Political and professional leaders from the Gusii and Kuria regions have urged the government to address critical development challenges, including poor infrastructure, youth unemployment, and inadequate healthcare.Meeting in Nairobi on Monday, the leaders held high-level consultations to align their region’s development agenda with the national government’s priorities.
The discussions took place amid the recently announced political pact between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has sparked mixed reactions across the country.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos emphasized the need for strategic collaboration to harness the region’s economic potential. He noted that with a population of over two million, Gusii and Kuria have significant untapped opportunities.
The leaders focused on developing a 2025–2032 regional framework, leveraging expertise from both local and diaspora communities.Recognizing agriculture as a key economic pillar, they called for enhanced value addition and agro-processing for crops such as tea, coffee, sugarcane, avocados, dairy, and bananas to create jobs and drive economic inclusion.
Despite its natural resources, the region faces inadequate road infrastructure, poor healthcare services, and high youth unemployment. South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro emphasized unity across political lines, stating, “We may belong to different parties, but we serve the same people.”
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka distanced himself from the heckling incident that disrupted ODM leader Raila Odinga’s meeting in Kisii on Sunday but criticized National Assembly Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro’s push to rally the Gusii region behind President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.
The leaders also addressed border tensions between Kisii and Narok counties, calling for government intervention to restore peace. They announced that Kisii County will host the 2026 Nyanza International Investment and Development Conference, while a broader leaders’ retreat in April 2025 will refine their development strategies.
