Kisumu Central parliamentary aspirant Kevin Omondi Aila has unveiled an ambitious plan to rebuild and reposition the constituency as a regional economic hub, declaring that his top priorities include expanding Kisumu International Airport into a cargo facility and transforming the lakeside city into a 24-hour economy.
Speaking on Tuesday during a breakfast show on a Kisumu-based vernacular FM radio station, Aila described Kisumu as a “sleeping city” whose full economic potential remains untapped. He said upgrading the airport to handle cargo would unlock trade opportunities, boost exports, and attract fresh investment into the region.
Aila also announced plans to work with environmental experts from China to safeguard Lake Victoria, saying his agenda includes keeping the lake’s waters clean and uncontaminated to ensure fish harvested from it remain fresh and healthy for local consumption and export.
On security, the aspirant pledged to make Kisumu Central safer for residents and business operators by installing more than 500 solar-powered street lights and strengthening collaboration between security agencies and community policing structures.
Aila further claimed he has mobilised a strong financial and professional network that would allow him to deliver development projects even when the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) disbursements are delayed. He revealed that, together with partners, he has already set aside more than Sh500 million to support education for needy learners and orphans in the constituency.
“I have a team of investors, and at the moment we have already set aside over Sh500 million for education, which is very important in society,” Aila said, adding that the funds would also support the rollout of smart, well-equipped laboratories to help students improve their practical learning outcomes.
Unveiling what he termed an “actionable and time-bound manifesto,” Aila outlined plans to prioritise job creation through youth and SME funds, upgrade healthcare infrastructure, digitise learning in public schools, decongest roads and drainage systems in informal settlements, and empower women and youth through enterprise financing.
He also pledged total transparency in the management of NG-CDF through mandatory quarterly public accountability forums, alongside investments in agricultural value addition, environmental restoration, and the blue economy around Lake Victoria.
Aila expressed confidence that his development-driven agenda and alternative financing model would resonate with voters, saying he is certain of emerging victorious in the 2027 General Election.
