Homa Bay County remains an important area in the government's development agenda, particularly in healthcare delivery, infrastructure, education, agriculture and economic empowerment. A development tour involving Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale and Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury John Mbadi highlights the importance of coordination between government ministries in addressing the needs of residents and improving public services.

The tour provides an opportunity to assess ongoing projects, engage local leaders and communities, identify challenges affecting development and explain the government's priorities. With Duale responsible for health policy and Mbadi overseeing national financial management, their participation brings together two important areas of public service: the delivery of essential services and the financing required to sustain them.

Homa Bay, situated along the shores of Lake Victoria, has significant potential in fisheries, agriculture, tourism and trade. However, residents also face challenges involving access to quality healthcare, employment opportunities, infrastructure and household incomes. Development initiatives in the county therefore require proper planning, adequate funding and effective implementation.Aden Duale, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, is responsible for national health policy, healthcare programmes, medical services coordination and efforts to improve access to treatment across Kenya. His portfolio is particularly relevant to Homa Bay, where strengthening hospitals, improving maternal and child healthcare, expanding preventive services and ensuring the availability of medical supplies remain important development priorities.

The Ministry of Health has identified Homa Bay among the counties prioritised for maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health interventions under the Building Resilient and Responsive Health Systems programme. The initiative aims to improve primary healthcare services and strengthen the availability of essential medical products. John Mbadi, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, plays a different but equally important role. His responsibilities include national budget preparation, public expenditure management, economic planning and ensuring that government priorities are supported by available financial resources.

Mbadi also has a longstanding political connection to Homa Bay, having represented Suba South in Parliament before joining the Cabinet. His familiarity with the region's economic and infrastructure concerns gives him an important role in discussions about development priorities.

When the two Cabinet Secretaries participate in development activities, their responsibilities can complement one another. Health projects require financing, while national economic planning must account for the cost of hospitals, health workers, medicines, roads and other public services.Duale's portfolio places him at the centre of national efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery. Improvements in primary healthcare can help residents receive treatment closer to home instead of travelling long distances to larger hospitals for services that could be provided at local facilities.

Particular attention is needed for pregnant women, newborn babies, children, adolescents and vulnerable families. Effective maternal healthcare requires trained personnel, functioning maternity wards, emergency referral services and reliable supplies.Agriculture and the blue economy

Agriculture and fishing remain essential to Homa Bay's economy. Many households depend on crop farming, livestock keeping, fish trading and related businesses for their livelihoods.

The county has opportunities to increase agricultural productivity through improved seeds, extension services, irrigation where feasible, agricultural research and better market access.

During the September 2026 presidential development tour, additional funding was announced for a proposed agricultural training and research centre in Kabondo-Kasipul. The initiative was intended to support agricultural training, research and improved production, including sweet-potato farming. Treasury financing and accountability

One of the most important aspects of a development tour is the question of how projects will be funded and monitored.

Mbadi's role at the National Treasury places public finance at the centre of discussions about government development commitments. Kenya must balance expenditure on infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and other essential services against revenue collection, debt obligations and other competing priorities.

A project may be announced or launched, but its successful completion depends on the availability of funds, timely payments to contractors, proper procurement and effective supervision.Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and other local leaders have an important role in ensuring that national development programmes respond to the needs of residents.

Cooperation between the two levels of government is especially important in sectors where responsibilities are shared or closely connected.

Healthcare is devolved, meaning county governments play a central role in operating county health facilities and delivering local services, while the national government develops national policy and supports wider programmes.

Duale's ministry has emphasised collaboration with county governments under programmes designed to strengthen primary healthcare. Homa Bay is among the counties identified for targeted maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health interventions. Young people need access to quality schools, technical and vocational training, digital skills and opportunities to enter the labour market. Better infrastructure and a stronger local economy can create opportunities for graduates and young entrepreneurs.

Markets, roads and agricultural projects may generate employment during construction and create additional business opportunities once operational. However, the scale and duration of those opportunities depend on how the projects are implemented and managed.The central question for residents is whether the development activities will translate into visible improvements in their daily lives.

For healthcare, the key indicators include improved access to treatment, reliable medicine supplies, adequate staffing and shorter referral journeys.

For infrastructure, residents will want roads completed to the required standards, safer transport routes and fewer interruptions during rainy periods.

For markets, the most important outcomes include better working conditions, reliable sanitation, improved security and increased opportunities for traders.

For agriculture and fishing, residents will expect better access to markets, reduced transport costs and support that improves household incomes.