THE CONSTRUCTION OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA COMMUNTY CENTER AT NYANG’OMA KOGELO TO COMMENCE BEFORE THE OF THIS YEAR.
Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City
Kenya’s Ministry of National Heritage has announced that the construction of the multi-million shilling, President Barack Obama Kogelo Community Center, will commence before the of this year.
In a message read on his behalf to the participants at the President Barack Obama first anniversary cultural festival, held over the weekend, at Alego Nyang’oma Kogelo, the Minister for National Heritage, William Ole Ntimama said the area is the home of the father of the US President, and the area has emerged a major tourist destination, making it necessary to develop the cultural centre in place.
The minister said development of Kogelo Cultural Centre is in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030 development blueprint, which endeavors to make the country one of the top 10 long haul tourist destination in the world.
“Currently”, the Minister said, “North America has emerged as a leading tourist source market for Kenya, accounting for about 10 per cent total arrivals, only second to the United Kingdom”, the Minister added.
The speech was read before a huge crowd that attended this year’s cultural festivals at the Senator Barack Obama Kogelo Primary School, which is an area adjacent to Senator Barack Obama Secondary School, during the celebrations, to mark President Obama first year in office
“Kenya”, the Minister said, “is a rich, diverse cultural heritage, and the ministry has a major role to play in fostering appreciation and development of cultural heritage for the benefit of the Kenyan people”.
The closure of the four day festival was graced by the US ambassador to Kenya, Michael Rennerberger, who was accompanied by Mama Sarah Obama, the step grand mother of President Obama and other family members.
Kenya’s Prime Minister, Raila Oodinga who was expected to attend the function did not show up, as he was reported to have travelled to the Far East, on official government duties.
A visit to the nearby Nyang’oma market, the usually dusty rural market place, revealed that the area has undergone a facelift. Small kiosks and food stalls have been turned into permanent buildings, and more are under construction. The local business community were optimistic of a booming business in the near future, so they are trying hard to ensure that they will be able to tap the resources to be availed by the expected tourists from the US and other developed nations of the world.
There were all signs of booming business at Nyang’oma market. The murrum road that branches off from Ndori Market in Rarieda, heading northwards to Nyang’oma, across River Yala, has been graveled to an all whether road. Plans are also said to be a foot to have this portion tarmacked before the end of the year. Other plans are also a foot for the establishment of a tourist class Hotel along River Yala, and the project is being undertaken by the Kenya Tourist Board.
ENDS
leooderaomolo@yahoo.com