Kisumu City is living up to expectations of becoming a major commercial and transport hub in the Western Kenya and the larger region.
With its increased status and visibility on the African stage, Kisumu is set to rival other major cities in East and Central Africa, thanks to new building and infrastructure projects currently underway or recently completed. A number of projects have recently been completed while others are at various stages of design or construction. The lakeside city has not seen major or striking new developments for a number of years and these new projects are expected to give the city a major facelift.
Here are some of those projects:
One Kentons Square
The unique One Kentons Square building at the heart of the Kisumu CBD has revamped the skyline and architecture in the main town square which has remained relatively boring and unchanged for decades. The Kenton’s Square building exudes class and provides the impetus to other developers in Kisumu to up their game.
The New Kisumu Railway Station
While it cannot compete with the ultra-modern satellite stations offered along the SGR, the new Kisumu Railway Station has certainly transformed the once sleepy Kisumu-Busia Road junction and Makasembo area. It also has the potential of diverting some traffic away from the town CBD, especially for traders wanting to move their cargo by rail instead of road.
Africities Convention Center
The proposed Convention Center is expected to host the 9th edition of the Africities Summit from 17th to 19th May, though doubts linger over the completion of the project on time. The facility will not only transform the face and image of Kisumu City, but will also change the usually bland Mamboleo Interchange, and complement the adjacent Lake Basin Mall and the new dual carriage way going into the Kisumu CBD.
The facility is proposed to have a cultural center, amphitheater, 60 exhibition spaces, a VIP lounge, 15 breakaway rooms, a health center, and press rooms, not to mention a play park and picnic area. The project will provide a huge boost to Kisumu’s once ailing economy including hotels, restaurants, and local traders.
The Proposed Kisumu Promenade
The lakefront promenade has been estimated to cost upwards of $25 million and when completed will add remarkably to the aesthetics of the Kisumu waterfront. It will serve to fully utilize the domestic and international tourism potential of the region. This particular area of the city is frequented by expatriates and tourists from outside of Kisumu but has been lacking in terms of investments that could attract more visitors for quite a while. The promenade is thus expected to attract increased capital from developers and hotel owners, and improve land prices around the area.
The Proposed Ultra-Modern Kisumu County Assembly
Groundbreaking for the proposed Sh 500 million new Kisumu County Assembly is already done. When completed, the development will comprise ultra-modern chambers and 64 offices, fitness facilities, a commercial restaurant, a press gallery, a speakers gallery, and a complete Hansard office.
The Lake Basin Mall
The already-completed Lake Basin Mall was marred in controversy before and after its completion. Tenants initially kept away. However, the development is slowly showing signs of coming to life, and expectation is even higher as the Kisumu-Vihiga Flyover nears completion. The facility offers a complete shopping and lifestyle experience, with everything from restaurants, eateries, supermarket spaces, a children’s play park, extensive parking spaces, and the signature Best Western Hotel.
