President William Ruto received a joyous welcome at Kondele, Kisumu County, after attending the Fourth African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AFSNET) on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
The president made a stopover at Kondele, where he addressed the residents alongside Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Sam Atandi, the Member of Parliament Alego Usonga, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, and Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga, among other leaders.
“Vijana wa Kisumu nawapenda sana na ninawatakia baraka za mwenyezi mungu.
“Acha niseme asante sane kwa kutukaribisha. Mungu awabariki na Mungu anawependa sana,” Ruto told the residents.
Raila’s AUC bid
He also urged the residents to pray for Raila, who is in the hunt for votes as he aims to win the African Union chairmanship post.
“Mimi nilisimama hapa Kondele nikasema siku moja nilisaidia Agwambo na safari hii yeye amerudisha mkono amenisaidia mimi.
“Mimi nawauliza, iko makosa hapo? Nikiongea na nyinyi sasa, si tulikubaliana Agwambo tunaenda kumuombea ili awe kiongozi wa Africa? Juzi alikuwa kule Ivory Coast, jana amekuwa kule Senegal, leo ako kule Nigeria akitafuta kura. Si tutamuombea jamani?” the Head of State added.
Nyong’os take
While President Ruto promised government investment in Kisumu County, the governor explained the importance of the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AFSNET).
“We emphasize job creation as a priority because the rapid urbanization across our continent has led to a crisis of unemployment and a rise in crime, particularly among the youth.
“Governments must also prioritize infrastructure development as a key enabler of economic growth and inter-trade. Critical investments in physical structures such as rail, roads, air transport, maritime networks, and energy systems are essential to drive industrialization.
“To strengthen our economies and generate more jobs, it is imperative to invest in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and integrate them into the intra-African trade value chain,” Nyong’o said.