Paul Otuoma, Busia Governor, took the oath to office promising to transform the devolved unit socio-economically and ensure residents a prosperous future.
Otuoma spoke shortly after he was sworn in as his deputy Arthur Odera by High court Judge P.J. Otieno and Lucy Ambasi, the Chief Magistrate of Busia County Stadium, said that they had taken a constitutional oath in office to serve residents diligently.
Otuoma, who replaces Governor Sospeter Ojaamong in the governorship, promised to perform a radical overhaul of the public service in an effort to improve service delivery for border residents.
He stated that his administration is aware that the county faces many challenges, including poverty, high levels of unemployment, food insecurity and a lack or reliable supply of clean water.
Otuoma promised to improve and revamp provision of health care services in line with “Afya ni Mali” concept.
He said: “Within the first 100 days of my administration, I shall mobilize resources to ensure that our hospitals have adequate drugs and non- pharmaceuticals.
“I shall work on the facelift of lower-level health facilities to provide primary health care in order to reduce referral cases to our County Referral Hospital.
“We shall strengthen institutional and technical capacities for the provision of effective service delivery.
“I will equip and improve the level 4 health facilities in Nambale, Port Victoria, Kocholia, Amukura, Sio-port and Khunyangu. Our work to improve community and health partnership engagements in preventive healthcare interventions is expected to lower morbidity rates.
county.”
Otuoma, who promised to implement a service scheme for all health professionals, including the Community Health Volunteers or CHVs, challenged health practitioners to change how they treat people seeking care because everyone has the right to quality health care.
The governor addressed food security by pointing out that, although the County Government cannot provide food directly for the citizens, it does have a responsibility to provide support services so that the people can grow enough food to eat and make a living from their agricultural investments.
“We will strengthen producer groups in the agricultural sector and link them to markets and business development service providers to promote agribusiness and exploit local market opportunities.
“I shall promote livestock breed improvement to improve quality and increase supply, support most vulnerable households with farm inputs and provide extension services on the best agronomic practices.” he stated.
The governor also promised to address the ongoing water problems that the county has been facing since independence.
“As a county government, we shall carry out feasibility studies, surveys and designs to develop and implement a Busia County Water Master plan for construction of Water supply systems, sanitation, and hygiene solutions.
“I commit to support water and sewerage companies in the county through a policy framework and public private partnership to ensure that this critical commodity is available to our population.” Otuoma said.
He also revealed that his administration will create a Busia County Economic Council consisting of senior civil servants, businessmen, foreign and local investors, and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This council will be responsible for developing an Economic Recovery Plan to aid in fiscal planning and investment.
The governor also took issue with the county’s poor revenue collection systems revealing its inability to realize set local revenue targets in the past decade despite increased revenue streams.
He said: “This perennial shortfall in revenue collection has affected implementation of the county budget. My administration will put in place stringent measures both administratively and in policy to address this challenge with immediate effect.”
Deputy Governor Odera stated that their administration is committed and will lead the establishment of systems and structures that will deliver services for residents.
He said: “We must make sure that we deliver development that our people can feel and touch. This is our mandate and I promise to support our governor fully on that course.”
Governor Sospeter Omong and Moses Mulomi, his deputy, Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Olanya and newly elected Busia leaders were also present at the ceremony.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait
Source: kenyanews
