Nyanza investment summit postponed indefinitely
The Nyanza International Investment Conference (NIIC) scheduled for this week has been postponed indefinitely due to widespread protests in the country.
President William Ruto had confirmed his participation through ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, who was actively organising the event. However, the organisers have now announced the indefinite postponement, citing the adverse impact of the protests.
The conference aimed to explore investment opportunities in Nyanza, with over 500 delegates, mainly business elites and investors, paying up to Ksh10,000 to attend. The conference Chairman Japh Olende issued a statement apologising for the inconvenience and promising to announce new dates soon.
Nyanza Professional Caucus chair George Omollo expressed concerns that the protests could undermine the conference’s value and objectives.
The event, originally set for June 28 to 29 at Ciala Resort in Kisumu, had invited the six Nyanza governors, who initially felt sidelined but agreed to participate upon learning of the President’s involvement. Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) had hosted a pre-conference breakfast meeting for business elites. The conference mission was to unlock Nyanza’s untapped potential, fostering business and investment across the region’s six counties.
Ken Onditi, the Chamber’s Nyanza Regional Director, highlighted dreams of vast investments in areas like infrastructure, technology, health, and agriculture.
