Nyanza is gearing up for a transformative event as it prepares to host the Nyanza International Investment Conference from February 6 to 8. This highly anticipated summit is expected to play a crucial role in driving economic growth in the region, with a focus on unlocking investment opportunities that will benefit local communities, county governments, and national progress.
Themed ‘Nyanza Rising Towards Economic Transformation for Socio-Economic Growth and Development,’ the conference will showcase a diverse range of commercial and development projects that promise to create lasting impacts. The event aims to leverage the region’s unique comparative advantages, turning existing challenges into viable opportunities for private sector investment. It is an effort to bridge the gap between national and county governments and the private sector, a relationship that has often been underutilized in regional development.
Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, who is the event patron, emphasized the importance of this summit in fostering collaboration. “Traditionally, development has largely been left to national and county governments,” Owalo noted. “Nyanza has untapped potential that the private sector can harness to drive growth and create opportunities.” The region has made extensive efforts to mobilize international investors, with meetings held with ambassadors from Korea, India, and Turkey to boost global participation.
The event will bring together a mix of government officials, business leaders, academics, and local communities, fostering a dynamic dialogue on the region’s growth prospects. Representatives from all 14 counties within the Lake Region Economic Block (LREB), including governors and MPs, will be present to ensure that the conference reflects the region’s collective interests. The summit will also feature the Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Medical Association, ensuring broad participation and facilitating agreements that will enable immediate implementation of investment deals.
Kisumu Central MP, Joshua Oron, expressed enthusiasm for the event, noting its potential to stimulate business activity across various sectors, including hospitality, transport, and retail. The conference is seen as a historic opportunity for Nyanza to showcase its economic potential and attract investors from across the globe.
President William Ruto will officially open the conference on February 7, with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also expected to attend. This event marks a significant milestone for Nyanza as it seeks to unlock its full economic potential through collaboration and strategic investment.
