KISUMU, 3 Sept 2026 – Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili has officially declared his bid for the Kisumu gubernatorial seat in the August 10, 2027 General Election, presenting himself as the leader best placed to secure and accelerate the county’s growth.
Unveiling his 10 point agenda dubbed ‘The Kisumu Promise – Building On Foundations, Safeguarding Kisumu’s Future,’ Dr Owili said he seeks to succeed Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o with a government built on servant leadership.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting with the media and stakeholders, Dr Owili said his administration will be one that listens, delivers and is accountable.
“Leadership is measured not by promises made, but by the lives it transforms. Our focus will remain on the priorities that matter most to every family across Kisumu,” he said.
Dr Owili outlined a people-centred agenda anchored on the philosophies of Chieng Jamondo (Early Riser) and Tich Kanyakla (Working Together).
He pledged to transform governance by taking services to the village level through the establishment of Village Councils and Village Administrators in every village.
“Every village will have a voice in planning and budgeting. Wananchi will monitor projects from start to finish. This is your government,” he told residents.
On health, he promised to upgrade health facilities in all sub-counties to Level 5 status, guarantee supply of essential drugs, strengthen maternal, child, emergency and mental health services, and elevate the Kisumu County Referral Hospital into a premier facility.
“We have already modernised our hospital infrastructure. My pledge is better healthcare closer to home, so you don’t have to travel far for treatment,” he said, adding that his government will introduce a medical cover for indigent households.
To open up the county, Dr Owili committed to constructing and maintaining rural access roads linking farms, beaches, schools and trading centres, improving drainage in flood-prone areas and publishing all road projects with clear timelines. All markets and public spaces will be lit with solar-powered lights.
On food security, he said farmers and fisherfolk remain at the heart of Kisumu’s economy. His plan includes extension services, subsidized seeds and fertilizer, modern fishing gear, completion of fish landing sites with cold storage and processing plants, and linking producers to markets.
Dr Owili said young people need jobs and skills, not promises. He pledged digital hubs in every village, expanded vocational training in TVETs, support for youth-owned businesses, apprenticeships, and heavy investment in sports, innovation and the creative economy.
For women and small traders, he promised revolving funds, SACCOs, financial literacy, One-Stop SME Support Centres to ease licensing and access to finance, and a ‘Buy Kisumu, Build Kisumu’ policy that prioritises local products in county procurement.
Dr Owili said his administration will safeguard the gains made since 2017 and complete flagship projects that will make Kisumu East Africa’s gateway to the Great Lakes.
These include full revitalization of Kisumu Port to unlock the blue economy, completion of the 30-kilometre Lakeside Promenade, establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for industrial jobs, fast-tracking KISIP I & II urban renewal programmes, completion of the five modern fish landing sites, a Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the Med Aditus Pharmaceutical Plant, and lobbying for the Kisumu–Malaba SGR.
He also promised to complete the Sh1 billion Wema Gardens housing project in Riat Hills to position Kisumu as a haven for investment.
“For nine years, I have walked this journey with Governor Nyong’o. I have seen the challenges, celebrated the successes, and learned the lessons needed for a successful transition,” he said.
“This is not about changing course. It is about completing the journey.”
In a direct appeal, Dr Owili asked residents to choose continuity over uncertainty.
“My commitment is simple: to build on the foundations laid by Prof. Nyong’o and to protect the development vision inspired by our departed icon, the former Premier Raila Odinga.”
He urged the media and wananchi to hold leaders accountable and verify facts.
“I invite you, the great people of Kisumu, to walk this journey with me as we write the next chapter of the Kisumu story. This is our county, this is our future – let’s secure it together,” he concluded.
