Kisumu City Board launched a Sh250 million urban renewal project in March 2019, funded by the World Bank, to address aging drainage infrastructure and enhance tourism development along Lake Victoria. The initiative targets modernization of Kenyatta Avenue, Oginga Odinga Street, and Ang’awa Street as part of a broader effort to reorganize the city's lakefront areas.
Board manager Doris Ombara confirmed the funding followed negotiations led by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, with resources allocated for replacing damaged infrastructure, constructing pedestrian walkways, and installing sanitation facilities. She emphasized the drainage system's inability to support Kisumu's current population of over one million, compared to its 1950s design for under 50,000 residents.
The project, dubbed "CBD Triangle," includes clearing rivers Nyamasaria and Auji ahead of the rainy season to prevent flooding that disproportionately affects informal settlements. Deputy chairperson Peris Ocholla noted 60% of residents in areas like Manyatta and Nyalenda live on waterways, with authorities warning that encroachment on critical sites like the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground would face relocation efforts.
Ombara stated no individuals would be exempt from the redevelopment, citing the need to prioritize community welfare. The initiative aligns with national goals to revitalize Lake Victoria's blue economy, with work expected to begin after contractor selection in late February 2019.
