KENDO: Governor Wanga off to a great start

Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu says, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."  The wisdom sounds pedestrian but it is profound: A single step in the right direction can be transformative.

But you have to know the destination to get the roadmap. If you don't know where you are going, any route takes you there.

Some pioneer governors missed the rationale of decentralising national resources. Some did not understand the essence of people-centred development. Counties became fattening rooms for a few.

Some of the pioneer and second-cycle governors are in court facing corruption charges. Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinard Waititu and Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko were impeached.

Waititu and Sonko were the second governors of their counties. Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal, among others, are also facing allegations of corruption.

Individuals amassed fortunes as disillusioned masses yawned. Some executives wanted to extend their welcome as their patrons exited.

New governors were sworn in on August 25, arriving with promises of turning campaign pledges into time-defined actions, and measurable results.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga have started work in style: They have passion for the job and an acute understanding of the challenges of reclaiming the promises of devolution.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati is chasing ghost workers out of town. Siaya Governor James Orengo is questioning the records of his predecessor.

Former Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti left office a decade later with unfulfilled promises. The construction of a county stadium is stalled. The town market is incomplete.

The county referral hospital was left a rusty, dusty structure built in 1957. The hospital is breathing again, protecting lives, under a government that has prioritised healthcare.

Old Masawa Hotel houses the governor's office. The official residence of the governor wasn't a priority. The county assembly occupies the old municipal hall, where Nyayo-era councillors met.

Kigoto maize mills, Olare pineapple plant and Kabondo potato processing will be under people-centred leadership. Gendia-Kadongo road, cutting through Mawego, the former governor's rural home, is a patchwork of neglect.

The new team's first key step – digitalising collection of own revenue – is expected to boost county income, even as it reduces over-dependence on the Exchequer to fund devolved operations.

Pioneer county executives did not, during the decade of their welcome, find it necessary to seal own revenue leakages. The omission may have been deliberate.

Tax collectors in markets and other places may have been siphoning cash at source, before handing over meagre collections to supervisors, then to revenue officers, and other seniors. The county was collecting less revenue than it did pre-devolution.

The leakages have been sealed through cashless own revenue collection. Voters have appreciated the initiative.

Staff audits will ensure competence and integrity are integral to county operations. Staff transfers will shift personnel from beats they have occupied for decades. They may have become too familiar and complacent.

These interventions, among others, are key to improved health and well-being of county communities, and the creation of a resilient economy for improved livelihoods.

The team is acutely aware of their campaign manifesto's immediate outcomes: Good governance, improved health and well-being, enhanced food security, job creation and poverty eradication, among other promises.

The electorate is looking forward to a transformative first term from Wanga and Magwanga. They are off to a great start.