President William Ruto concluded the four-day development tour of the Nyanza region on Tuesday, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to “equitable and inclusive development” and a definitive break from what he termed decades of regional marginalization.

The final day was dominated by a multi-billion shilling “Blue Economy” blueprint designed to transform the Lake Victoria basin into a continental maritime hub.

Addressing residents at the groundbreaking of the Sh 1billion Usenge Pier in Bondo, the President detailed a Sh 9.5billion investment strategy.

This includes the construction of piers, modern fish landing sites, and aquaculture centers across Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties.

“The exploitation of blue economy resources will create more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs for our youth,” the President stated. “We are taking a decisive step to unlock new opportunities in fishing, transport, and regional trade.”

Key announcements from the Siaya and Migori circuit included:Fishermen Rescue Centre (Siaya): A Sh 250million facility to improve safety on the lake, Rescue Equipment valued at Sh 70million for modern rescue boats and an additional Sh 70million for commercial fish cages.

The completion of the Homa Bay Pier and ongoing works at Muhuru Bay (Migori) and Usenge (Siaya).

In Sori, Nyatike Constituency, the President laid the foundation stone for 748 affordable housing units and pledged a Sh 200 million modern market for the town. He also revealed that a private investor has been secured to establish a local rice mill to support Nyatike farmers.

Further south, the President inspected the Lichota Airstrip in Suna West, the facility is being upgraded to enhance regional connectivity with Tanzania and to boost the tourism circuit between Lake Victoria and the Masai Mara National Reserve.

The tour took a sharp political turn when the President addressed the recent legal and personal tribulations of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju.

President Ruto criticized opposition leaders for what he described as exploiting Tuju’s situation for political gain.

“Tuju needs honest friends and honest advice on how to solve his problems,” the President said. “He does not need scavengers seeking popularity over the misfortunes of a fellow Kenyan.”

The tour’s conclusion saw a significant show of unity from local leadership.

Despite the traditional opposition stronghold, Governors Ochilo Ayacko (Migori) and James Orengo (Siaya), alongside National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, commended the President for the targeted investments.

“Nyanza has been marginalized since independence. We are grateful that this administration is correcting that history,” said Junet Mohammed.

Governor Ayacko went further, suggesting that the President has implemented the very vision ODM leader Raila Odinga once held for the region.