Wanga’s Plan to Make Homa Bay ‘Kenya’s Cape Town
She confirmed that President William Ruto will commission the new Homa Bay County Headquarters on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
Wanga also announced plans to lease lake shore land to investors. The county will provide incentives to entities willing to construct quality hotels, resorts, and recreational facilities. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has launched a bold vision of transforming the county into a top investment and tourism destination, emulating Cape Town, South Africa.
Speaking to the people of Homa Bay on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, before the Devolution Conference, Wanga referred to the county’s potential in tourism, the blue economy, as well as urban renewal.
She shows where Homa Bay, by Lake Victoria, gives it a unique advantage. “We have the longest lake shore of Lake Victoria. Eighty percent of Lake Victoria is in Homa Bay. That gives us the longest line of beaches in the country,” Wanga explained.
Cape Town Model for Urban Growth
The governor promised to mimic Cape Town urban life in Homa Bay’s growth. She envisions a modern city within 10 years. “In the next 10 years, we want to develop Homa Bay as a city like Cape Town,” she said.
Under the plan, they will improve infrastructure, revamp public space, and improve hospitality facilities along the lake shore.
Relocation of County Offices
Wanga explained that the county government offices along the lake will be shifted to an upper part of the county. The move will provide an ideal plot of land for tourism development.
“There were offices along the lake. One small office housed about 30 people but took seven acres of land. The rest was just smashed vehicles,” Wanga stated.
New County Headquarters Launch
She confirmed that President William Ruto will commission the new Homa Bay County Headquarters on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
The project frees prime lakefront real estate for redevelopment.
“One giant leap was to build our new headquarters away from the waterfront so we can dedicate the space to hospitality,” she said.
Attracting Investors
Wanga also announced plans to lease lake shore land to investors. The county will provide incentives to entities willing to construct quality hotels, resorts, and recreational facilities.
“We will lease the land to investors who can develop first-class facilities. Within another decade, we hope to have Homa Bay city that can compete with Cape Town,” Wanga said.
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