Kisumu Central parliamentary aspirant Edward Onyango, popularly known as Bob CEO, on Friday stepped up his grassroots outreach, engaging traders, community health promoters and young people in a series of activities across the constituency.
The businessman, who is positioning himself to contest the Kisumu Central parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, used the engagements to advance what he described as an inclusive development agenda centred on economic empowerment, accessible healthcare and youth development.
Onyango began his day in Market Milimani Ward, where he joined a fundraising drive aimed at supporting traders in Kisumu.
The event was hosted by Kisumu Central MP Dr Oron and attended by ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, elected leaders and other guests.
Addressing the gathering, Onyango said small and medium-sized enterprises deserved deliberate government support because of their contribution to the local economy and livelihoods.
“MSMEs are the backbone of our informal sector, yet traders continue to face demolitions, relocations, prohibitive licensing and systemic neglect,” he said.
He said his 2027 agenda would seek to create a more favourable environment for businesses by reducing the cost of doing business and putting in place policies to protect traders from disruptions.
“As a businessman and aspiring MP, my agenda is clear: enact policies that protect traders, reduce the cost of doing business and provide institutional support for growth,” Bob said.
From Market Milimani, he proceeded to Kondele Ward, where he was the chief guest at the official launch of the Kondele Health Promoters Community-Based Organisation.
The launch brought together Community Health Promoters (CHPs) drawn from different parts of the ward.
Onyango, who has made community-based empowerment a key part of his public engagements, contributed seed capital to the newly established organisation, saying stronger grassroots institutions were critical to improving healthcare delivery.
“When we invest in Community Health Promoters, we build stronger primary healthcare and bring services closer to Kisumu families,” he said.
He said CHPs play a vital role in linking households with essential health services, particularly at the grassroots, and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening community healthcare structures.
Onyango later turned his attention to youth and sports, an area he said had been close to his heart for years.
He cited his support for Obunga FC, including financial assistance during competitions such as the Kisumu Central League, Tom Ojienda Cup, Chapa Dimba and Betika tournaments.
He also recalled hosting the team and its technical staff for dinner after the club won the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Finals in 2023.
“Obunga FC has been in my heart since day one, and I am proud to continue supporting our young talents in sports,” he said.
As Obunga FC prepares to represent Kisumu County in the Safaricom Chapa Simba Season Five, Onyango wished the team success and urged the players to remain focused and make Kisumu Central proud.
The three engagements highlighted the key areas Onyango is seeking to associate with his emerging political agenda economic empowerment, accessible healthcare and youth development.
With the 2027 political contest beginning to take shape, Onyango is seeking to use his experience as a businessman and his involvement in community initiatives to build a wider constituency-wide political profile.
He described the approach as Telomatiyo, a development agenda he says is anchored on practical empowerment and community participation.
“Empowering our traders is empowering Kisumu Central’s economy,” Onyango said.
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