Rusinga Island's First Tarmac Road to Unlock Kisumu Economy

The recently completed Rusinga Ring Road is set to dramatically transform the economic landscape of Rusinga Island, according to Deputy Chief of Staff, Delivery and Government Efficiency, Mr. Eliud Owalo, who described the project as a monumental "game changer."

Mr. Owalo, speaking during a verification mission of national priority projects in Homa Bay County, highlighted the immediate benefits for the island’s primary economic drivers.

He noted that the new road will drastically cut transport time for fisherfolk, leading to a significant reduction in post harvest losses and a corresponding increase in household incomes.

Furthermore, the road is expected to be a major catalyst for tourism, leveraging Rusinga’s beautiful beaches and its strategic proximity to Ruma National Park, positioning the island as a premier tourist destination within the Lake Victoria corridor.

The Sh1.3 billion project, undertaken by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), is a crucial component of the much larger and long-envisioned 480-kilometre Lake Victoria ring road network, demonstrating the government’s commitment to regional infrastructure development.

The Rusinga Loop Ring Road, which the delegation confirmed is now 99 per cent complete and essentially ready for commissioning, underscores the rapid pace of delivery in the region.

The Deputy Chief of Staff led the inspection alongside County Commissioner Mr. Ronald Mwiwawi, Presidential Advisor Mr. Sylvester Kasuku, and officers from the Government Delivery Unit, following a courtesy call on Governor Gladys Wanga.

The comprehensive Nyanza tour assessed several other ongoing transformative investments across the county. The team evaluated the Sh216 million Kabunde Airstrip Runway Rehabilitation, currently 65 per cent complete, which is aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity to attract new investors.

The Deputy Chief of Staff reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating these projects, which are collectively expected to stimulate job creation, strengthen public services, and unlock long term economic growth across Homa Bay and the wider Nyanza region.