President William Ruto has arrived in Homa Bay to officially open the county government’s 2nd investment conference.
The president was received by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga who is hosting the county’s big moment to scout for investors.
The conference is being attended by hundreds of investors including heads of key banking institutions in the country.
The three-day event seeks to bring both international and local investors to tap into the county’s investment potential.
Ruto will also inspect various projects currently ongoing in the county.
Some of these projects are the construction of 110 units of affordable houses in Homa Bay town, the renovation of both Homa Bay and Kendu Bay piers, and the construction fish market in Homa Bay town.
Speaking on Monday when they inspected the ground at Tom Mboya University, Wanga said the investment opportunities will benefit both investors and residents if utilized properly.
She said her administration had put in place the requisite modalities for ensuring production of the edible oil on a large scale in the county.
It is expected that the revival of cotton will enhance wealth creation in the county.
Cotton used to be a cash cow for many residents of the county about 20 years ago but its production collapsed even though the county is endowed with suitable land for cotton propagation.
On the blue economy, the use of Lake Victoria and other water bodies in the county is expected to create wealth.
Wanga argued that Homa Bay is rich in blue economy activities since it owns 80 per cent of Kenyan Lake Victoria.
She said proper investment in the Lake resources will turn fortunes in the county.
“Lake Victoria is the chief producer of fish in Kenya. But Homa Bay has more than 60 per cent of the lake water cover. This signifies a good investment opportunity,” Wanga said.
On tourism, the county has several tourist attractions such as Ruma National Park, the historic Rusinga Island and other Lake Victoria islands, Lake Simbi Nyaima, and Gor Mahia Shrine among others.
Wanga appealed to investors to attend the conference and invest in Homa Bay. She also urged residents to be ready to welcome the investors.
“I state with conviction that Homa Bay is the best place for investment. We’re strategically located as a gateway to Kenya, favourable agro-climatic conditions, and a steadily growing population hence I appeal to various development partners to come to Homa Bay,” Wanga said.
