Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has drawn national attention to the economic challenges facing residents of Gem Constituency, Kisumu County, after a field visit on Thursday.
During the visit, he engaged with local families and youth, observing the difficulties posed by rising living costs and limited employment opportunities.
Owino highlighted the daily pressures on mothers providing for their families, young people seeking jobs, and working adults navigating structural inequalities.
In a statement shared on X, he noted the resilience of residents despite systemic challenges that have long hindered economic growth in the region.
“The people of Gem are facing daily hardships, yet they remain committed to supporting their families and communities,” Owino said. He described witnessing firsthand the strain caused by inflation, shrinking opportunities, and corruption, which he said affects both local livelihoods and broader national development.
Gem, like other parts of western Kenya, has struggled with persistent unemployment and gaps in access to essential services.
Owino’s visit also comes amid ongoing debates in Kenyan politics over equitable distribution of resources and social safety nets.
As a legislator in the National Assembly, he has previously been involved in discussions on youth empowerment and economic reform through parliamentary committees.
Residents in Akala, where the visit took place, welcomed the engagement, noting that such interactions offer an opportunity to communicate local needs directly to lawmakers.
The legislator emphasized that observing these conditions firsthand reinforces the importance of responsive leadership and inclusive development strategies, highlighting the ongoing challenges Kenyans face in securing stable livelihoods.