Three months after the landmark Nyanza International Investment Conference 2025 at Ciala Resort, Kisumu, the region is witnessing a surge of investment-driven momentum. The conference drew over fifty local and international investors who pledged to pump investments worth over $200 million in the Nyanza region.
The conference attracted investors from Türkiye, Dubai, China, and the United Kingdom, with a focus on sectors including agribusiness, renewable energy, and technology.
Today in Nairobi, the conference organizing committee, chaired by Japh Olende and Vice Chair, Michael Monari, met to review audited accounts and assess the post-conference progress.
During the conference, the national government pledged to invest in key infrastructure projects aimed at unlocking Nyanza’s full economic potential. The flagship projects include the long-awaited Magwagwa Multi-Purpose Dam, the expansion of a potato processing factory in Migori, and the construction of Lake Victoria Ring Road, all of which have been in the planning stages for years.
The long-delayed Magwagwa Multi-Purpose Dam is now scheduled to begin construction in 2029 and become operational by 2032. Located on the Sondu River in Nyamira County, the dam that has a reservoir capacity of 445 million cubic meters will generate 570 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually and support irrigation across 13,000 hectares, benefiting Nyamira, Kisumu, Kericho, Bomet, and Homa Bay counties. The project is being implemented by the Lake Basin Development Authority in partnership with Xago Africa.
Complementing this is the Koru-Soin Multi-Purpose Dam, a vision first conceptualized in the 1950s. Its completion will bring immense benefits to several counties within the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB).
The dam will control flooding which has been a perennial problem in the Nyando and Ahero plains. By providing a reliable water supply for domestic and livestock use, irrigation and hydropower generation, it will increase food security, improve agricultural productivity, and provide much needed energy for industrialization.
The national government also committed to the Lake Victoria Ring Road, a 478-kilometre route that will link five lake-bordering counties and open up regional trade, tourism, and cross-border commerce. Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery Management in the Executive office of the President, Eliud Owalo, who is also co-patron of the conference, confirmed that feasibility studies are complete and discussions with the World Bank about funding are ongoing. He emphasized the government’s resolve to see the project through.
In Migori county, the Getonganya Sweet Potato Processing Factory in Kuria West is set for a major upgrade. The potato factory will address the perennial issue of post-harvest wastage while adding value to the region’s agricultural output. The factory currently operates at just three tons per day against a 40-ton capacity.
Meanwhile, work on the Nyamira County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Sironga is taking shape. On completion, it will foster a diverse range of opportunities, improving the livelihoods of local farmers and entrepreneurs.
Plans are also in place to construct a modern abattoir in Migori – Karamu Abattoir – to bolster the livestock sector and the emerging hides and skins industry, with spillover benefits extending to Homa Bay.
During the conference, Equity Bank signed two key memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Homa Bay and Siaya counties to finance development projects. Additionally, Equity Bank reached an agreement with the Tag & Batch Company to provide financial backing for projects in the Blue Economy, further boosting Nyanza’s maritime and aquatic industries.
The Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) unveiled six major projects, one from each county, which are set to attract investments ranging from $5 million to $20 million. These projects, including ventures in agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure, have been carefully vetted and show strong potential for returns between 15% and 24%.
KenInvest will work alongside county governments to finalize the plans and secure further partnerships. Similarly, Migori County entered discussions to enhance its health systems through better data management and remote teaching capabilities, leveraging Tom Mboya University as a hub for specialized education.
The Nairobi review meeting brought together key committee members including Tom Mshindi, Lillian Mahiri Zaja, Dr. Amos Omollo, Ken Mohochi, Dr. Zilpah Owich, Eng. Auma Wasinda, Jane Oriya, George Ooko, Dr. Mercy Nyabwala, and Collins Olemo, among others. The team reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the momentum generated by the conference is sustained through structured execution, accountability, and ongoing stakeholder engagement.
