The famous 9th March handshake finally paid dividends to the great people of Nyanza and especially those from Kisumu County. For a long time now, the region had felt neglected by the National government with many attributing this to the fact that the region never paid allegiance to the National government.
Nyanza has for long been considered an opposition bedrock with opposition leader Raila Odinga being considered the Political god in the region. It therefore does not come as a surprise that the residents from this region follow and listen to all that Mr. Odinga says.
The residents too seem to have embraced the handshake already if the warm reception they accorded to Uhuru and Ruto during Uhuru’s 2 day tour of the region is anything to go by.
Nyanza is set to reap big from President Uhuru Kenyatta’s two-day tour of the region.
The President, who visited the political turf of ODM leader Raila Odinga – Kisumu and Siaya counties – hosted Luo elected leaders at the Kisumu State Lodge on Thursday evening. Raila attended the meeting.
Some leaders said Uhuru’s tour will benefit the region.
The leaders discussed implementation of the budgeted projects, new projects and revival of those that have stalled. Other key issues the head of state stressed on included uniting the country.
Some projects the leaders wanted given priority included the revival of Kisumu Cotton Mills, the sugar and fishing industry, and maritime transport.
Uriri MP Mark Nyamita and his Awendo counterpart Walter Owino said the meeting gave them a platform to dialogue with Uhuru on development projects. “We thank the President for his tour and for launch projects in the region. These projects will go a long way in improving the lives of our people,” Owino said.
The leaders also asked Uhuru to tour Migori and Homa Bay counties to launch projects such as roads.
Nyamita said Uhuru urged leaders and Kenyans to shun divisive, bloodshed and tribal politics, which hurt development.
“The president urged us to continue spreading the spirit of handshake to unite Kenyans,” he said.
Nyamita said the President pledged to look into the sugar sector to make it more productive.
Nyanza region hosts Sony, Miwani, Chemelil and Muhoroni sugar factories. They are state-owned companies. These millers are facing numerous problems, including financial woes and obsolete machines.
On reviving the ailing sugar companies, the President said he is waiting for the sugar task force report to guide on best course of action.
On construction of Muhoroni-Mamboleo C674 road, formerly the C34, which is a key road to Kisumu, Nandi and neighbouring counties, Uhuru said the tender had been awarded.
“We have the outcry of the people using the road. It is going to be constructed with the tender already given out,” the President said.
Should the President engage in more frequent visits of the Nyanza region and Other regions considered to be opposition Strongholds?