Residents of Kisumu County are in High Spirits following the expected visit of President Uhuru Kenyatta today, December 13th,2018.
The President will be in the lakeside city to launch the pilot phase of universal health coverage in Kisumu.
This is the first time Uhuru will visit the political home turf of ODM leader Raila Odinga after the March 9 handshake.
A multi-agency team was yesterday finishing on clearing the ground and painting of structures at Kisumu’s ASK Mamboleo showground, the venue. The roads to the showground were also under final repairs.
Nyanza regional commissioner Moffat Kangi said they are prepared for the visit. He said the president will inspect road construction and launch the UHC.
Massive preparations were also underway at the Kisumu State Lodge, an indication that Uhuru is likely to spend in Kisumu on Thursday. The President is also likely to address residents at the famous Kondele on his way to or from Mamboleo showground.
“It is all system go as we have registered 245,000 households out of the targeted 240,000 by Monday.” Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o said.
Heath CAS Rashid Amana met Nyong’o over the preparation for the launch.
The UHC programme, one of the items in the Big Four agenda, will be piloted in four counties – Kisumu, Nyeri, Isiolo and Machakos. Uhuru is also expected to launch the completed 250 housing units at Shauri Moyo.
Other leaders from the County have also welcomed the President with a number of them calling on him to initiate more development projects in the region.
Muhoroni MP Onyango Koyoo called on President Kenyatta to revive collapsed sugar industries, saying the livelihood of millions of Kenyans depends on the sector.
He said Uhuru should also launch the construction of Muhoroni-Mamboleo C674 road, formerly the C34, which is a key road to Kisumu, Nandi and neighbouring counties.
Other leaders welcoming Uhuru include Nyando MP Jared Okello, Kisumu Central MP Fred Outa and Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga
They said the region will benefit from projects through Uhuru’s visit. “We expect most stalled projects such as Kicomi, sugar and fishing industry, and maritime transport to be given priority by Uhuru,” Okello said.
Should Uhuru’s visit signal a new dawn for Kisumu residents?