The government has reported significant progress in its development programme across the Nyanza region, citing gains in key sectors including housing, water and sanitation, and market infrastructure.
In a press statement issued on March 21, 2026, the administration of President William Ruto said ongoing projects across Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira counties show sustained advancement in eight strategic sectors, despite challenges affecting transport and industrial development.
The update, released by the office of the Nyanza Regional Commissioner, highlights what officials describe as a coordinated effort to address infrastructure gaps and stimulate economic growth in historically underserved areas.
According to the statement, housing has emerged as the largest area of investment and a major source of employment in the region. More than 1,000 jobs are being generated daily from active construction sites.
The Lumumba Affordable Housing Programme in Kisumu is reported to be 56 per cent complete, with over 9,000 housing units under construction.
In Migori, the Mabera Affordable Housing Programme has reached 98 per cent completion, while Homa Bay’s housing programme is already complete. Siaya and Kisii counties have thousands of units at various stages of construction, while Nyamira has been identified for accelerated implementation due to slower progress.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa said the scale of projects reflects a deliberate strategy to expand access to infrastructure and economic opportunities.
“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.
Market infrastructure under the Economic Stimulus Programme is described as one of the most visible interventions at the grassroots level.
The projects are providing trading spaces alongside water and electricity connections. Homa Bay, Siaya and Kisii counties are reporting high completion rates, with several markets nearing handover.
Kisumu’s projects are progressing in phases, while Migori shows moderate progress. Nyamira again trails, with most projects below 20 per cent completion. In the education sector, the programme is focused on expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training facilities and student accommodation.
Kisumu and Siaya are leading in hostel development, with more than 10,000 student beds planned or under construction. Homa Bay is recording expansion in training institutions, while Migori has multiple hostel projects underway. Kisii and Nyamira are still in early implementation stages. Water and sanitation projects are identified as the best-performing sector, with several initiatives already completed and operational.
The Kendu Bay and Oyugis water projects in Homa Bay, as well as the Ugunja Water Project in Siaya, have reached full completion. The Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation project in Kisumu is at 85 per cent.
However, the Soin-Koru Dam project remains stalled due to court cases and funding constraints. Transport infrastructure, while representing one of the largest financial investments, has faced setbacks linked to contractor payments, site withdrawals and land compensation disputes.
The Rusinga Ring Road in Homa Bay is near completion at 98 per cent, and airport projects in Kisumu and Kabunde are also at advanced stages.
Most road projects across the region, however, remain between six and 25 per cent complete, with the government indicating it is engaging contractors and addressing pending bills. Industrial park development 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 and financing challenges. Kisii and Nyamira have limited development in this sector, with financing models under review. Energy projects show mixed progress.
The Sondu Transmission Line in Kisumu is nearing completion at 94 per cent and is expected to improve electricity stability in the region. Last-mile connectivity projects, including market lighting, are advancing more slowly but are expected to accelerate alongside related infrastructure.
The statement also highlights progress in the Blue Economy sector, which officials describe as central to the region’s long-term growth.
The Homa Bay Pier and Fish Market are fully operational, supporting fishing communities.
Additional fisheries centres are under development, and the Kisumu Maritime Rescue Centre has been established to enhance safety on Lake Victoria.
The government said it will continue to address implementation challenges while expanding investment to sustain momentum across the region’s development programme.
