Homa Bay Renames Streets after the Late Ong'ondo Were and Other Prominent Leaders

• Several streets within Homa Bay Town now have new names following the latest decision made by the county
• The new names have already been installed on the identified streets, after a public participation exercise
• While Governor Gladys Wanga said the move is meant to celebrate prominent leaders and landmarks in the county, some locals have criticised it

Several streets in Homa Bay Town have been renamed.

The county government of Homa Bay renamed the streets after well-known political figures, a move that has sparked a mix of praise and criticism from locals.

According to Governor Gladys Wanga, the street-naming initiative followed a public participation exercise that was conducted in April 2025.

Wanga told TUKO.co.ke that the exercise was aimed at reflecting the county’s culture, heritage, and the contributions of individuals who have played key roles in its development.

She said residents were invited to submit name suggestions as part of the process.

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The governor also assured members of the public that their suggestions would be considered to ensure the names of the streets in Homa Bay Town reflect local culture, history, and the values of the county.

“The names of the streets are meant to celebrate prominent leaders, cultural landmarks, or people who have made significant contributions to the growth of the county,” Wanga said.

Which leaders have Homa Bay streets named after them?

Among the leaders who will now have streets in Homa Bay named after them are Governor Wanga, late Kasipul Member of Parliament Ong’ondo Were, Homa Bay's first governor Cyprian Awiti, and former assistant minister, the late Orwa Ojode.

While the county government of Homa Bay insists that the names are meant to recognise leaders who have significantly impacted the region, not everyone agrees with the outcome.

Michael Kojo, the Executive Director of the Asego Public Litigation Forum, criticised the dominance of political figures in the naming process.

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“It’s disappointing to see politicians honoured while legendary cultural icons are ignored. This feels more like political mileage than public recognition,” Kojo told TUKO.co.ke in an exclusive interview.

He argued that individuals like Wahamba and Bunde, who hold historical and cultural significance, would have been more appropriate choices. On the other hand, some community members have expressed support for the initiative.

How Homa Bay locals reacted to new street names

Walter Opiyo, leader of Homa Bay Bunge la Wenye Nchi, said that the naming of streets helps in navigation and planning. He noted that it was long overdue.

Local businesses have also welcomed the move. Geoffrey Okoth, a representative of the Homa Bay Giant Traders Association, said that the street names will improve business visibility.

"It makes it easier for customers to find us in town and increases our visibility,” he noted.

Homa Bay hatchery producing 30 million fingerlings

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In other news, TUKO.co.ke reported that an investor has set up a modern hatchery capable of producing 30 million fingerlings.

The hatchery at the shores of Lake Victoria is expected to address an acute shortage of tilapia fish that the country faces.

Data shows that while the demand for fish has been on the rise, what is locally produced is not sufficient.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke