Port towns around Lake Victoria have been urged to rump up transport and related activities around the lake in order to spur economic growth for the social economic welfare of the residents.
This call was made the leaders drawn from Kisumu, Kampala, Jinja and Homa Bay who were attending the inaugural Africa Smart Cities and Townships Alliance (ASCA) Convention in the lake city adding that collaboration among them is more important to realize the goal.
On his part, Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o said such initiative will foster strategic cooperation, innovation in East Africa.
The Governor who was the chief guest at the convention added that such a move would lead to resilience in these changing global times, emphasizing the need for African cities to proactively prepare for the growing influx of rural migrants.
“There is urgent need for strategic planning to ensure sustainable urban development in response to the increasing migration from rural areas to cities” he added.
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The governor said many people are moving to urban centers in search of better housing, healthcare, and job opportunities a trend he said is slowing down adding that cities must plan in advance to manage this growth effectively.
Nyong’o warned that without adequate preparation, the ongoing rural-to-urban migration could severely strain urban infrastructure and services.
“If we are not ready, public services will be overwhelmed, and this will deepen existing social inequalities,” he noted.
The Governor rejected the approach taken by some countries that forcibly return migrants to rural areas. Instead, he urged national and county governments to embrace inclusive planning.
“These are our people. When they move to cities, it is our responsibility to find ways to accommodate them. That’s what Smart Cities are about, creating inclusive, well-planned urban environments,” he added.
Already, the Kenya Kwanza government is rolling out affordable housing projects, a positive step towards reducing the spread of informal settlements and balancing housing supply and demand.
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Nyong’o said the city’s selection as host reflects its growing status as a regional hub for sustainable development and innovation.
“This landmark event will not only spotlight Kisumu’s transformation journey but also connect African cities with global partners in investment, climate change mitigation, technology, and urban planning,” he said
Kisumu’s role as host city highlights its commitment to forward-thinking Governance and its ambition to become a model for smart city transformation on the continent.
The chairman and President of the African Smart Cities Forum Peter Chun who was present urged urban region to work towards addressing emerging challenges adding that cities should form alliances in order to forge common fronts in addressing vital issues.
By Fredrick Odiero
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