Governor Jama gives self scorecard, says on track to deliver manifesto

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama on Thursday said his administration is fully focused on providing quality services to residents.

Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations at Daadab Primary School in Dadaab subcounty, Jama took stock of his regime's performance and the progress made so far in meeting the aspirations of the electorate.

The county boss who said he was keen on implementing his manifesto was, however, quick to add that for any meaningful development to be achieved, both leaders and residents must pull in one direction.

"As is well known to all Garissans, we took over a county that was badly abused and literally in shambles. For instance, the healthcare system was as good as dead due to the lack of even basic drugs and the absence of supply of essential equipment."

"In fact, there was hardly any healthcare facility that was in a proper functioning state. Urban services were not provided including the fire department as well as waste management. Water provision to Garissa town and to other urban centers was at all-time low while our subcounties and rural populations hardly felt the existence of any government<" Jama added.

He said the county employees including healthcare professionals were demoralised, which according to him, was as a result of neglect and absence of motivation as well as victimisation of some sort.

Jama said in line with his campaign manifesto, his administration's activities since taking office have been targeted more towards redeeming the county and restoring the trust of the people in leadership.

He said the task has not been easy but was quick to add that nine months down the line, his administration was on the right track.

Among the areas he listed as doing well include health, water the county scholarship programme as well as the recent elevation of Masalani town into a municipality status.

Jama disclosed that electricity bills had accumulated to Sh79 million which forced Kenya Power to disconnect electricity from the company's intake as well as treatment stations.

To mitigate the situation, the governor said he negotiated a repayment plan with Kenya Power and enabled immediate reconnection of electricity to all GAWASCO operations.

"If we can all recall, the company's staff were completely demoralised and unwilling to offer any meaningful services as a result of delayed salaries spanning seven seven months. We cleared all the delayed salaries for the staff.

"The company's bank account was frozen by KRA as a result of non-payment of taxes to the tune of Sh22 million. We negotiated a payment plan with the agency enabling the company to use its bank account for smooth operations," Jama said.

The governor further disclosed that his administration has established a county scholarship programme which aims mainly at providing scholarships to bright university students from the county in specialised courses such as engineering, medicine, teaching, architecture, actuarial sciences and technical training courses (TVET).

The total budgetary target figure to be realised for the programme is Sh100 million. The Fund is currently distributing the first tranche of Sh30 million.

Jama further commended the full usage of the Garissa Regional Cancer Centre which is funded by the national government.

"The project had been completed before we took office but the same remained dormant (non-operational) due to unnecessary delays from the government of the day. Through providing necessary support - financial, operational etc - to the national government, we enabled the launch of the facility which is now fully operational," Jama said.