Ruto promises Ksh 100M fish landing site in Siaya, launches cultural heritage projects

President William Ruto has announced plans to build a Ksh. 100 million fish landing site in Siaya County during his visit to the Nyanza region.

Speaking on the third day of the Piny Luo Cultural Festival at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, President Ruto emphasized that the investment would strengthen the region’s fishing economy and support local communities.

“As we carry forward our traditions and culture, we will build a Ksh. 100 million fish landing sites to support the fishing community. Culture is evolving, and we must invest in infrastructure that fosters economic growth,” said President Ruto.

In addition to the fish landing site, the president unveiled the Ksh. 400 million Ramogi Campus, which is set to begin admitting students in January 2025.

He also gazetted two significant cultural heritage sites in Siaya County: Ramogi Forest and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum, both of which will play a key role in preserving Kenya’s cultural history.

“We have gazetted two cultural heritage sites here in Siaya. Ramogi Forest is now a nationally certified cultural heritage, and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum was gazetted earlier,” President Ruto announced.

The president commended the region for its efforts in preserving cultural heritage and promised further support for heritage preservation.

He revealed that seven more potential cultural and historical sites are under consideration for gazettement, including the Cell Blocs on Oyamo Islands, the site of Paramount Chief Odera Akang’o’s office, Nomiya Church, the Owiny Sigoma Heritage Complex, Mageta Island Mau Mau detention camp, Migwena Cultural Ground and Sirgombe Island.

“If these sites meet the necessary criteria, we will move to gazette them as cultural heritage sites,” President Ruto confirmed.

“The Ministry of Culture and Heritage is working closely with the counties to ensure these sites serve as beacons of our history and culture.”

President Ruto was joined by Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the Piny Luo Cultural Festival.

Museveni was welcomed into Kenya by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi at the Busia border before heading to Siaya for the event.

Raila Odinga expressed his gratitude for the visit, stating, “The Piny Luo Cultural Festival is honoured to host H.E President William Ruto and H.E President Yoweri Museveni at Got Ramogi. We thank them for making time to celebrate our culture.”

The festival, held under the theme “Luo Unity in Diversity and in Diaspora,” aims to unite the Luo community worldwide. Raila Odinga, alongside the other leaders, installed Presidents Ruto and Museveni as Luo elders during the celebrations.

Governor James Orengo of Siaya County welcomed participants to the event, highlighting that the festival brought together members of the Luo nation from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Warwakou Siaya,” he said, expressing pride in the region’s diversity.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also addressed the festival, emphasizing that it provided an opportunity for the Luo people to trace their roots, reflect on their shared history, and develop strategies for future unity and prosperity.

The Piny Luo Cultural Festival will conclude on Thursday, January 2, 2025, with continued celebrations of Luo culture and heritage.