Despite various challenges that has faced the implementation of the 2010 Constitution, Kenyans will largely agree that devolution was the best thing that ever happened to us.
The devolved units have ensured that lives are greatly transformed at the lowest levels of our administration through robust service delivery networks at the grassroots.
Today, Kenyans in every corner of this country have the opportunity to feel and closely interact with the various development projects spearheaded by these devolved units. The gains realised since the onset of devolution are immense.
In Siaya, for instance, 2023 has been defining for us a county and the theme for this year’s devolution conference "10 years of devolution: the present and future" is so timely.
Notably, we have managed to reorganise government systems and structures to conform to our Nyalore manifesto upon which my administration is anchored on.
We have focused efforts in making our governance and administration systems more accountable and effective.
To achieve this, the county government is in the process of implementing the recommendations of a task force report by the Edward Ouko-led team that proposed a raft of measures to improve governance, financial and management systems to better meet the needs of the Siaya people.
Our efforts to transform Siaya in key sectors are already bearing fruit.
In the agriculture sector, for instance, we have embraced mechanised farming to boost food security.
Since the advent of devolution, about 19,075 acres of land has been ploughed, benefiting more than 8,753 farmers. This has encouraged private tractors to operate in the county that have done 215,000 acres.
Cumulatively, 234,075 acres have been put under mechanised operations with an increase in maize productivity from an average of five to six bags per acre. This translates into increased production from one million to 1.4 million bags of maize.
At least 184,000 households within the county have had access to mechanised farming techniques and thereby improve their outputs from the farms. These efforts have enhanced food security in Siaya county and the bounty harvest realised this season is a clear testimony to this.
To supplement the mechanised agriculture efforts, my government has been able to distribute subsidised fertiliser and 76 metric tonnes of certified maize seeds to spur agricultural production in Siaya.
Recently, I launched the construction of Siriwo Rice Mill in Usonga ward at a cost of Sh60 million and the works on it is progressing well.
The rice mill will mark the beginning of competitive and viable rice value chain production through maximising returns.
It has come as a relief to many rice farmers in Usonga who for many years have been forced to sell their paddy rice to middlemen at throw away price.
Soon, we will have finished products packaged from Usonga supplied in our supermarkets to increase local food availability and also ensure local market for farmers.
Health remains a key plank of the Nyalore manifesto and will continue to receive our keen attention as a government.
So far, we have commissioned a number of dispensaries that boost provision of community health to the most hard to reach members of our community with quality healthcare like Agok dispensary.
Our support to the community health volunteers (nyamrerwa) to deliver community health at the grassroots has remained steadfast. This is strengthened through proper kitting and improved working conditions.
I have since met all the nyamrerwa to emphasise this message.
To increase the numbers of Siaya residents accessing water closer to their households, we have managed to commission solar and electricity-powered water projects in several subcounties.
To elevate our urban centres and position them better for the emerging economic opportunities that come with devolution, I launched both Bondo and Ugunja towns as the newest municipalities in Siaya county.
And to further entrench education, we have so far launched the construction of Early Childhood Development Centres in Mirau in South Uyoma, Orom in Yimbo and Uhembo and Dibuoro centres in Usonga just to mention a few.
We’ve dished out money in the development of industrial park and aggregation centres jointly with the national government at a cost of Sh500 million.
The writer is Siaya governor
