Kisumu County Assembly Speaker Elisha Oraro takes the governor, Anyang' Nyong'o, through the designs of the ultra-modern assembly during its inspection on July 1 2026./ Faith Matete
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong'o, County Assembly Speaker Elisha Oraro, and Clerk Owen Ojuok during the inspection of the ultra-modern assembly in Kisumu on July 1, 2026./ Faith Matete
Kisumu will soon have a modern county assembly complex with the construction of the Sh524 million facility in its final phase.
Officials said the project is expected to be completed and officially opened in September.
The ultra-modern complex, which is about 80 per cent done, is among the flagship projects jointly pursued by the Kisumu County Assembly and the executive.
County assembly speaker Elisha Oraro said the remaining works include equipping the assembly chamber, installing lifts and completing interior fittings before the building is handed over for use.
"This is a legacy project for both the governor and me, and it is being fully funded by the County Government of Kisumu," Oraro said.
County assemblies do not receive development funds directly, with such funding managed by the county executive, making close collaboration between the two arms of government essential in delivering the project.
Oraro said equipment for the assembly chamber is expected to be delivered in two weeks' time while the lifts, which have been ordered from India, are scheduled to arrive in early August.
"The remaining works involve equipping the chamber, installing the lifts, painting and other finishing works, which can be completed within a short time," he said.
Designed to serve both legislative and public needs, the complex will house the assembly chamber, offices for MCAs and staff, a restaurant with a seating capacity of about 100 people, and a multipurpose hall that can accommodate up to 300 people.
The building also includes space for a wellness hub comprising a gym, aerobics room and sauna. However, Oraro said the facilities may be equipped at a later stage because of budgetary constraints.
To enhance safety and operational efficiency, the complex has been fitted with two standby generators, a three-phase power transformer, smoke detectors, fire detection systems, emergency water pumps and about 12 fire hydrants installed around the premises.
It also provides parking for approximately 100 vehicles and has separate entrances for MCAs and VIPs, as well as members of the public, with dedicated access to the public gallery.
Governor Anyang' Nyong'o praised the progress of the project, describing it as one of the county's major achievements.
"The project is progressing very well. Looking at a building of this standard, I must say we are very proud of it. The time within which it has been constructed is commendable," Nyong'o said.
He commended the speaker, the project team and the contractor for keeping the works on schedule, noting that delays remain a common challenge in public construction projects.
"One of the biggest problems we have is contractors who start projects but fail to complete them before moving to other assignments. That has not happened here," he said.
The governor expressed confidence that the facility will be officially opened in September before the end of his tenure, describing it as one of his administration's legacy projects.
County officials say the investment is intended to provide a modern legislative complex that will improve service delivery, enhance public participation and offer a conducive working environment for MCAs, staff and members of the public.
Instant analysis
The near completion of the Kisumu County Assembly complex marks a significant investment in county governance and public service infrastructure. Beyond providing modern offices and legislative facilities, the project is designed to improve public participation by creating a more accessible and functional environment for residents engaging with the Assembly. The collaboration between the County Executive and the Assembly also highlights the importance of intergovernmental cooperation in delivering major development projects, particularly where funding responsibilities are shared. If completed on schedule, the facility will stand as one of the county's largest public infrastructure investments and a lasting institutional legacy for the current administration.
