This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
Published on October 29, 2019, two feature articles in The Standard highlighted the collapse of businesses around Lake Victoria and along the coastal region, plunging thousands of people into poverty.
These towns, once thriving business hubs, have been reduced to poverty-stricken areas due to circumstances beyond the control of their residents. The tragedy is that our leaders appear oblivious to these events, even as they spend billions of public money on mega-projects that benefit few.
The major problem facing these economies is mismanagement, which can be easily avoided. The collapse of Miwani town, for instance, was caused by the mismanagement of Miwani Sugar Company, leading to its eventual shutdown.
Similarly, the slow and painful death of Asembo town can be traced back to the collapse of the cotton sub-sector, while the refusal by local residents to develop or sell land to investors in Wundanyi town strangled its economy.
Malindi, once a popular destination for Italian tourists, is another example of how prosperity cannot be taken for granted. The local and national leaders are accused of turning a deaf ear to foreign investors' requests to improve roads, waste disposal, and security.
These cautionary tales should serve as a reminder to communities in other parts of the country to take proactive steps to develop their economies and avoid the pitfalls that have led to the downfall of these key towns.
