Sovereign Wealth Fund law will safeguard Kenya's natural resource revenues - PS Omollo

Speaking during a women empowerment forum in Gem, Siaya County, Dr Omollo said the legislation, recently assented to by President William Ruto, establishes a legal framework for managing and investing revenues generated from the country's natural resources to ensure long-term national benefit.

He noted that Kenya has for years exploited its natural resources without a comprehensive mechanism to preserve part of the proceeds for future generations.

"The President has now made this a reality. As a country, we must ensure that the wealth generated from our natural resources benefits our people today while also securing the future of generations to come," said Dr. Omollo.

According to the PS, the law will strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of natural resource revenues while enhancing investor confidence in Kenya's resource-based development projects.

He added that the Government is keen on attracting private investment to complement public funding in accelerating development, saying investments in natural resources should translate into jobs, improved livelihoods and better public services for communities.

On governance and service delivery, Dr. Omollo said the Government has operationalised more than 1,800 administrative units nationwide since President William Ruto assumed office, including several new locations and sub-locations in Siaya County.

He said the expansion has brought government services closer to citizens by improving access to national identity cards, civil registration services and other essential public programmes.

The PS urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing national identity card and voter registration drives, noting that identification documents are essential for accessing government services and participating in the country's democratic processes.

He observed that the Nyanza region has the potential to register nearly one million new voters and encouraged all eligible citizens aged 18 years and above to register.

Dr Omollo also commended women for their contribution to economic growth and community development, reaffirming the Government's commitment to supporting women through programmes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, expanding financial inclusion and increasing household incomes.

He concluded by calling for unity and peaceful coexistence, saying sustainable development can only be achieved through collaboration between citizens and government in advancing shared national development goals.