Kisumu: Two Principal Secretaries have praised the Government for its efforts in advancing development projects in Luo Nyanza, an area they noted has been historically underserved in terms of development.
According to Kenya News Agency, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Fredrick Ouma Oluga highlighted the Government’s significant investment in the health sector, particularly the ongoing construction of a new Kisumu County Referral Hospital, with an allocation of Sh1.7 billion. This investment aims to enhance healthcare delivery and ensure residents under the Social Health Authority (SHA) can access services without financial strain. Dr. Oluga emphasized that SHA registration in Kisumu has reached 75%, with continued collaboration with the county government to expand coverage.
Dr. Oluga also mentioned the Sh4 billion investment in Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), which has saved the county Sh1.6 billion. These funds can now be redirected to hiring more health workers and developing additional hospitals. These initiatives were underscored during a women empowerment event attended by First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, founder of the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO).
JOYWO, since its founding in 2009, has been pivotal in promoting financial inclusion among women through table banking. It facilitates savings groups that allow women to pool resources, access credit, and invest in income-generating activities. Dr. Oluga also discussed the extension of the railway to Kisumu and youth-targeted programs. The Nyota programme, for instance, has benefited 8,800 young people in Kisumu County through business support and training.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Children Services, Ms. Carren Achieng’ Ageng’o, lauded First Lady Rachel Ruto for bringing the Government’s women empowerment agenda to grassroots levels via JOYWO. Ageng’o acknowledged JOYWO’s role in advancing the commitments of the Kenya Kwanza Women’s Charter, signed by then-presidential candidate William Ruto in June 2022. The Charter aims to economically empower women through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) Model, promising increased access to affordable financing and opportunities for women-owned enterprises.
Ageng’o highlighted ongoing Government projects in Kisumu, including the construction of Kisian and Holo markets to provide women traders with modern business spaces. She also pointed out affordable housing initiatives, ICT hubs, and road construction projects, all aimed at creating employment and improving infrastructure.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili emphasized the importance of collaboration between national and county governments to ensure the success of development programs. Dr. Owili expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for his frequent visits and commitment to launching transformative projects in Kisumu.
The development projects outlined by the Principal Secretaries are part of the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which aims to drive economic growth by expanding opportunities for ordinary Kenyans. In Luo Nyanza, this agenda is realized through diverse projects targeting improved public services and economic opportunities, particularly for women and youth.
