Preparations for the Nyanza International Investment Conference are in top gear as the region gears up to host local and international investors.
Scheduled to take place from February 6 to 8, the conference is anticipated to be a landmark event for the lake region.
Themed, ‘Nyanza Rising Towards Economic Transformation for Socio Economic Growth and Development’, the summit aims to turn existing challenges into viable opportunities for private sector investment.
The event will feature a mix of commercial and development projects that promise significant benefits for local communities, county governments and national progress.
It will bring together government officials, business leaders, academics, local communities and international organisations.
Eliud Owalo, the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President and event patron, led a delegation in a site inspection to assess the region’s readiness for the conference.
The event will bridge the gap between national and county governments and the private sector, Owalo noted, which has often been underutilised in regional development.
“Traditionally, development has largely been left to the national and county governments,” Owalo said, adding that Nyanza has unique comparative advantages that can be harnessed by the private sector to drive growth and create opportunities.
He also highlighted the extensive outreach efforts that have been made, including meetings with 28 ambassadors who have helped mobilise international investors from countries such as Korea, India and Turkey.
In terms of inclusivity, Owalo said representatives from all 14 counties within the Lake Region Economic Block will be in attendance, including governors and Members of Parliament.
Key stakeholders had been involved in the planning process in order to ensure the conference reflected the interests and needs of the entire region, he said.
The conference will not only serve as a platform for discussions but also for tangible deal-making. Professional groups, including the Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Medical Association, have been engaged to ensure broad participation from across the country.
Legal professionals will be on-site to facilitate the signing of agreements, ensuring that investments are quickly put into action.
Owalo emphasised that the conference is not just a “talk show” but a practical, results-oriented event designed to drive sustainable economic growth.
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron expressed his excitement about the event, saying it would stimulate business activity.
“This is the first time Nyanza has hosted an investment conference of this magnitude and it’s an event that will open the region to new opportunities,” he said.
Oron added that the hospitality, transport and retail sectors will see a major boost and look forward to hosting the guests.
Victor Nyagaya, CEO of LREB, stressed the significance of the event, saying they want the benefits to reach “every corner of the region, from Nandi to Busia”. “This is a historic opportunity to come together and focus on economic growth, regardless of political or tribal affiliations,” Nyagaya said.
President William Ruto will officially open the meeting on February 7, with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also expected to attend.
The conference will primarily focus on unlocking opportunities that will drive economic growth and transformation and is poised to have a lasting impact on Nyanza’s economic development.
With the backing and participation of 14 governors, the event
creates a platform for dialogue and
collaboration to showcase diverse investment opportunities to potential
stakeholders, all working toward the
shared goal of unlocking Nyanza’s
full economic potential.