Counties should showcase their best in 2015

The beginning of a new year always offers a renewed sense of hope and a promise of a better future. As 2015 takes off, Kenyans have huge expectations that the year will be better than 2014. That is why they were thrilled to read their Governors’ plans and priorities this year, published exclusively by The Standard on January 1 and 2.

Majority of the county chiefs promised to complete ongoing development projects and initiate new ones to make life worth living for their constituents. Other governors, after realising deficiencies in their county staff, plan to train them to boost service delivery. This is how it should always be. It shows they have, in the last one year or so, evaluated their strengths and weaknesses.

Regular stock taking and decisive actions are positive steps every county should embrace as the devolved governments take root in Kenya.

When Kenyans endorsed devolution in the 2010 Constitution, they saw a great opportunity to spur real growth in regions that had been neglected for decades. The devolved system of government is steadily inspiring hope and while some counties have faltered in some ways, Kenyans are not about to give up. Their hopes are high despite wrangling here and there.

The 47 governors, therefore, have an uphill task of unlocking the huge potential each county possesses. No one county can claim not to have opportunities to create wealth and reduce poverty, disease and ignorance.

Political goodwill, financial probity and unity of purpose are what the 47 governors need to spur true growth. To achieve this, the county bosses must get their house in order, unite the Members of their County Assemblies (MCAs) and cut down on political rhetoric. They must also convince voters and their potential rivals that it is not campaign time yet, but time to deliver on their promises.

One critical resource counties can tap in is the huge youthful capital, overflowing with ideas and boundless energy. Kenyan youth have acquired useful knowledge and skills, which the 47 governors must utilise to turn around Kenya’s economic prospects. It is not enough to always blame the National Government for the sky high unemployment rate among the youth. County Governments should take the lead in mobilising youth into useful and profitable activities such as agri-business and sporting activities.

Every county has a pool of talented sportsmen and women. Governors must take the lead in helping the youth unleash their potential. It may not take a lot of resources, for instance, establishing playing grounds in the counties, but it is possible to bring forth word class stars in football, athletics and other sporting disciplines. In the process, job opportunities will sprout even as majority of youth are kept away from mischief. In turn, vices like crime and drug abuse will gradually decline.

Now, as Kenyans celebrated Christmas and the New Year, there was marked improvement in the number of local tourists visiting entertainment spots.

 

They jammed public parks, beaches and picnic sites across the country. The tourism sector was hit hard last year as foreign visitors shied away due to travel advisories occasioned by a series of fatal terror attacks. Indeed, most hospitality establishments had to lay off workers due to low business.

Going forward, the 47 counties should be encouraged to showcase and step up their attraction sites to lure Kenyans.

As evidenced by the just ended festivities, Kenyans love having fun and can pay top money for idyllic facilities and adventure. Each of the 47 counties has unique natural features that governors can help identify and market as tourist attractions. Besides raking in much needed county revenue, the venture will, again, help create job opportunities.

Finally, let governors approach the year with the knowledge that poverty is not fuelled by lack of opportunities, but dearth of ideas and unwillingness to take that first step. Over to you honourable governors, take us forward!