Kenya, 28 October 2025 - Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the county’s socio-economic and infrastructural development, describing it as his primary mission.
The governor made the remarks on Monday while hosting a delegation from Yiyang City, Hunan Province, China, led by Tin Yinjie, Deputy Director of Yiyang’s Municipal Bureau of Commerce.
Prof Nyong’o emphasized that the visit marked the beginning of a potential long-term collaboration that could bring practical benefits to the people of Kisumu.
“The delegation represents a prime potential partner in urban development, waste and sewerage management, affordable housing, and security surveillance projects,” Prof Nyong’o said, highlighting the areas where Kisumu County stands to gain from such partnerships.
The delegation comprised senior officials and business leaders from Yiyang’s municipal government and state-owned enterprises, who came with the aim of exploring collaborative opportunities that align with Kisumu’s vision for inclusive and sustainable growth.
During the visit, discussions focused on three main sectors critical to Kisumu’s urban development.
"First, affordable housing, with particular attention to enhancing initiatives such as the Anderson and Makasembo projects through the sharing of expertise and potential investment," he said.
Second, waste and sewage treatment, which involved exploring innovative approaches to waste management and sewage systems to promote environmental sustainability within the county.
Third, security surveillance, where both parties evaluated potential collaborations to improve urban safety through advanced surveillance technologies.
Governor Nyong’o cited past successes with similar partnerships, pointing to the KEDA Ceramics International project in Miwani, which has created hundreds of jobs for local residents while stimulating business and trade opportunities.
He noted that these examples demonstrate the tangible benefits that strategic international partnerships can bring to Kisumu County’s development agenda.
The visit, he added, is intended to establish a foundation for long-term engagement, fostering knowledge exchange, investment, and practical collaborations that can support the county’s broader development objectives.
Beyond economic considerations, the discussions also sought to strengthen bilateral relations between Kisumu and Yiyang City, creating avenues for sustained cooperation in critical sectors.
The event was attended by top county officials, including Mama Kisumu Dorothy Nyong’o, County Secretary Hesbon Hongo, and CECMs George Okong’o (Finance), Judith Oluoch (Water and Environment), and Dr Konyango Charles (Lands and Urban Development).
City Manager Abala Wanga, County Attorney Otieno Aluoka, and other senior county government officers were also present, underscoring the high-level nature of the engagement.
Governor Nyong’o expressed optimism that the delegation’s visit would catalyze transformative partnerships capable of advancing Kisumu’s socio-economic agenda.
"We want to leverage on international expertise and fostering strategic collaborations is essential for the county to achieve inclusive, sustainable growth, particularly in areas such as housing, urban planning, environmental management, and public safety," explained Prof Nyong'o.
The engagement with Yiyang City is thus seen as a strategic step toward positioning Kisumu as a hub for sustainable urban development, attracting investment, and expanding opportunities for local residents.
By tapping into international experience and fostering cross-border cooperation, Kisumu County hopes to accelerate its infrastructural development while ensuring that growth benefits the broader community.
The visit has, therefore, laid the groundwork for what the governor envisions as a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership with Chinese stakeholders, combining technical expertise, investment, and knowledge sharing to drive the county’s development trajectory.