President William Ruto wound up his whirlwind tour in the Nyanza region by meeting political leaders drawn from the region, a backyard of his political archrival Raila Odinga.
The leaders met in Kisumu on Saturday, January 14, to discuss a wide range of key socio-economic issues bedeviling the lake region.
The leaders reportedly agreed on five deals with the head of state, who was making his second trip to Odinga's backyard since he was sworn in as President.
On top of the agenda, the leaders asked the President to see the completion of stalled Kisumu-Kakamega-Mamboleo-Miwani road project.
They proposed that the completion of the stalled project would boost the economy of the region since it would enable trade with neighboring counties.
Ahero Bypass which is under construction was also another infrastructure project proposed by the leaders. They urged the president to intervene to hasten its completion.
The leaders also implored Ruto, who received a cordial welcome, to resuscitate the manufacturing industry of the region.
This includes investing in rice farming projects as well as revamping the ailing sugar industry by reviving state-owned sugar mills.
Koru Soin multipurpose dam was also listed as one of the key projects that the region could benefit and the President agreed to see to its completion.
Lastly, the leaders noted that there were increasing cases of insecurity in the region and requested for national government intervention.
While agreeing on the proposed development deals, Ruto urged Nyanza leaders to cordially work with the national government for the benefit of the electorate.
Leaders who attended the meeting were led by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong'o and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
Members of Parliament present included; Jared Okello (Nyando), Shakeel Shabbir (Kisumu East), Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Onyango Koyoo (Muhoroni), and James Nyikal (Seme).
