Nyanza counties explore common investment plan

Homa Bay, Siaya and Kisumu counties are discussing a joint investment strategy hinged on Lake Victoria and the Kisumu International Airport.

Incoming county governors Cornel Rasanga, Cyprian Awiti and Jack Ranguma plan to maximise use of the region’s resources to create wealth and reduce dependency on the central government.

“We intend to join hands with Siaya and Homa Bay counties in managing shared resources in a complementary arrangement,” said Mr Ranguma.
The Commission on Revenue Allocation has earmarked Sh4.6 billion for Kisumu, Sh4.7 billion for Homa Bay and Sh3.9 billion for Siaya.

“The strengths of Kisumu County lie in the natural resources as agricultural land, fisheries, Lake Victoria and tourist attractions. These shall be utilised to enhance revenue generation,” said Mr Ranguma.

Mr Rasanga said the collaboration would be under a provision in the County Government Act that allows counties to work together.

“Counties are allowed to form corporate bodies, therefore we will come together to manage the resource,” Mr Rasanga said.

He said the county would rely on revenue streams that kept local authorities running until the County Assembly legislates other sources. Homa Bay County is looking to diversify its income sources to agriculture following the depletion of fish stocks in Lake Victoria.

“The county has a very high potential for agricultural production and already we have set up plans to implement the Oluch Kimira Irrigation project covering more than 3,000 acres to reduce dependence on Lake Victoria,” said Mr Awiti.

Revival of agriculture will also help the counties increase their food production and cushion traders from supply hitches. For instance, most suppliers from central and Rift Valley regions and others from Uganda have failed to transport goods to markets in Nyanza, fearing the risk of violence after the outcome of the recently concluded General Election.

This has pushed prices for basic foodstuffs including tomatoes, cabbages and potatoes up, goods mainly sourced from far markets.

Mr Awiti also said the three counties will form a tourist circuit covering Ruma National Park, Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, Rusinga and Mfangano Islands, Kanjera archaeological site, Volcanic Lake Simbi Nyaima in Karachuonyo, Mt Homa, Lake Kanyaboli and Kit Mikayi with revenues being shared equally.

They would also look at value addition in industries like fishing and invest in transportation across Lake Victoria to Uganda and Tanzania.

“We are looking forward to the restoration of the transport system of Lake Victoria starting with the replacement of the Mbita causeway and restoration of dead piers,” said Mr Awiti.

Maseno University economics lecturer Philip Adoyo said the counties stand a better chance of creating jobs through expanding opportunities and value addition.

The governors said a number of investors had expressed interest in setting up shop in the major towns of the three counties.

Kisumu has seen increased investment in real estate where apartments and shopping malls are expected to attract support services to the region.