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The government will construct dykes along River Nyando to control perennial flooding caused by heavy rains, ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has said.
Owalo said the government will implement the construction of the dykes as a short-term measure to protect families living downstream River Nyando.
Besides the dykes, he said state will also push for the construction of Koru-Soin multi-purpose dam on the border of Kisumu and Kericho counties as a long term solution.
He spoke during a relief food distribution drive at Nyamasawo Primary School in Ombaka, Nyando subcounty on Thursday.
The CS said the Kenya Kwanza government was committed to address the flooding menace in Kisumu and other parts of the country.
Before the onset of El Nino rains, Owalo said the National Youth Service successfully desilted the river as part of an initiative to tackle floods.
The construction of the dam, he said, will enable the government to control the water flowing downstream and use it to generate electricity, supply portable water and for irrigation to boost food security.
The CS said the government was aware that many families were affected by the floods adding that projects will be expedited to address the flooding menace.
Further, Owalo said the government was committed to exploit Nyanza's potential and income generation.
He urged Nyanza residents to fully support President William Ruto to transform the economy.
“We have people from this region who have been appointed to senior positions in government by the president. This is a clear indication that he is ready and willing to work with us,” Owalo said.
He said Ruto will implement the Nyanza Region Economic Development Blueprint, which covers infrastructure development, water, agriculture and food security.
“The president has already launched several projects in the region among them the Sh3 billion Kabonyo Kanyagwal fish project in Kisumu, which was the first when he took over power,” Owalo said.
He said Ruto will soon go back to the region to launch more development projects targeted at transforming the livelihoods of the community.
“We don’t want to be left behind in development. We shall go with the president everywhere,” Owalo said.
“Our people should rally behind the President. We must be part of the government.'