Leaders from the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) have announced securing €33 million (approximately KSh 5 billion) to address the perennial flooding in the Nyando River delta. The milestone was disclosed during a roundtable meeting held at the Royal Swiss Hotel, Kisumu, as preparations intensify for the Nyanza International Investment Conference, scheduled for February 2025.
Speaking to the press on Monday, January 20, in Kisumu, World Talent Federation Secretary General and CEO Prof. Humphrey Oborah confirmed the funding, emphasizing its transformative potential.
“The €33 million funding will ensure the reclamation of ecological systems in the Nyando River delta, making perennial flooding a thing of the past. A team from the Netherlands is already on the ground conducting data collection and scientific assessments to develop sustainable solutions,” said Prof. Oborah.
The high-level meeting convened governors, deputy governors, national stakeholders, and professionals from LREB’s 14 counties to strategize for the upcoming conference. Expected to attract over 15,000 delegates globally, the event aims to position the region as a hub for investment and innovation while unlocking significant economic opportunities.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o hailed the conference as a catalyst for development, noting its potential to bring lasting impact.
“This conference will set the stage for transformative projects across our counties. By working together, we will ensure a seamless experience for delegates while unlocking investment opportunities that uplift our communities,” said Governor Nyong’o.
Key priorities discussed included ecological restoration, tourism, and accommodation initiatives to cater to the anticipated influx of delegates. The governors also emphasized collaboration to maximize the region’s economic potential.
Prof. Oborah highlighted the broader implications of the Nyando River reclamation project, noting that the initiative is part of efforts to integrate sustainability into the region’s development agenda.
“With this funding, we are not only addressing flooding but also ensuring the ecological and economic viability of the Nyando River delta for future generations,” he added.
With €33 million (KSh 5 billion) already secured and plans well underway, the Lake Region is set to usher in a new era of growth, resilience, and prosperity.
