This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
On July 4, 2019, opposition leader Raila Odinga visited the Kisumu port, which is undergoing a Sh3 billion facelift. The visit came days after President Uhuru Kenyatta and Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i made similar visits to the facility.
According to sources, Raila's visit signaled the government's increased interest in development projects in Nyanza since the handshake between President Kenyatta and the ODM leader in March 2018.
The revival of the port after decades of inactivity is expected to stimulate economic growth in the lakeside city and create more work and employment opportunities.
During his visit, Raila declined to speak to the media, stating that the visit was private. However, the presence of the Kenya Navy personnel, Administration Police, NYS, and Prison warders was evident.
Already, the Kenya Navy has repaired MV Uhuru, which had stalled for many years.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila have made discreet visits to the port on two occasions to inspect the ongoing works, with the President demanding speedy completion of the rehabilitation.
