This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
On August 15, 2019, Trade Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya briefed opposition leader Raila Odinga on the setting up of a Special Economic Zone in Kisumu and the revival of KICOMI and related projects in the region.
The meeting was attended by the CEO of the Special Economic Zones Authority Dr Meshack Kimeu, the acting CEO of the Export Processing Zones Authority George Makateto, and Kisumu Governor Prof Peter Anyang Nyongo.
Raila expressed satisfaction with progress towards setting up the SEZ in Kisumu, including the acquisition of more land and efforts to rope in some of the existing industries to be part of the SEZ.
He also appreciated work on the revival of KICOMI, including efforts to assess its current state and possible sources for funding for both projects.
Raila asked the ministry to fastrack both projects in close collaboration with the county government and local institutions of higher learning.
He further called on the ministry to factor in agricultural activities in addition to industries in setting up the SEZ and the revival of KICOMI.
The meeting came on the day President Uhuru Kenyatta was expected to launch the Ksh 3 billion Kisumu Port, one of the biggest projects initiated in Western Kenya since the March 2018 handshake.
However, the launch was pushed back as the seven-month revamp of the port has only covered 80% of the work.
The initiation of various projects in the lakeside region has sparked protests from allies of Deputy President William Ruto, who accuse Raila of neglecting other parts of Western Kenya.
Since the handshake deal, the national government has also constructed the Koru-Mamboleo Road, an oil jetty, and Kabunde airstrip. Another Ksh 4 billion has also been allocated to the blue economy.
Former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale accused Raila of using his influence to concentrate projects in his Nyanza backyard while ignoring the rest of Western Kenya, citing the failure to revive Mumias Sugar Company.
“Raila no longer values Western where he claims to be the 13th grandson of Wanga King Nabongo Mumia,” Dr Khalwale said.
Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa also criticised the handshake, saying it has only divided the region.
“I was among those who supported the handshake, but I discovered that it was not for unity. When I decided to back the DP, I was expelled from the party,” she said.
