Homa Bay harnesses power of blue economy as Kenya marks 62nd Madaraka Day

In the run-up to the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations, Kenya’s 43rd devolved unit, Homa Bay County has witnessed new developments being undertaken in collaboration with the National Government.

From roads to a new pier, stadium, affordable housing and fisheries projects the county is being propped to be the region’s next economic hub with blue economy as the key driver.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with KBC Channel 1, Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa said preparations for the June 1, 2025 event have gone according to plan as thousands of people are expected to attend tomorrow’s event at the newly renovated Raila Odinga Stadium.

“We are fully set to host the country for this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium,” said Mworoa.

Among projects which are being implemented is the Homa Bay modern fish market and the Kabonyo-Kanyagwal Aquaculture Centre of Excellence. The project is expected to help the county in fingerlings production and training of fishermen and marine personnel.

“The project is 30pc complete. The contractor there is working very hard to make sure by the end of this year that project is complete and it’s going to be a game changer in terms of fishing in this region,” she stated.

Other projects include the improvement of the Raila Odinga Stadium which is expected to help enhance sporting activities in Homa Bay County.

The facility was refurbished with an enhanced capacity of 12,000.

“We have been able to renovate the Raila Odinga Stadium to international standards. Those who will attend will see for themselves. It has been renovated through the partnership of the County Government of Homa Bay and the National Government,” said Mworoa.

According to the government in the last three years the government through the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has upgraded 60.8 Km of urban roads enhancing connectivity and transforming urban mobility in the area at the Cost of Ksh 2.8 billion.

The roads include Mfangano Ring Road and Rusinga Ring Road. The government has also established a new state lodge at the county.

“We have also put up a state-of-the-art state lodge here in Homa Bay County. We have been able to grade and upgrade roads within the town to bitumen standards. We now have a dual carriageway from Mbita diversion all the way to the stadium. The road has been dual to make sure people do not experience difficulty as they come to Homa Bay County,” she stated.

This year’s Madaraka Day celebrations will be marked under the theme, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.