Jealously Guard Devolution — Orengo Tells Kenyans on 61st Madaraka Day

GOVERNOR James Orengo has urged Kenyans to defend the democratic gains that the country has made over the years.

Among the gains that Orengo urged Kenyans to defend is devolution, which the champions of democracy suffered for despite heavy reprisal from past regimes.

In a speech read on his behalf by Siaya County secretary Joseph Ogutu during the 61st Anniverssary for self-rule , Orengo said the struggles of freedom fighters were not in vain, as the country has achieved tremendous growth since the advent of devolution.

He called on Kenyans to jealously guard devolution, saying it has not only helped accelerate development across the country but also brought services closer to the people.

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Orengo said there has been attempt by the ruling regime to starve devolution by depriving county government funds and functions.

“ the 2010 Constitution gave Kenyans a chance to develop their respective counties.For us devolution was truly a godsend and we are not taking this for granted,”

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The County government of Siaya has tried to solve problems bedeviling the region adding that under the Nyalore manifesto, we are implementing 9 points agenda whose pillers seeks to benefit Siya residents.

In agriculture sector, we seek to achieve 50 percent economic output as a county, this is why government is keen procure ring tractors, inputs and fertilizers to help increase productivity.

“we have just completed the installation of Siriwo rice mill in Usonga ward and this will help brand rice as Siaya product,” said Orengo.

“we expect to have rice from Usonga branded as Siaya product,” he added.

“my government is purposed to to promote cotton, rice and sun-flower edible oil value chains and so we want to encourage farmers to invest on these value chains,”

Orengo said his administration recently recruited extension officers who shall help famers who have interests on the value chains.

The lower Nzoia irrigation Scheme is another initiative that would increase rice production.

My government is committed towards promoting industrialization that’s why we jointly funded the establishment of Industrial park at Got Akara and once complete it will spur economic development.

“we want to encourage entrepreneurs to expand their ambitious enterprises,” we will offer incentives to manufacturers in the county by providing affordable lincensing options and also extend incentives to our investors.

“we are going to rolling out incentives to attract investors seeking to do business in the region,” he added.

The governor said the goal is to grow the country’s manufacturing sector.

He pointed out that strategic investment in manufacturing will increase exports, create employment opportunities, boost economic activity using local resources and generate attractive returns for investors.

Orengo said Siaya residents are happy with the transformation in all sectors.

Devolution has revolutionized a previously marginalized county into a modern, vibrant and secure town, he said.

“Siaya today is a shining example of the success of devolution. For the first time since Independence, residents have seen tarmacked road done by the County government of Siaya.” The rough road passing Kababa hotel to hospital and Yala junction to Yala hospital roads are those upgraded to bitumen standards.

“We shall also upgrade roads at Akala, Ndori and Sega markets while in Bondo will have a dual carriageway between Bondo ACK building to the junction heading to Kisumu in the next financial year,” Orengo added.

In the health sector, Orengo said his administration had managed to significantly invest in infrastructure and reduced the high maternal death rate.

“siaya maternity and surgical complex construction is going on at Siaya referral hospital including a Sh 17 million modern funeral parlor. We are doing similar parlor in Bondo-Sub-County hospital and another maternity and surgical theater in Yala sab-county hospital.

“we have had also ring-fenced Sh 100 million to address medical commodities,” said Orengo adding that UKwala hospital is currently offering x-ray services.

In the water sector, Orengo said before the advent of devolution, the county’s water coverage was below 50 percent and he took power and increased the coverage to 55 and expect to hit 58 after five years.

To achieve that, my government is going to invest money in the last mile connectivity.

The program targets the Sh 1,2 Billion Ugunja Sega –Ukwala water project that was funded by government.