Alai Labels Kisumu Governor Nyong’o “Overrated,” Cites Limited Progress

Kisumu, Kenya — September 23, 2025, 09:15 EAT.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has launched a scathing critique of Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, arguing that the county chief has failed to deliver meaningful change to the lakeside city despite holding office for nearly eight years.

The Latest

Speaking in Kisumu on Tuesday, Alai said Nyong’o’s most notable political achievement was unseating former Governor Jack Ranguma in 2017, claiming that the county has since stagnated in terms of development and public service delivery.

“If there is one governor who is overrated in Kenya, that’s Governor Nyong’o. Apart from removing Mt Ranguma, he hasn’t done any meaningful work in Kisumu,” Alai said.

The comments come as Kisumu faces mounting criticism over unemployment, slow infrastructure development, and rising complaints about budget priorities.

Context in Brief

• Nyong’o’s Tenure: The governor, a seasoned academic and former Senator, was first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2022 on an ODM ticket.

• Signature Projects: His administration has often touted urban renewal, drainage upgrades, and a cleanliness campaign as major achievements.

• Criticism: Opponents argue these initiatives have been unevenly implemented, with poverty and informal settlements still defining much of Kisumu’s urban landscape.

Law, Policy, and Process

• County Budgeting: Under Kenya’s Public Finance Management Act (2012), counties must allocate at least 30% of budgets to development. Kisumu has repeatedly been flagged by the Controller of Budget for falling short, spending as little as 17% on development in the last fiscal year.

• Public Oversight: Residents can petition the County Assembly to summon officials for explanations on expenditure patterns.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Alai’s Position: “The perception that Kisumu is exceptionally clean is exaggerated. Budgets go to salaries and recurrent costs, not real transformation,” Alai said.

• Nyong’o’s Response: The governor has previously defended his record, citing the Kisumu Urban Project and the Lakefront Development Plan as milestones toward modernization.

• Residents’ Concerns: Traders along Oginga Odinga Street told The Standard that while roads have improved, unemployment and waste management remain unresolved issues.

Evidence & Data

• Budget Use: Kisumu allocated KSh 5.4B for development in FY 2024/25 but spent only 17%, citing pending bills and delayed transfers.

• Urban Rankings: The county ranked third in the 2024 National Clean Cities Index but critics argue the survey covered only central business districts.

• Population Pressures: Kisumu’s urban population has grown by 35% in a decade, straining housing and sanitation infrastructure.

Risks and Implications

• Political Fallout: Alai’s remarks could deepen rifts within ODM ahead of 2027, especially as party leader Raila Odinga hails from Kisumu.

• Economic Impact: Investor confidence may waver if county governance is perceived as politically unstable or financially opaque.

• Public Services: Continued underfunding of development risks worsening unemployment and urban poverty.

What We Don’t Know

• Whether Nyong’o plans to seek re-election in 2027 or retire from active politics.

• How ODM leadership will respond to internal criticism ahead of party grassroots elections.

• Whether county audit findings will trigger Senate or Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission scrutiny.

Timeline

• 2017: Nyong’o elected Kisumu Governor after defeating Jack Ranguma.

• 2022: Re-elected amid ODM dominance in the region.

• 2024: Controller of Budget flags county for underspending on development.

• 2025-09-23: Alai criticises Nyong’o, calls him “overrated.”

What to Watch

• County Assembly debates on FY 2025/26 budget allocations.

• ODM grassroots elections and realignments in Kisumu politics.

• Upcoming Auditor-General report on county expenditures.

Editor’s Note:

This article incorporates budget data from the Controller of Budget’s 2024 report and public records from Kisumu County Assembly Hansard reports.