By OCHIENG CLINTON: President William Ruto has announced a raft of major infrastructure and economic projects for Siaya County, placing roads, electricity, affordable housing, modern markets, and the blue economy at the center of his development tour in the region.

During his visit, President Ruto outlined several road projects aimed at improving connectivity across the county, alongside billions of shillings in investments targeting electricity access, housing, and economic activities around Lake Victoria.

Among the roads highlighted was the 31.8 kilometer Kalandini–Ka Elija road in Rarieda Constituency, which the President said would receive funding.

He also announced plans to tarmac the 30-kilometer Gagra–Agok road, while the 60-kilometer Sihayi–Bar Ober–Sega road is set to be upgraded at an estimated cost of Sh2.7 billion.

Another major project is the 75-kilometer Kodiaga–Usenge road, for which the government has set aside KSh 4.6 billion to strengthen transport links between local communities and markets.

These projects form part of a wider road development program in Siaya that includes the Kalandini–Lwala–Ka Elija, Kodiaga–Rabango–Ratuoro–Usenge, and Sihayi–Kadongo–Sega–Odiado routes.

President Ruto also highlighted the proposed 500-kilometer Lake Victoria Ring Road, which will connect communities on the Kenyan side of the lake.

Lake Victoria Ring-road

The road will stretch from Busia through Siaya, Kisumu, and Homa Bay before ending at Muhuru Bay in Migori County. Designed to improve access to fishing beaches, markets, and tourism destinations, construction of the long-awaited road is scheduled to commence this year.

On housing, Ruto stated that the national government has invested Sh900 million in affordable housing in Siaya, a project he expects to commission next year.

Additionally, Sh350 million has been allocated for the construction of modern markets to support small businesses. The Head of State also committed to building hostels to accommodate over 10,000 university, college, and TVET students.

Last mile electricity

To boost rural electrification, Ruto announced a Sh2.8 billion investment aimed at connecting Siaya households to the power grid by June 2027.

Furthermore, the President announced a Sh10 billion investment in the blue economy to unlock the potential of Lake Victoria.

This funding will support research and fingerling technology at Kabonyo, alongside the development of four piers, ferry services, and rescue centers.

An additional Sh1.5 billion has been earmarked for nine fish landing sites in Siaya to modernize the fishing sector and ensure local communities benefit more directly from the lake’s resources.

The President’s visit to Siaya is part of a broader development tour across Nyanza, covering Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori. The tour combines project inspections and commissioning with public rallies and political engagements.

Notably, Ruto was accompanied by several leaders associated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as part of the broad-based government arrangement.

Prominent among them were Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and Junet Mohamed, among other leaders.

With billions of shillings committed to these initiatives, focus now shifts to the implementation and timely completion of the announced projects.