Governor Nyong’o picks team to spur progress
By Christopher Owuor, March 3, 2020Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o yesterday unveiled an eight-member dream team tasked with harnessing available resources in the county to catalyse economic rejuvenation.
Dubbed Kisumu Economic and Social Council (Kecosoc), the team will operate on a 10-point agenda encompassing all sectors of the economy with agriculture, food security and health on top of the agenda.
The team comprises State Bank of Mauritius chair Kee Chong Li, Njoroge Kagwe, a consultant from First Africa Consulting, and Joyce Nyamweya, founder Results for Africa Institute.
Other members are Peter Odoyo (CAS Ministry of Defence) Kibos Sugar proprietor Bhire Chatte, Lake Hub founder James Odede, GoDown Arts Centre founder Joy Mboya and Prof. Achola Pala.
Among the resources available to Kecosoc is Lake Victoria, a population of 1.2 million and 2,000km2 of land.
The council chaired by Nyong’o is expected to take the shortest time possible to realise the agenda.
“Kisumu is a county of great potential, but a disappointing under-achiever. It is those potentials and the opportunities that abound therein that form my vision.
In the course of implementing my manifesto over the last two years, we have recorded success stories and continue to experience unfolding opportunities and challenges along the way,” Nyong’o said while inaugurating the board, whose task starts immediately
Chong Li expressed great optimism in the bid to transform Kisumu into a trailblazing socio-economic hub.
“There are many similarities between Kisumu and my country Mauritius. I, therefore, see a great opportunity to replicate what we did and turn around the fortunes of this city.
Set agenda
Nyamweya, who has massive experience having worked with the United Nations and was part of Kofi Annan’s historic visit to Kenya when retired President Mwai Kibaki was still in power, recalled how together with the Kisumu Governor and Peter Onalo they set the NARC government economic revamp agenda after Kibaki took over from Daniel Moi.