By Eddah Waithaka
Leaders from the Gusii and Kuria region have today launched a groundbreaking Multi-Sectoral Consultative Forum aimed at aligning the region’s development with the national government’s agenda.
The inaugural meeting, held under the theme “Strengthening Regional Synergy for Development,” brought together key stakeholders to chart a collaborative path toward sustainable growth and prosperity.
The Gusii and Kuria region, home to over 2 million people according to the 2019 National Population and Housing Census, boasts a vibrant diaspora community whose expertise, networks, and investments could significantly bolster local development efforts.
However, despite these advantages, the region continues to grapple with pressing challenges, including infrastructure deficits, high youth unemployment, inadequate healthcare access, and limited economic opportunities.
During the forum, leaders emphasized the urgent need for a unified approach to address these issues. They resolved to develop a comprehensive ‘Framework of Development Agenda for 2025-2032’, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social protection.
Key Resolutions from the Forum
Leaders identified agriculture as a cornerstone of the region’s development. They highlighted the vast opportunities in value chain development and agro-processing for key crops such as tea, coffee, sugarcane, avocados, dairy, pyrethrum, and bananas.
The forum called for targeted investments to transform the region into an agricultural powerhouse.
Uniting for Community Advancement
The leaders committed to fostering a united front to improve livelihoods. They pledged to prioritize health, education, infrastructure, and social protection programs, ensuring that development initiatives directly benefit local communities.
Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the forum resolved to organize a broader leaders’ retreat in April 2025. This retreat will provide a platform for deeper engagement, strategy formulation, and partnership building to unlock the region’s full potential.
Leveraging Synergistic Advantages
The leaders agreed to capitalize on the region’s unique strengths, aligning them with the national development agenda. They emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to maximize the region’s contribution to the country’s growth.
Support for National Development Agenda
The forum reaffirmed its full support for the Broad-Based Government under His Excellency President William Ruto. Leaders pledged to align their efforts with the national development agenda to ensure the region’s progress complements the country’s broader goals.
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Commitment to Peace and Stability
The leaders also addressed the recurring conflicts at the border of Kisii and Narok Counties, stressing that peace is a prerequisite for sustainable development.
They called for an immediate end to the flare-ups and promised to work closely with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to restore harmony among the affected communities.
As part of their long-term vision, the leaders announced that Kisii County will host the 2026 Nyanza International Investment and Development Conference.
This event aims to attract local and international investors, showcasing the region’s potential and driving transformative projects.
The forum concluded with a resounding commitment to unity, collaboration, and visionary leadership. By adopting a concerted approach, the leaders aim to unlock the region’s true potential, ensuring that the Gusii and Kuria region becomes a beacon of progress and prosperity in Kenya.
The Multi-Sectoral Consultative Forum marks a pivotal moment for the region, setting the stage for transformative change and a brighter future for its people.
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