Madaraka Day celebrations at the Migori County Stadium were marked by calls for enhanced cooperation between national and county government
Leaders led by Principal Secretary, State Department for Protection and Senior Citizens affairs, Joseph Motari, emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation for progress of the county
Motari advocated for democratic engagement among political factions in Migori, who have lately been involve in fracas, stressing the need for a peaceful coexistence.
“I call upon politicians from all corners of Migori to come together and work closely for the sake of peace and unity for the benefit of our people,” said the PS.
The official who also welcomed the New County Commissioner for Migori Mr Kisilu Mutua urged leaders to respect one another to foster a peaceful environment within the county.
The PS highlighted the importance of enrolling eligible residents into the cash transfer funds, assuring that payments for new entrants would be made by end of June.
He announced ongoing household registration efforts and revealed government plans to automate entry into these funds, streamlining the process and ensuring timely assistance to those in need.
With the theme of today’s Celebration geared towards Agriculture, PS Motari underscored the significance of agriculture in achieving food sustainability for the nation and more to the locals.
He encouraged Migori residents to embrace farming so as to be able to feed themselves and also do more tree planting initiatives as a way of combating climate changes.
Migori County Commissioner Mr Kisiru Mutua who made his first public appearance pledged his commitment to working collaboratively with the county government to ensure the residents get all services they require.
He called on other leaders to support the current regime, emphasizing the need for peace and stability, noting that those with different opinion to exercise tolerance.
“We are mandated to support elected leaders deliver to local residents. Those with different political opinion to exercise tolerance and accommodate the current office holders,” he said.
The commissioner reassured Migori residents that his office would remain impartial, steering clear of local politics and ensuring fairness for all.
He urged the governor to convene peace meetings to reduce political tensions and encouraged respect for elected leaders, advising others to adhere to their roles until the next election cycle.
Migori County Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko while making his remarks addressed the negative image of Migori as portrayed by many, lamenting that it is the local misunderstandings that portray the county as violent.
He reiterated Migori’s commitment to working with the national government, urging an end to such stigmatization and called on the President to extend the support demonstrated during his recent USA tour.
“As Migori leaders we collectively push for enhanced coordination and unity, the county looks forward to a future of sustained growth and prosperity, driven by cooperation and mutual respect,” said the governor.
The governor also enumerated existance of projects the county has accomplished during his short time in the office that include the establishment of a trade industrial park, the construction of 10 modern markets and cattle rings, and the operationalization of Lichota Airstrip.
On matters public service, he announced the resolution of court battles, leading to the full functionality of the county public service board, and secured funding for workforce development and new administrative infrastructure.
In finance, the county has paid 700 million in pending bills and resumed contractor services, including those from KEMSA.
This, he said, has led to the healthcare improvements in the county with a steady supply of medicine by the drug supplier KEMSA, in addition to advancements in constructing an ultra-modern hospital wing.
Other notable initiatives he mentioned included the creation of seven ESP markets and the renovation of ultra-modern markets.
Also in the education sector, Dr. Ayacko announced the construction of 140 ECDE classrooms and the provision of 250 million for bursaries
However, Governor Ayacko expressed concern over the late disbursement of funds from the exchequer and called for adequate funding for all county governments.
By Polycarp Ochieng and George Agimba
