Kisumu, Kenya – Former Prime Minister and Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga joined President William Ruto in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties for a series of high-profile development events aimed at transforming the region’s urban landscape and boosting the local economy.

In Kisumu, Odinga and Ruto led the commissioning and handover of phase one of the Lapfund Makasembo affordable housing estate to new homeowners, with a foundation stone laid for phase three of the same project. The affordable housing initiative is hailed as a game-changer for the city, providing much-needed residential infrastructure and improving urban living standards.

“This is more than just a real estate project. It is about restoring dignity, creating jobs, and offering our people a better quality of life,” said Odinga during the ceremony.

The leaders also attended the closing ceremony of the Blue Economy Summit in Homa Bay, themed “Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth.” The summit focused on unlocking the untapped potential of Kenya’s marine and inland aquatic resources for national prosperity. Odinga emphasized the importance of anchoring policy on sustainable resource use to drive economic growth and uplift communities.

“Kenya’s Blue Economy holds immense potential. With the right investment and governance, we can transform livelihoods and create jobs, especially in counties like Homa Bay that border Lake Victoria,” he said.

Following the summit, Odinga toured several ongoing development projects in Homa Bay, including a new modern pier, fish market, the Rangwe sub-county offices, the Kosiga Dam, and an additional affordable housing project. These initiatives, he noted, reflect the positive impact of devolved governance in bringing services closer to the people.

In another highlight, Odinga thanked President Ruto for laying the foundation stone for the affordable housing section of the Lake Victoria Marina (LV Marina) development. The LV Development Group has donated five acres toward social housing in Kisumu, a move welcomed by leaders as a strong example of private-public partnership.

“These developments speak to a larger vision of an inclusive Kenya where no one is left behind,” said Odinga.

The joint appearances by Kenya’s top political figures signalled a moment of cooperation amid ongoing national development efforts.