Governor Ranguma: Investors key to economic growth

Kisumu has launched its operations as empowered by the County Government Act.

In an interview with Nation.co.ke, Governor Jackton Ranguma said a comprehensive plan is the only key to attracting foreign investment to spur growth.

“The plan for Kisumu was drawn in 1953 and we realise it is not yet time to invite investors without a comprehensive plan,” he said.

According to the governor, any development process in the county has to follow a plan to secure opportunities for future investment.

“We must mark places that will open up the county for growth and development.

“We have completed the budget making process and expect work to roll out as soon as all the structures are ready,” said Mr Ranguma.

Hyacinth a challenge

He however cited environmental challenges as the barriers to harnessing resources offered by Lake Victoria.

“To combat the hyacinth menace in the lake, we have partnered with the Kenya Maritime Authority to map out the transport routes for industrial growth and revitalisation of lake transport, ” he said.

The governor also affirmed that the process of purchasing machinery for harvesting the hyacinth was complete.

On flooding, Mr Ranguma said the county now has strategies in place to resolve effects of such environmental disasters.

Local leaders and donors

“We plan to tackle disaster response but it is a responsibility of both the national and county governments,” he said.

Mr Ranguma added that he was working closely with local leaders and donors in the initiative.

He noted the designation of an industrial site that is set to drive industrialisation in Kisumu County.

“I am working with all stakeholders to ensure that agreements to the effect of development partnerships are put in place by the end of these first 100 days.

“We are also working on strategies that will ensure we attract tourists having developed sites with tourism standards of the international market,” said Mr Ranguma.