Governor Ongwae: Kisii ready to host first BBI forum

Nyanza governors led by Kisii Governor James Ongwae (in white coat) address the press in Kisumu on January 02, 2020, over the planned discussion on BBI in Kisii on January 10. [Denish Ochieng', Standard]

Kisii County will host the first Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) County Consultative Dialogue tomorrow at Gusii Stadium. The forum will be led by ODM leader Raila Odinga.

More than 1,000 delegates are set to attend the consultative forum that will bring together counties from the Nyanza region at the Kisii Sports Club grounds before proceeding to the stadium.

The multi-sectoral stakeholders' engagement will bring together governors, senators, MPs, MCAs, elders, clerics, opinion leaders, women, youth, business leaders, small traders and professionals from the region to have a healthy robustly discussion on the report.

While welcoming the delegates, host Governor James Ongwae said the county was ready and prepared to host delegates from its neighbouring counties to chat the way forward.

He said the region shares the same aspirations, trading partners hence the need for citizen participation on any fundamental issues that touch on public decision-making processes.

“All stakeholders in the counties ought to be given an opportunity to discuss and comprehend the recommendations outlined in the report,” he said.

Speaking on Wednesday morning, more than 45 members of the County Assembly said the county and the community was ready for the meeting. 

“We hope the participants will put the country first and engage objectively on matters of Governance, elections, devolved units, sharing of revenue and other pertinent issues of national importance,” said Sensi Ward Rep Paul Angwenyi.

The leaders said the members of the Gusii Community as of today are spread across the country and participating in various political and socio-economic activities.

“The BBI engagement shall ensure the country achieves the lasting peace, citizenry participation, inclusivity and Nationhood.”

Angwenyi said President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila should continue agitating for peace, united country, economic empowerment, political stability and inclusivity.

“Leaders irrespective of their political persuasions should put the country first and advance the National values and principles as envisaged in the Constitution 2010.”

The public should join us in support of the recommendations as we enrich the document by giving our views constructively for the good of this country,” added Angwenyi.

Devolved units

The MCAs also hail the region’s governors led by Governor Ongwae for their continued support for devolved units and leadership for effective service delivery.

Kisii County Assembly Majority Leader Timothy Ogugu said they recognise the achievements the counties have had especially on health sector, Agriculture, infrastructure and roads among others.

“It is our wish and call on all Governors to continue working closely with the National Government and ensure our development agenda moves forward in line with the Big 4 agenda,” said Ogugu.