Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo during a worship service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mutumbu, Siaya County/COURTESY
Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has hailed the newly enacted Sovereign Wealth Fund Act as a landmark law that will safeguard Kenya's natural resource wealth for future generations.
Omollo said President William Ruto's assent to the law marks a major milestone in safeguarding revenues generated from the country's natural resources.
Speaking during a Women Empowerment Forum in Gem, Siaya County, the PS said the legislation establishes a legal framework for managing proceeds from natural resources in a transparent and accountable manner while preserving part of the wealth 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," Omollo said.
The PS noted that Kenya has for years exploited its natural resources without a comprehensive mechanism for preserving part of the revenues for future use.
He said the Sovereign Wealth Fund will enable the government to invest a portion of the earnings from natural resources to support long-term national development and improve the welfare of future generations.
Omollo added that the law would strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of resource revenues while boosting investor confidence in Kenya's extractive sector.
He said the government is keen on attracting private investment to complement public resources in driving development and creating jobs across the country.
According to the PS, investments in natural resources should translate into improved livelihoods, expanded economic opportunities and better public services for communities hosting such projects.
On governance, Omollo said the government has operationalised more than 1,800 administrative units since President Ruto assumed office, bringing government services closer to citizens.
He said the expansion includes several new locations and sub-locations in Siaya County, making it easier for residents to access national identity cards, civil registration services and other government programmes.
The PS urged wananchi to take advantage of the ongoing national identity card registration and voter registration exercises, noting that identification documents are essential for accessing government services and participating in 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 enlist as voters.
Omollo also commended women for their role in driving economic growth and strengthening communities.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to empowering women through programmes that promote entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and higher household incomes.
The PS further called on residents to embrace unity, peaceful coexistence and active participation in development programmes, saying lasting progress can only be achieved through collaboration between citizens and government in pursuing shared development goals.
