Nyanza Region Sees Infrastructure Boom Under Ruto-Raila Alliance

The Nyanza region is experiencing a surge in infrastructural development under President William Ruto's administration, signaling a new era of economic transformation for a region historically underserved.

This initiative follows a strengthened political alliance with ODM leader Raila Odinga, paving the way for collaborative efforts to address long-standing disparities. A key achievement in this development push is the completion and operationalization of the Ugunja Water Treatment Plant in Siaya County. According to Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, the facility can supply clean and safe water to approximately 8,000 households in Ugunja and surrounding areas.

The plant's intake system has an 8,400 cubic meter treatment capacity, designed to ensure a consistent supply of purified water for local residents. Additionally, the plant serves as a training center for students from various educational institutions, including Bondo and Rarieda Technical Institutes, Maseno University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, and KIWASI.
Students receive practical training in water treatment and management, equipping them with skills for future employment.

Parallel to water infrastructure advancements, the government is actively pursuing affordable housing projects across Nyanza. Construction is underway in Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay, with significant progress visible in Kisumu's skyline. In Alego Usonga, a project aims to construct 882 housing units within 18 months. Dr. Omollo reports that work on four blocks has reached the first-floor slab stage, with 230 workers currently employed on the site.

Further underscoring the government's commitment to Nyanza, a recent cabinet meeting chaired by President Ruto approved additional projects aimed at enhancing governance, service delivery, and workforce productivity. Notably, the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu has been elevated to a national teaching and referral facility and established as a state corporation.

This upgrade is intended to significantly enhance healthcare services in the region. Moreover, the Siaya Institute of Technology has been upgraded to a national polytechnic. Established in 1987, the institution has been providing training in agriculture, applied technology, and business. With modern facilities, including an ICT laboratory, classrooms, and workshops, the polytechnic is equipped to accommodate the growing number of students seeking quality education.