President William Ruto on Saturday intensified his development tour of the Lake Victoria region, announcing a Sh9.5 billion investment in blue economy projects as he seeks to bolster livelihoods and expand his political footprint in Nyanza.
Speaking in Seme Constituency, Kisumu County, the President said the funds will support a range of initiatives along the shores of Lake Victoria, targeting the fisheries sector as a key driver of local economies. He presided over the launch of the Asat Fish Landing Site, describing it as a critical facility that will improve fish handling, storage and market access for fishermen.
“We are investing Sh9.5 billion in various blue economy projects along the shores of Lake Victoria to boost fisheries and livelihoods,” Ruto said.
The Head of State said the projects are designed to modernise the sector, reduce post-harvest losses and increase incomes for communities that depend on the lake. Government officials indicated that the investment will also include infrastructure to support value addition and trade.
In a separate event, the President officially commissioned Seme Teachers Training College, saying the institution will play a key role in strengthening education and equipping young people with skills.
Ruto said expanding access to teacher training is part of a broader plan to improve the quality of education while addressing unemployment through skills development.
The twin projects — in fisheries and education — highlight the administration’s attempt to combine economic empowerment with social investment, even as political dynamics continue to shape the President’s engagements in the region.
Nyanza has traditionally been an opposition stronghold, but Ruto has in recent months stepped up visits, rolling out development projects and engaging local leaders in what analysts see as a calculated effort to win support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Critics, however, have questioned the timing and prioritisation of the projects, arguing that the government should also focus on the rising cost of living and broader economic pressures facing households.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has previously warned against what he termed the politicisation of development, saying investments must reflect the immediate needs of citizens.
“Development must be meaningful to the people and address their daily struggles,” he said in a recent statement.
But the President defended his approach, insisting that investments in key sectors such as the blue economy and education are essential to long-term growth and job creation.
As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of 2027, Ruto’s continued focus on development projects in opposition-leaning regions is likely to remain a central feature of his strategy.
