Develop Homa Bay, Wanga directs municipality board members

The establishment of four municipalities in Homa Bay County has positioned the major town centres to attract investment and develop economically.

The Homa Bay government upgraded four major towns – Ndhiwa, Mbita, Kendu Bay and Oyugis – to municipalities.

This brings the number of municipalities in the county to five.

On Wednesday, Governor Gladys Wanga oversaw the swearing-in of 32 municipality board officials at the county headquarters on Wednesday.

The board members will elect their chairpersons and are expected to begin offering services.

Wanga said the creation of the municipalities is aimed at improving services to residents.

“The towns have the ability to get financial aid from the Kenya Urban Support Programme. The towns have the potential to attract investors for their economic development,” she said.    

The board members are charged with the responsibility of running the municipalities through the provision of services such as clean water, proper planning and sanitation.

Wanga said each municipality will be given a budget in the next financial year.

She was accompanied by Deputy Governor Oyugi Mwanga, county assembly speaker Julius Gaya and county Secretary Bernard Muok.

Wanga asked the board members to stay away from politics and focus on service delivery.

She said her administration has a vision to transform Homa Bay and residents' lives in 10 years.

“A municipality like Oyugis can make a good commercial hub due to its strategic position. Ndhiwa has the potential to rapidly grow agriculturally,” Wanga said.

She expressed optimism that with the creation of the municipalities, the national government’s allocation to Homa Bay County will increase.

Counties with municipalities have been receiving supportive funds.

Magwanga told the municipality board members to work hard and help the county realise its development agenda.

He warned them against laxity in duty and engaging in politics.

“Homa Bay people are in dire need of development and there is no need to sleep on the job,” Magwanga said.

Gaya said they declined to approve two nominees because they were not qualified.

“MCAs are hopeful that the board members will perform to the standards. Their approval means they merited the job,” he said.

Edited by Josephine M. Mayuya