Ruto pledges equitable development as he concludes Nyanza tour

President William Ruto concluded a four-day working tour of Nyanza on Tuesday with a firm pledge to ensure equitable and inclusive development across the country.

The President regretted that previous regimes had marginalised the Nyanza region, yet it has huge resources that can help transform the lives of residents of the Lake Victoria basin.

Saying all Kenyans are equal and deserve to be served by the government without discrimination, he pointed out that this was the philosophy of his administration from day one.

He said the Lake Victoria basin has vast blue economy resources that can transform the region and improve livelihoods.

President Ruto explained that the government was investing Ksh.9.5 billion to harness the blue economy, including the construction of piers, fish landing sites, aquaculture centres, and rescue boats and centres.

“The exploitation of the blue economy resources will create jobs and improve livelihoods for the residents of the lake region,” he said.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the KSh1 billion Usenge Pier in Bondo Constituency, Siaya County, the President noted that a pier in Homa Bay County had been completed while another was being built at Muhuru Bay in Migori County.

The Usenge Beach Pier, which is being built by Kenya Shipyards Limited, will enhance water transport between Kisumu County and Homa Bay County, while promoting sustainable use of resources in Lake Victoria.

The President also announced that the government will establish a fishermen's rescue centre in Siaya at a cost of Ksh.250 million.

“This centre will be coming to the aid of fisherfolk when accidents happen in the lake,” he said.

Additionally, the government will acquire rescue boats worth Ksh.70 million to support safety on the lake, and invest another KSh70 million in fish cages to boost aquaculture productivity.

“This investment in the blue economy is expected to create more than 10,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for young people,” the President said. “We have taken an important step in expanding maritime infrastructure and unlocking new opportunities in fishing, transport, and regional trade.”

He also explained that 10 landing sites would be built along the shores of Lake Victoria from Busia County to Migori.

Already, construction of the Asat landing site in Seme Constituency, Kisumu County, had begun.

Addressing residents in Sori in Nyatike Constituency, Migori County, where he laid the foundation stone for 748 affordable housing units, the President said a Ksh.200 million modern market would be built in the town to stimulate trade and provide businesses with a conducive working environment.

“We have also secured a private investor to establish a rice mill in Nyatike. It will add value to local produce and support farmers with a ready market,” he said.

President Ruto also inspected ongoing works at Lichota Airstrip in Suna West, Migori, saying it is a strategic investment being upgraded to enhance regional connectivity, including linking the region with neighbouring Tanzania and boosting tourism to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

On the legal issues facing former Cabinet minister Raphael Tuju, President Ruto told opposition leaders to stop seeking cheap popularity over the misery of a fellow citizen.

“Tuju needs honest friends; he needs honest advice on how to solve his problems and no scavengers seeking popularity over problems facing a fellow Kenyan,” the President said.

Meanwhile, the President thanked the residents of Nyanza for their continued support of the Broad-Based Government and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on the development agenda.

Present were Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko and Siaya Governor James Orengo, Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and other MPs.

“Nyanza has been marginalised since independence. We are grateful that President Ruto’s administration is correcting the mess,” Junet Mohamed said.

Governor Ayacko said residents of Nyanza have resolved to support the President for a second term in 2027, adding that he has implemented what Raila Odinga had envisioned for the region and the country.