Devolution delivering fruits despite hiccups

Siaya Governor James Orengo before the Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds, July 13, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Despite various challenges facing the implementation of the 2010 Constitution, majority Kenyans largely agree that devolution was the best thing that ever happened to us. The 47 devolved units have helped transform lives at the lowest levels of our administration through robust service delivery networks at the grassroots. Today, Kenyans in every corner have the opportunity to feel and closely interact with various development projects spearheaded by the county governments. The gains realised since the onset of devolution are immense. In Siaya County, for instance, 2023 has been defining for us and the theme for this year's devolution conference: "10 years of devolution: The Present and Future" is timely. We have reorganised government systems and structures to conform to our Nyalore manifesto upon which my administration is anchored on. We have made our governance and administration more accountable and effective. The county government is also implementing recommendations of the Edward Ouko-led team that proposed a raft of measures to improve governance and financial systems. In 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 over 8,753 farmers. This has encouraged private tractors to operate in the county and done 215,000 acres. Cumulatively, 234,075 acres have been put under mechanised operations with an increase in maize productivity from an average 5 to 6 bags an acre. This translates into increased production from one million to 1.4 million bags of maize. At least 184,000 households have access to mechanised farming techniques and thereby improve their outputs from the farms. These efforts have enhanced food security and the bounty harvest realised this season is a clear testimony to this. To supplement the mechanised agriculture efforts we have distributed subsidised fertiliser and 76 metric tons of certified maize seeds to spur agricultural production. Recently, I launched construction of Siriwo Rice Mill in Usonga Ward worth 60 million and the works are progressing. 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 a market for farmers. Health remains a key plank of the Nyalore manifesto and will continue to receive our keen attention. So far, we have commissioned several dispensaries to boost community health services to the most hard-to-reach members with quality healthcare like Agok Dispensary. Our support to Community Health Volunteers (Nyamrerwa) at the grassroots has remained steadfast. This is strengthened through proper kitting and improved working conditions. To increase the numbers of residents accessing water closer to their households, we have commissioned solar and electricity-powered water projects in several sub-counties. To elevate our urban centres and position them better for the emerging economic opportunities that come with devolution, I launched Bondo and Ugunja towns as the newest municipalities. We have also launched 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 have put money in the development of an industrial park and aggregation centres jointly with the national government at a cost of Sh500 million. -The writer is Siaya Governor

Devolution delivering fruits despite hiccups

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