to clean water and electricity. However, Nyamira remains behind, with most market projects below 20 per cent completion.

In education, the government is expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) facilities and student hostels to support skills development.

Kisumu and Siaya are leading with plans for more than 10,000 student beds, while other counties are at varying stages of implementation.

Water and sanitation projects have recorded the strongest performance, with several achieving full completion.

These include the Kendu Bay and Oyugis water projects in Homa Bay and the Ugunja Water Project in Siaya. The Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation project in Kisumu is 85 per cent complete, although the Soin-Koru Dam project remains stalled due to legal and funding challenges.

Transport infrastructure, despite being one of the most capital-intensive sectors, has faced setbacks due to contractor disputes, pending payments, and land compensation issues.

While the Rusinga Ring Road in Homa Bay is nearly complete at 98 per cent, many road projects across the region remain between six and 25 per cent complete. Airport upgrades in Kisumu and Kabunde are, however, progressing steadily.

Industrial park development—seen as key to long-term job creation—has recorded mixed progress. The Homa Bay Aggregation and Industrial Park is about 59 per cent complete, while the Siaya project has stalled due to contractor and financing issues.

In the energy sector, last-mile electricity connectivity has been slower than expected, though major transmission projects such as the Sondu line in Kisumu are nearing completion at 94 per cent.

The government also highlighted gains in the Blue Economy, pointing to completed projects such as the Homa Bay Pier and Fish Market, as well as the establishment of the Kisumu Maritime Rescue Centre.

These initiatives are aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Lake Victoria and improving livelihoods in surrounding communities.

Despite the progress, the government acknowledged challenges in financing, contractor performance, and legal disputes, noting that efforts are underway to address bottlenecks and accelerate project completion across the region.