For past few years, Kisii town has experienced a steady growth economically courtesy of tireless efforts from hardworking and promising investors, institutions of higher learning and majorly, devolution.
Today, it is among the most developing towns in Kenya and in coming few years it will be a business hub for Nyanza region, adding to Kisumu City.
Investors have played a vital part in steering forward the town, with supermarkets such as Tuskys, Naivas, Nakumatt, Oshwal, Shivlin and Uchumi, sprouting and creating employment.
Institutions of higher learning are one of the driving forces behind the town’s steady growth.
Kisii University, formerly a constituent College of Egerton University has helped in employment of locals in various departments, such as teaching and non-teaching staffs.
Infrastructure around these institutions has been improved and private hostels and rentals built by locals to accommodate students.
The town has benefited from devolution through various achievements that have so far been realised.
Initially, the town was stinking, something that was irritating to many. Today, however, is a rare case to find litter or garbage scattered.
The county government has employed many locals, which has helped solve long-term problem of unemployment and poverty.
Residents are able to realise importance of taxes they pay through improvement of infrastructure.
With development of the town, several challenges have also been noted, like influx of commercial sex workers thronging various streets.
This is a potential threat to war against HIV and AIDs.
The county government should come out and tame the vice that is slowly killing resourceful people in society.
There is also steady building of flats and other business buildings in a bid to curb ever growing demand for houses.
This has resulted in unaccredited buildings being built which put lives of public at risk.
Upcoming slums within the town, owing to large population of citizens who have moved in, is worrying too.
Proper measures need to be put in place to avoid such negative emerging issues from our midst.
Finally, the town has great ability to grow big given vast resources and favourable climate for agriculture.
Authorities need to address emerging issues like slums, prostitution and to ensure that service delivery to residents is up to maximum.