Kisumu plays host to 2025 Nyanza International Investment Conference (NIIC)
NIIC conference attracted international investors from 28 European Union countries
Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, officially opened the 2025 Nyanza International Investment Conference (NIIC) at Ciala Resort on behalf of President Dr. William Samoei Ruto.
The highly anticipated event, held in Kisumu City, brought together top government officials, business leaders, international investors, and policymakers to discuss economic growth and investment opportunities in the Nyanza region.
The Deputy President was received by NIIC Co-Patrons, Mr. Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management in the Executive Office of the President, and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, alongside a distinguished delegation of county and national leaders.
Among them were governors from key counties, including Kisumu’s Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Bungoma’s Kenneth Lusaka, Homa Bay’s Gladys Wanga, Migori’s Ochillo Ayacko, Kisii’s Simba Arati, Siaya’s James Orengo, Nyamira’s Amos Nyaribo, Vihiga’s Wilberforce Otichillo and Busia’s Paul Otuoma.
Senior government officials in attendance included Treasury CS John Mbadi, Co-operatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya, Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui, CS Energy Opiyo Wandayi, CS Housing Alice Wahome, CS Labour Dr Alfred Mutua, and Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, among others.The President’s Council of Economic Advisors was represented with Prof. Vincent Machuki and Hon. Moses Kuria.
NIIC conference attracted international investors from 28 European Union countries, as well as delegations from India, China, Latin America, Turkey, and South Korea.
Following the opening ceremony, the Deputy President proceeded to commission the new Huduma Centre at Ojola, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing public service delivery in the region.
NIIC 2025 highlighted Nyanza’s growing role as a strategic investment hub, with key discussions focusing on trade, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
Earlier, Owalo’s address emphasized infrastructure as the foundation for economic growth, citing the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension to Kisumu, Malaba, and Isiolo by 2027 as a game-changer for trade and logistics.
The Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President also identified the 60 MW Sondu Miriu hydroelectric plant, Koru-Soin dam, and the planned 120 MW Magwagwa Multipurpose Dam in Nyamira county as transformative projects that will provide clean energy and water for irrigation, industry, livestock and domestic use.
Owalo issued a powerful call to action to investors, development partners, and government stakeholders, urging them to seize the immense opportunities in Nyanza.
“The time for talking is over. Now is the time for action. Nyanza’s future must be defined by economic transformation, not political rhetoric. Investors, donors, and the diaspora – you hold the key to unlocking Nyanza’s potential,” he said.
He reassured investors that the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to inclusivity and economic-driven development, stating that the government will foster investment-friendly policies to support growth.
“This conference is not just a gathering of ideas; it is the birthplace of action. The investments and partnerships formed here will define the future of generations to come,” said Owalo.
