Kisumu, a city that was marred with endless protests against President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election in 2017, has kept on treating him to a rapturous welcome ever since the March 2018 handshake with his former political nemesis, Raila Odinga.
The two pledged to cement the unity of purpose and crystallize the reconciliation of their one-time warring political factions.
So far, the region has enjoyed the rewards of the union, with nearly 15 mega projects launched to the benefit of over 3 million residents.
Nakuru-Kisumu Railway
The latest among those to be commissioned is the Ksh3.6 billion Nakuru-Kisumu railway line implemented by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Cargo being handled by Kisumu Port has doubled in the last year to 30,000 tonnes, according to KPA documents. The increased cargo, according to KPA, finds its way to markets through the rail.
New Ultra-Modern Kisumu Railway Station
The President also commissioned the new ultra-modern Kisumu Railway Station located on Busia Road next to Kisumu Cotton Mills (KICOMI).
“Because of this rail, the cost of travelling from Mombasa to Kisumu will reduce. Also, the cost of transporting goods from Mombasa to Kisumu will reduce and that is of benefit to the people,” Uhuru said while commissioning the project on Monday, August 1.
Ksh1.6 Billion Road Circuit and Siaya-Bondo Water Projects
In May 2021, Uhuru opened the Ksh1.6 billion Kodiaga-Wagai-Onyirore/Akala, and Nyangweso-Muhanda road circuit. This was followed by the Ksh2.4 billion Siaya-Bondo water supply and sanitation project.
Kenya Marine Fisheries Project
He also unveiled the Ksh10 billion Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development Project in 2019.
“All these projects you are seeing us commissioning are as a result of peace and unity, and I won't stop appreciating my brother because of the handshake," said Uhuru while in Kisumu in 2021.
The marine fisheries project was supported by the World Bank to create over 60,000 new jobs in the fishing sector over the next decade and will benefit 19 sub-counties in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu counties.
Other Key Projects
Uhuru also commissioned the refurbishment of Kisumu Port which cost taxpayers Ksh3 billion in 2019, the 30,000-capacity Jomo Kenyatta Stadium worth Ksh.380.7 million, Uhuru Business Park (Ksh600 million), Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex (Ksh350 million), 400kv Olkaria-Lessos-Kisumu transmission line (Ksh16 billion), and the Kibos Inland Container Depot.
The 400kv Olkaria-Lessos-Kisumu transmission line project was also financed by the government of Kenya and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Nyanza is also benefiting from the Ksh.655.9 million Ahero Interchange linking Kisumu to Kericho and Kisii counties which were commissioned in 2018.
This was followed by the Kisumu- Kakamega Highway.
