Come invest in Kisumu, Nyong'o urges investors

By Peter Ochieng

Kisumu governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o is urging investors to invest in the Lakeside county, owing to what he says is its unique position in supporting growth and innovation.

Speaking during the inaugural Business Ecosystem Summit (BES) at a Kisumu hotel on Friday, Nyong'o said some of the areas ripe for investment in Kisumu are food production, industrialization, tourism, technology, sports and talent development, renewable energy and social investment.

"My county is uniquely placed to support growth and innovation for business within the borders by providing efficient and transparent processes that are important in any vibrant business ecosystem,” he said.

The second term county boss said his administration is consistent on a journey of reform, to eliminate the bureaucratic hurdles that have often stifled entrepreneurial growth.

"Our efforts are yielding a streamlined process that will make it more significantly easier for entrepreneurs to register and do business within Kisumu,” said Nyong’o.

He however noted that county governments are grappling with strained budgets, adding that public-private partnership is the way to go in terms of scaling up economic transformation.

The Summit brought together a host of governors from the 14 Lake Region Economic Block (LREB) counties, investment partners and players in the business world, aimed at unlocking the potential of collaborative networks.

"As leaders within the Lake Region Economic Bloc, we are committed to nurturing an environment where public and private entities can co-create solutions and leverage each other's strengths and ultimately drive holistic growth,” Nyong’o added.

Nyong'o, who is the LREB chair, invited participants to the upcoming Kisumu Economic Forum, set for 22nd and 23rd November, 2023.

"As governors from the Lake region, we are exploring strategic ways of forging partnerships to unlock the full potential of our businesses,” said Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka, who doubles up as LREB vice chair.

In attendance were governors James Orengo (Siaya) Wilbur Otichilo (Vihiga) Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira) and Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Philomena Kapkory.

Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Bomet, Kericho, Nandi, Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia are the 14 counties that make up LREB.