HOMA BAY, Kenya — Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the county into a top-tier tourist and investment destination, drawing inspiration from Cape Town, South Africa. Speaking ahead of the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, Wanga highlighted the county’s untapped potential in tourism, urban development, and the blue economy, noting that Homa Bay boasts the longest stretch of Lake Victoria within Kenya. We are hoping to be the Cape Town of Kenya because we have the longest beach stretch, with 80 percent of Lake Victoria in Homa Bay County, she said.
The governor detailed a restructuring strategy that includes relocating government offices along the lakefront to the upper parts of the county, freeing prime lakeside land for hospitality and tourism infrastructure. She noted that the newly completed Homa Bay County Government Headquarters would be officially opened by President William Ruto, a move aimed at clearing the lakefront for future development. Plans also include leasing lakeside land to investors to encourage the establishment of hotels, resorts, and recreational facilities, thereby enhancing the county’s urban aesthetics and economic potential.
Officials and residents have welcomed the plan, describing it as a transformative approach to boosting local tourism, creating jobs, and modernizing urban spaces. Governor Wanga envisions that within the next decade, Homa Bay could be officially recognized as a city, mirroring Cape Town’s appeal and infrastructure. With the implementation of these projects, the county aims not only to attract domestic and international tourists but also to stimulate investment and uplift the local economy through strategic urban planning and hospitality development.