President William Ruto with Homa Bay County leaders led by Governor Gladys Wanga at State House, Nairobi on March 19, 2025.
President William Ruto has instructed various state departments to fast-track some of the national development projects in Homa Bay County ahead of the June 1 Madaraka Day celebrations, the Nation has established.
Details and progress updates of some of the projects dominated President Ruto’s State House meeting on March 19, 2025, with Homa Bay leaders led by Governor Gladys Wanga.
Some of the projects discussed during the meeting included the sprucing up of Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay Town, which will host the 2025 Madaraka Day event.
The government has allocated Sh500 million to construct new terraces to accommodate 10,000 spectators in addition to the existing 2,000-seat pavilion, according to Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
Another priority project discussed during the meeting is the expansion of Kabunde airstrip. Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) is currently extending the airstrip’s runway ahead of the national event. According to KCAA, the project is 54 per cent complete.
Other key projects given priority during the meeting include the construction of the Kendu-Bay water supply and sanitation project, which is complete and pending commissioning.
Others are the proposed construction of the Mainuga fish landing site, Nyakula fish landing site and Nyandiwa fish landing site by the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries.
President William Ruto with Homa Bay County leaders led by Governor Gladys Wanga at State House, Nairobi, on March 19, 2025.
Upgrading to bitumen standards of Mbita-Sindo-Kiabuya-Sori, Kadel - Alara - Pala – Kanyadhiang’ /Centre - Kilusi - Opanga – Ramba and Number Karabok – Adiedo road projects by Kenya Rural Authority (KeRRA) were also given priority during the meeting.
Also discussed is the ongoing Sondu-Homa Bay-Awendo 132kv transmission line being implemented by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Ltd.
State Department for Housing and Urban Development is also under pressure to deliver some key projects including the construction of a modern fish market at Koginga beach, construction of ESP Market and supporting facilities at Sindo and Ndhiwa, the construction of ESP Market and supporting facilities at Misambi.
“Inclusive national development facilitates the pooling of skills, talents, knowledge and energy of all Kenyans in steering the transformation of our country in all spheres of the economy,” President Ruto said following the meeting.
“Met leaders from Homa Bay County led by Governor Gladys Wanga, at State House Kenya, Nairobi. Discussed the transformative government programmes being undertaken in the county and the preparations for Madaraka Day celebrations later in the year,” he explained.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, and Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo attended the meeting.
President William Ruto with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga after a meeting with county leaders at State House, Nairobi on March 19, 2015.
Also present included Senator Moses Kajwang’, Woman Rep Joyce Bensouda, MPs Peter Kaluma (Homabay Town), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Ong’ondo Were (Kasipul), Adipo Okuome (Karachuonyo), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa) and Lilian Gogo (Rangwe).
Kenyan Urban Roads Authority (KURA) is also under instructions to improve Rusinga Loop Ring Road and Mfangano Island ring road (Homabay Urban Area).
Other national government projects in the county include the proposed Construction of the the Homa Bay Housing Programme Phase One Sector (A), which is ongoing, the rehabilitation of the Homabay Pier by Kenya Ports Authority through Kenya Shipyard Limited, the construction of modern fish market at Koginga Beach and construction of County Aggregation and Industrial Park jointly done with the county government.
The Interior Ministry is also in the process of completing the construction of Rangwe sub-County headquarters as well as the construction of the Homa Bay County headquarters –County Commissioner’s office.
Governor Wanga told Nation that there would be follow up meetings with various state departments on the implementation of the projects.
“The discussions centred on expediting government programs currently being implemented in the county, as well as preparations for the upcoming Madaraka Day celebrations,” said the county boss.
The leaders later held another meeting with opposition leader Raila Odinga. President Ruto and Mr Odinga have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that has since seen some allies of the former Prime Minister join the executive. Regions perceived to be his strongholds have also started benefiting from national government projects.
“We held a consultative meeting with the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga to discuss development, service delivery, unity, and the overall state of Homa Bay County and its residents,” Md Wanga said following the meeting.
