Ruto Turns Homa Bay into a Model of National Unity and Development

Homa Bay County is undergoing a notable transformation. 

Under President William Ruto’s administration, the county is receiving renewed attention and investment. For years, Homa Bay, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, struggled with underdevelopment, poor infrastructure, and minimal national investment. Despite the promises of devolution, the region remained largely overlooked in its early years. However, since assuming office in 2022, President Ruto has adopted a more inclusive approach, with a clear focus on uplifting historically neglected regions, including Homa Bay.

The President’s commitment has been reflected in multiple visits to the county and the rollout of key development projects. Since October 2022, President Ruto has visited the region at least five times, launching infrastructure projects and attending public events. His recent appearance at the launch of the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay further emphasised the county’s growing national relevance.

Governor Gladys Wanga, who has overseen much of this progress, acknowledged the vital role played by the national government in Homa Bay’s resurgence. Speaking at the conference, she described the county’s journey from being labelled the “end of the tarmac” to hosting a major national event. She noted that nearly 75% of the county’s development projects in recent years have been implemented in partnership with the national government, reflecting a strong collaborative relationship.

Among the key initiatives are the expansion of Homa Road into a dual carriageway, redevelopment of the lakefront, and construction of modern markets. According to Governor Wanga, these projects are direct outcomes of a political agreement between President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by Raila Odinga. The ten-point agreement, signed in 2023, aims to promote national unity and tackle long-standing governance issues. It is also seen as a sign of growing cross-party cooperation in advancing development.

In a symbolic gesture underscoring his support for devolution, President Ruto signed two critical bills into law while in Homa Bay: the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, 2025, which raises county funding to Sh415 billion, and the County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which grants county assemblies more financial independence. These legislative actions demonstrate the administration’s stated goal of strengthening devolved governance and empowering local institutions.

Senator Moses Kajwang’ echoed this sentiment, highlighting the county’s remarkable development turnaround. He pointed out that the region now enjoys infrastructure that was virtually non-existent a few years ago. “We did not have 90 per cent of the roads and other public infrastructure we currently have,” he said, reflecting on the region’s long-standing exclusion from key national projects. His remarks capture the growing optimism among residents who now view Homa Bay as a county with “endless potential.”

The county’s progress also marks a notable shift from the previous administration’s focus on Kisumu, which gained prominence during the “Handshake” era under President Uhuru Kenyatta. While Kisumu hosted major national events and secured significant funding, Homa Bay remained largely in the background. That trend has now changed, with the current administration shifting its engagement strategy to include counties previously left behind.