In less than a year of embracing a broad-based government approach, Azimio leader Raila Odinga has overseen a wave of tangible development projects in the Luo Nyanza region. The progress, which spans critical infrastructure, housing, water supply, and industrial growth, highlights the strategic gains of inclusive governance and national unity.
Homa Bay County
Homa Bay has witnessed a significant boost in development:
Roads: Upgrading of the Kadel-Ka-nyadhiang and Number Karabok-Adiedo roads to bitumen standards.
Economic Hubs: Construction of a county aggregation and industrial park at Riwa and a modern fish market at Koginga Beach.
Transport & Housing: Rehabilitation of the Homa Bay Pier and the 110-unit Homa Bay Affordable Housing Project.
Public Infrastructure: Construction of a state lodge and renovation of the Raila Odinga Stadium.
Aviation: Ongoing rehabilitation of Kabunde Airstrip.
Siaya County
Siaya County has equally benefitted from large-scale initiatives:
Irrigation: The Sh5 billion Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project, a major agricultural boost.
Housing & Markets: Affordable housing in Alego-Usonga and construction of Obambo Market.
Industrialisation: Construction of the Siaya Industrial Park.
Roads & Water: Upgrading of the Ukwala-Ugunja-Rwambwa road and implementation of the Ugunja-Sega-Ukwala Water Supply and Sanitation Project.
Migori County
Migori County is seeing a mix of sports, infrastructure, and economic development:
Sports: Construction of the Migori Stadium.
Road Infrastructure: Upgrades of Kakrao-Pau Nyuka-Nyangubo and Kanyarwanda-Madiaba-Rapogi roads.
Housing & Markets: 200 affordable housing units and the construction of the Oria Modern Market.
Marine Infrastructure: Ongoing development of a pier at Muhuru.
Kisumu County
Kisumu continues to evolve into a regional economic hub with high-impact projects:
Blue Economy: The Sh2.5 billion Kabonyo Fisheries and Aquaculture Services and Training Centre of Excellence.
Housing: Affordable housing developments in Lumumba and Kanyakwa.
Roads: Completion of Mambo Leo–Riat tarmacking and upgrade of the Chemelil–Muhoroni–Kipsitet road.
Water Security: Installation of two new water pumps at the Ahero and West Kano Irrigation Schemes.
Multipurpose Infrastructure: The Sh19 billion Soin-Koru Multipurpose Dam project.
These ongoing and pledged projects reflect the dividends of political collaboration and the ability to influence national development through negotiation and partnership.
However, the progress has stirred debate across other regions. Citizens from Western Kenya are now questioning the equity in national development, asking, “Where is our 30%?” The sentiment highlights a growing concern over regional disparities, with some feeling sidelined in the national development agenda.
George Natembeya’s vocal push for the Mulembe community’s fair share is viewed by many as a necessary stance. Critics argue that some leaders from the region have grown complacent, prioritising personal gain over collective progress. Natembeya’s advocacy, although contentious, resonates with a growing call for transparency, equity, and balanced development across all regions.
As the country approaches a pivotal phase in governance and political realignment, the focus remains on ensuring that no community is left behind. The question now is whether the rest of Kenya, particularly the under-represented areas, will demand and receive their rightful share of national development.
