President Uhuru Kenyatta was in Kisumu and Siaya counties on Thursday and Friday, and launched various projects among them the pilot phase of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program.
During his well measured speeches, he spoke at length on how he will continue working together with ODM Party leader Raila Odinga to foster long lasting peace and unity in the country.
But the president’s numerous addresses failed to touch on some key issues that affect residents of Nyanza, and Kisumu county in Particular.
Here are some of them:
1. Water hyacinth
Water hyacinth has become a thorn in the flesh of a section of Kisumu residents who depend on fishing as a source of livelihood. The ‘green weed’ has covered a big chunk of Lake Victoria, hence disrupting the normal fishing activities.
The Head of State failed to give a commitment that his government will tackle the hyacinth once and for all.
2. Sugar Sector
Kisumu is a sugar belt courtesy of being home to Muhoroni and Kibos sugar companies. For years now, the companies have been unable to pay cane farmers on time leading to increase in levels of poverty among sugar cane farmers.
Many expected that the President would give a road map of reviving the sugar industry in Kisumu to improve the living standards of cane farmers, but he did not.
3. Compensation
Kisumu county bore the brunt of ugly scenes witnessed in parts of the County during last year’s post election violence. Many got injured while others lost their lives a good example being six-months-old Baby Samantha Pendo.
The Head of State was largely expected to give an indication that victims would be compensated, but he never addressed the issue.
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