The government will implement a raft of measures to revive Kisumu and make it the commercial capital of the East African Community, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.

Uhuru said the Northern Corridor Integration Projects Summit will be held in the town to demonstrate the government’s seriousness about elevating it.

“I will talk to the presidents of our neighbouring countries so that we hold the Northern Corridor Integration Projects Summit here in Kisumu,” he said.

Thousands of residents lined up Oginga Odinga Street as he drove through the town on Friday after hosting the Kenya National Music Festival Winners’ Concert at the Kisumu State Lodge.

Uhuru, who got a rousing reception from residents of the town, was accompanied by Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura and Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir.

He made two stopovers to address residents, saying the government will undertake measures including reviving industries in the town to create more jobs and wealth for the residents.

Uhuru said cotton growing in the region will be revived so that Kicomi factory can be reopened.

He said the shipping line that used to operate from Kisumu serving ports on Lake Victoria in Tanzania and Uganda will also be revived.

More issues concerning efforts to revive the city’s economy were discussed in a meeting among theUhuru, Ranguma and two Kisumu MPs.

Uhuru also announced that the National Youth Service will start upgrade projects in Manyatta Slum, following the launch of similar projects in two other slums in the town.

The president asked the youth to remain peaceful and not allow “selfish” people to incite them against each.

“We have the interest of the youth at heart because they are our country’s future but as we take measures to support you let us love each other as Kenyans,” he said.

Source: All Africa

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