President William Ruto will return to Nyanza next month for the Nyanza International Economic Conference, a significant move as he seeks to expand his political base ahead of the 2027 contest.
This marks his continued focus on regions outside his traditional support areas, including Mt. Kenya, where his backing has been waning.
The Head of State is keen to extend an olive branch in Raila votes rich region with heavy’ bag of goodies’ to woo voters even as the youths continue to pose threats to his reelection strategies.
So far, the President has made five visits to Kenya’s Western region in the last two weeks, is signaling a broader political strategy. He is set to attend the conference on 7 February , just weeks after spending considerable time in the region in December. The summit, focused on economic transformation for socio-economic growth, aims to attract both local and international investors.
Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo, who is helping organize the conference, confirmed Ruto’s attendance, noting that the President’s presence is crucial for the region’s development.
“We have reached out to His Excellency the President, and he has agreed to be the chief guest,” Owalo said in an interview. “We have also contacted former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who will close the conference on 8 February.”
The event, which was postponed last year due to Gen Z protests that threatened to disrupt the proceedings, will be officially closed by Odinga. It is expected to draw high-level professionals, elected leaders, and key investors from the region.
“This conference is a game-changer for the economic future of Nyanza,” Owalo added.
The gathering will feature leaders from the region, including governors, members of parliament, and members of county assemblies, all focused on fostering economic partnerships. According to Owalo, the conference will tap into the vast network of Nyanza’s professionals who can serve as “agents of necessity” to bridge the region’s development gaps.
The Nyanza Professionals Forum, chaired by Japh Olende, with Mike Monari as vice-chair, is organizing the event. The forum is working alongside Owalo and Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba, who are co-patrons of the initiative.
Initially scheduled for July 2024, the conference had to be rescheduled after political protests, especially in Kisumu, turned violent in opposition to the Finance Bill. Thousands of youth took to the streets, calling for the President’s resignation.
However, Ruto and Odinga have since reached a political accord, which has calmed tensions. In a bid to foster unity, Ruto included five of Odinga’s allies in his Cabinet: John Mbadi (Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), and Beatrice Askul (EAC, ASAL and Regional Development).
The conference represents a significant step in Ruto’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with regions like Nyanza, which have historically supported his political rivals.
