President William Ruto’s March 2026 tour of the Nyanza region has set the stage for a wave of infrastructure, housing, and blue economy projects that the government says will transform the region into a key economic hub.
The four-day tour across Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori counties saw the launch and commissioning of multiple high-impact projects, with the Head of State expressing confidence that the investments will unlock growth and deepen regional trade.
Speaking during the launch of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension, Ruto linked the new developments to the region’s historical foundations, stating, “The Kenya-Uganda Railway… profoundly shaped the geography and economic trajectory of our region.”
Infrastructure projects to drive regional connectivity
At the centre of the development push is the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR extension, launched at Kibos in Kisumu County. The railway is expected to significantly improve the movement of goods from the Port of Mombasa through western Kenya and into neighbouring countries.
Ruto said the modern railway is designed to replicate and surpass the impact of the old colonial line, adding, “By catalyzing trade and unlocking economic potential, the railway determined which centres flourished into vibrant metropolises.”
The President expressed optimism that the new SGR line will create similar economic corridors, noting that, “As we launch the Kisumu-Malaba section of the SGR… we are confident that this modern infrastructure will replicate and surpass that legacy by igniting new growth corridors.”
Beyond the railway, the government commissioned and inspected several road projects aimed at improving mobility and access. These include the Rusinga Island Ring Road in Homa Bay, the Adiedo–Karabok road, and the Mamboleo–Chemelil–Kipsitet road.
The Rusinga Island project, in particular, is expected to boost tourism and trade around Lake Victoria, opening up previously underserved areas.
Housing and urban development initiatives
The tour also highlighted the government’s affordable housing agenda, with several projects launched to address the growing demand for decent housing.
In Siaya County, Ruto presided over the launch of the Yala Affordable Housing Project, while ongoing developments in Kisumu, including Lumumba and Makasembo estates, are set to deliver thousands of housing units.
The projects form part of a broader plan to provide over 10,000 units in the region, while also creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
Modern markets were also a key feature of the development plan. In Homa Bay, the President commissioned a modern fish market capable of accommodating more than 400 traders, while in Migori, the foundation stone for the Mabera Modern Market was laid.
These investments are expected to improve trading conditions and support value addition, particularly in agriculture and fisheries.
Blue economy and utilities expansion
A major pillar of the tour was the blue economy, with the government seeking to maximize the economic potential of Lake Victoria.
In Siaya County, Ruto broke ground for the Usenge Pier, a project aimed at improving water transport and enhancing trade within the lake region. The development is expected to benefit fishing communities and boost regional commerce.
The President emphasized the importance of expanding regional linkages beyond Kenya, stating, “The planned extension of the SGR from Uganda to DR Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi and beyond will further unlock regional opportunities.”
He added that such connectivity would stimulate economic activity and deepen integration across East Africa.
Water and energy projects were also commissioned, including the Kegonga Water Project in Migori and the Kisii Town Water Supply and Kegati Water Treatment Plant, which will increase access to clean water.
In the energy sector, the Sondu–Homa Bay–Awendo electricity transmission line was launched to improve power reliability, a move expected to support businesses and industrial growth.
Investments in education and healthcare
The government also rolled out initiatives aimed at strengthening social infrastructure. In Kisii County, the President opened the Kisii National Polytechnic Digital Empowerment Centre, targeting youth skills development in the digital economy.
At the same time, the foundation for new hostels at Rongo University was laid, signalling efforts to expand access to higher education.
Healthcare infrastructure also received attention, with Ruto inspecting construction works at Kegonga Level Four Hospital and Pinowatch Level Three Hospital, projects expected to improve access to medical services in the region.
A vision for economic transformation
The developments unveiled during the Nyanza tour reflect a broader strategy to integrate the region into national and regional economic systems.
Ruto maintained that infrastructure remains central to economic transformation, reiterating that strategic investments would position Nyanza as a competitive economic zone.
“With more connectivity and expanded infrastructure, we are opening up this region to opportunity, investment and growth,” he said during one of the stops.
As the projects move into implementation, their success will depend on sustained funding and efficient execution. However, the scale of the initiatives signals a significant shift in development focus, with Nyanza poised to play a larger role in Kenya’s economic future.
