Govt Reports Major Progress in Nyanza Development Projects Across Key Sectors

The government has reported significant progress in development projects across the Nyanza region, citing major gains in housing, water, markets, and other strategic sectors under President William Ruto’s administration.

In a statement on March 21, 2026, the government noted that ongoing projects in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira counties show “significant and sustained progress” across eight priority sectors aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic transformation.

Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa said the scale of implementation reflects a deliberate effort by the government to bridge the infrastructure gap between urban centres and underserved communities.

“The figures speak for themselves – thousands of homes under construction, markets that now provide clean water and electricity to traders, water projects delivering 100 per cent completion in communities that have waited for decades, and a Blue Economy agenda that is turning Lake Victoria’s potential into real livelihoods,” she said.

Housing has emerged as the largest investment sector in the region, generating more than 1,000 jobs daily. In Kisumu, the Lumumba Affordable Housing Programme is about 56 per cent complete, with more than 9,000 units under construction. Migori’s Mabera project is at 98 per cent completion, while Homa Bay has already achieved full completion. Siaya has 3,832 units in progress, and Kisii has 2,116 units at various stages. Nyamira, however, lags behind, with projects at between two and four per cent completion and has been flagged for urgent intervention.

The Economic Stimulus Programme markets initiative has been identified as a major success at the grassroots level, delivering trading spaces alongside water and electricity connections. Homa Bay’s markets are between 70 and 98 per cent complete, while Siaya’s are nearing completion at 88 to 95 per cent. Kisii’s markets stand at between 85 and 93 per cent, while Kisumu shows mixed progress due to phased rollout. Migori’s markets range between 40 and 88 per cent, with Nyamira again trailing below 20 per cent.

In the education sector, the programme focuses on skills development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and student hostels. Kisumu and Siaya are leading, with more than 10,000 student beds planned or under construction. Homa Bay is also recording strong expansion, while Migori has multiple hostel projects underway. Kisii and Nyamira remain in early stages and are expected to be prioritized in the next phase.

Water and sanitation projects have recorded the strongest performance, with immediate impact on communities. The Kendu Bay and Oyugis water projects in Homa Bay, as well as the Ugunja project in Siaya, are fully complete and operational. The Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation project in Kisumu is at 85 per cent, while the Soin-Koru Dam project remains stalled due to court cases and funding constraints.

Transport projects, though among the most capital-intensive, have faced setbacks due to contractor challenges, unpaid bills and land compensation disputes. The Rusinga Ring Road in Homa Bay is nearing completion at 98 per cent, while airport projects in Kisumu and Kabunde are between 85 and 98 per cent complete. However, most road projects in Kisumu, Homa Bay and Siaya remain at between six and 25 per cent progress.

Industrial park development, considered key to long-term economic growth, is progressing unevenly. The Homa Bay County Aggregation and Industrial Park is about 59 per cent complete, while the Siaya facility has stalled due to contractor failure and financing gaps. Kisii and Nyamira have limited development in this sector, prompting a government review of financing models.

In the energy sector, last-mile connectivity has been slower than expected, although major transmission infrastructure is advancing. The Sondu Transmission Line in Kisumu is at 94 per cent completion, expected to boost electricity stability across the region. Market lighting projects are ongoing but remain between two and 50 per cent complete.

The government also highlighted progress in the Blue Economy, describing it as a key driver of regional growth anchored on Lake Victoria. The Homa Bay Pier and Fish Market are fully operational, supporting livelihoods in fishing communities, while fisheries centres and the Kisumu Maritime Rescue Centre are also advancing.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating development across the region, positioning Nyanza as a key hub for economic transformation and inclusive growth.

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