From: otieno k

I wish to add voice to the many that have been calling for the economic liberation of Luo Nyanza. In view of the events that took place before and after the 2007 elections, it is high time the luo people took charge of their destiny. I propose a few steps towards achieving this goal.

Kisumu is blesses with being located as a gateway to the wider COMESA market as well as the greater East Africa. This presents an opportunity to serve as a transportation hub. Kisumu therefore should set about developing and integrated development plan that supports the transformation of Kisumu into a transit and distribution hub. To achieve this I propose the transformation of Kibos area into a rail and cargo airport exchange. Alongside this should be the construction of an industrial park for exports as well as an incubation park to house Jua kali artisan and help with their transformation into the formal sector. This idea is being used in Tshwane (Pretoria) South Africa.

The Kondele area of Kisumu starting with the market and the entire lock heading towards hotel Casanova and westwards towards the Mosque opposite the medical training school should be transformed into a Convention district. The anchor of this district should be a convention center next to Kondele market.

Down town Kisumu should be extended onto the entire stretch of Kakamega road up to Kondele and on the North south grid should extend from Nakumatt city to Metro cahs and carry.

The area around the present airport should be developed as an industrial and and office park as well as golfing hub. This will help lure businesses into Kisumu by selling it as a livable community with family friendly activities as well as well equipped office amenities. Finally The areas around Nyando should be transformed int peanut growing and manufacturing hub as well as chicken production hub. Chemelil and Muhoroni should be developed as sugar can and horticulture hubs in the form of the Israeli Kibbutz system. This is where communities are organized along large tracks of land and the land is communally developed as a cooperative. The area alongside Kisian should be developed as a fruit growing area with the growth of fruit juice manufacturing companies.

What these targeted development plans achieve is the creation of employment as well as wealth generation. Jobs will be established in the transit and distribution sector, hotel and convention related industries as well as the growth of agricultural and agri based jobs. Before I sign out the areas that can be addressed in the short term are the redevelopment of Kibuye and Kondele markets into consumer friendly center. A company called the Kisumu market company should be charged with the development of hese markets with a dedicated food court and loading and shipping bays. A memorial at Kondele market to honor those Killed during the recent electoral skirmishes should also be enacted so that we and the future generations do not forget what the price of freedom entail.

I hope these ideas stir a debate that will help Kisumu take advantage of the years ahead. Thank you all for your time.

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Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:16:20 -0400
Subject: Need for an Integrated development plan for Kisumu