Counties from five riparian counties have resolved to constitute and operationalize a technical sub-committee on Lakefront planning and development.
The Counties are Kisumu, Homabay, Busia, Siaya and Migori.
The governors led by Kisumu's Anyang Nyong'o, Homabay's Gladys Wanga and the deputy governor of Migori Joseph Mahiri held a joint consultative meeting in Kisumu on the lakefront development initiative and agreed to kickstart the process.
While addressing the media in Kisumu on behalf of the others, Governor Nyongo said they have all agreed that there is a need to develop a joint lakefront initiative aimed at promoting sustainable use of the lakefront.
He noted that this is targeting the water resources, the riparian areas and people whose livelihood depends on Lake Victoria, particularly the urban areas including beach settlements.
Nyong'o said that the lakefront has high potential and immense resources that need to be utilized by the counties surrounding Lake Victoria.
"The lakefront has the high potential not only in maritime transport, ship and boat making but also for fishing and on land development of resources such as tourism which will bring tremendous resources to our counties," he said.
He added:
"Am happy that Governor Wanga on her first week embarked on a very courageous initiative to begin the process of developing the counties, the same as also been witnessed in Migori."
Nyong'o noted that this comes at a time when they as a region are ready to ensure that their people get tremendous benefit from devolution which is entering 2nd decade.
On the other hand, Wanga noted that they were committed to the course adding that may their unity as a region be their strength.
She said they ha e already hit the road running on the matter and will involve various stakeholders moving forward including the county assemblies.
"We are also here in Kisumu on a learning mission. We know the county has also done much on regeneration of the waterfront, a lot has been done."