The Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) Summit, now in its second day, has brought together key stakeholders and leaders from the 14 counties of the LREB region to discuss impactful solutions for economic development, food security, and climate resilience. The summit, hosted by Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma at Alupe University in Busia County, has been a platform for innovative ideas and collaboration among regional leaders.
In his remarks, Governor Kenneth Lusaka, the Chairperson of the LREB, called on member counties to prioritize and implement flagship projects that directly address the unique needs of the region. He emphasized that transformative projects should not only focus on growth but should also have a lasting impact on the livelihoods of the people.
“As the LREB region, we should execute key pillar projects that are impactful to our region and especially for our people,” Governor Lusaka stated. “Collaboration is key to driving economic empowerment across the region. We must work together to tackle challenges and harness opportunities that will benefit every county in the bloc.”
Governor Lusaka also proposed a new initiative to assess the progress of pillar projects after every summit, ensuring that implementation is on track and that the projects are delivering tangible benefits to local communities.
The summit is underscoring the region’s commitment to collective action and regional collaboration, particularly in addressing the challenges of food security and climate change. Discussions at the summit have focused on practical strategies to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce vulnerability to climate shocks, and promote sustainable development.
“The issues we face today—food insecurity, the effects of climate change, and regional disparities—require us to think strategically and act collectively,” said Governor Otuoma. “Our goal is to create a stronger, more resilient Lake Region through partnership and innovation.”
The three-day summit has brought together government officials, development partners, agricultural experts, and private sector representatives, all united in their mission to find solutions that will shape the future of the Lake Region. The event is a crucial step towards ensuring that the LREB bloc remains at the forefront of regional economic development in Kenya.