Ahero has become the newest town in Kisumu County following its unveiling by Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyongo’ on November 2, 2020, at Karanda Primary School grounds.
Its elevation to a town is a major milestone to the governor who promised its upgrading to town status alongside five other trading centres in his campaign manifestos.
On March 1, 2020, through a Gazette Notice, the governor elevated the status of five centres namely Maseno, Ahero, Muhoroni, Kombewa and Katito towns as all had met 10,000-resident threshold.
While presiding over the launch alongside his deputy, Dr. Mathew Owili, the governor said that the elevation of Ahero will bring services closer to the people in addition to creating economic nodes to offer opportunities to many people thus reducing pressure on Kisumu City.
He admitted that urbanization was real and people should embrace it wholeheartedly. “The earlier we begin preparing for urban life, the better. It also tells us that we must improve economic development in rural areas,’’ he said.
The governor quoted a speech by UN habitat director who said it is projected that 70 percent of the world population will be living in urban centres by 2050 and elevating the status of the five centres was necessary due to their population increase.
He emphasized his commitment to upgrade Ahero by setting aside a separate budget to address the problems faced by residents.
“In this year’s budget my government has earmarked a lot of money to improve road network within Ahero town alongside drainage improvement and installing street lights along streets of Ahero stretching over a kilometer,’’ he said
National Irrigation Authority chairman, Joshua Toro, believes that the nerve centre for Ahero economic growth will revolve around the irrigation sector, adding that the sector would offer employment opportunities besides increase food production.
Also present were members of Kisumu County cabinet and assembly led by the Speaker Elisha Oraro among other guests.
