There is progress in developing Nyanza region, official says 

The government has reported notable progress in the implementation of key development projects across the Nyanza region, highlighting gains in housing, water, sanitation and market infrastructure under President William Ruto’s administration.

According to a regional assessment covering Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira counties, housing remains the largest and most impactful sector, creating over 1,000 jobs daily through ongoing construction works.

In Kisumu, the Lumumba Affordable Housing Programme is about 56 per cent complete, with more than 9,000 units under development. Migori’s Mabera project is nearing completion at 98 per cent, while Homa Bay has already completed its housing units.

Siaya and Kisii also have thousands of units underway, although Nyamira continues to lag behind with projects still at early stages.

Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa said the scale of projects reflects a deliberate effort by the Government to bridge infrastructure gaps and uplift underserved communities.

“The figures speak for themselves. We are seeing real transformation in housing, water access, and markets, alongside the growth of the Blue Economy around Lake Victoria,” she said.

The Economic Stimulus Programme markets initiative has emerged as one of the most visible successes, with modern markets equipped with water and electricity nearing completion across Homa Bay, Siaya and Kisii. Kisumu and Migori show moderate progress, while Nyamira again trails with most projects below 20 per cent.

Water and sanitation projects have recorded the strongest performance, with several reaching full completion. The Kendu Bay, Oyugis and Ugunja water projects are already operational, delivering reliable water supply to communities.

The Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation project in Kisumu stands at 85 per cent completion. However, the Soin-Koru Dam project remains stalled due to legal and funding challenges.

In the education sector, the Government is expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) facilities, with Kisumu and Siaya leading in hostel construction.

More than 10,000 student beds are planned or under construction, aimed at strengthening skills development and youth employment.

Transport infrastructure, despite receiving substantial investment, continues to face delays linked to contractor withdrawals and compensation disputes.

The Rusinga Ring Road in Homa Bay is nearly complete at 98 per cent, while airport upgrades in Kisumu and Kabunde are progressing well. However, most road projects across the region remain at early stages.

Industrial park development presents mixed progress. Homa Bay’s Aggregation and Industrial Park leads at around 59 per cent completion, while Siaya’s project has stalled. Kisii and Nyamira have limited industrial park development, prompting a review of financing mechanisms.

Energy connectivity has also lagged behind targets, although major transmission projects such as the Sondu line are nearing completion and are expected to improve electricity stability across the region.

The Government says it will prioritise stalled and slow-moving projects, particularly in Nyamira, as it works to unlock the region’s full economic potential and position Nyanza as a key driver of national growth.