Ogembo town in Kisii County has been upgraded to a municipality following unanimous approval by Kisii County Assembly members.
While thanking the Assembly for supporting the initiative Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi said, “I thank members of the Kisii County Assembly who have unanimously voted for the report on the Ogembo Municipality Charter that recommends the upgrading of Ogembo Town into a Municipality. It shall now be the second municipality in Kisii County.”
Maangi said the upgrading of the Town into a Municipality will empower residents economically due to accompanying increased budgetary allocation and urban planning.
“Residents can also rest assured of enhanced infrastructural development with increased opportunities,” Maangi added.
The County Executive Member for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Walter Bichanga thanked the county government and all other stakeholders for working tirelessly to see Ogembo achieve the municipality status.
The town earlier known as Ritongo was started around the mid-19th century by residents. Early 20th century it became a commercial center for the Indians and an administrative centre for the local colonialists.
It then grew steadily into a commercial and administrative hub for the former Gucha District, an area that currently cover Bomachoge Chache, Bomachoge Borabu, Bobasi and South Mugirango Constituencies. Currently Ogembo is the 2nd largest urban centre in Kisii County.
By Misheba Alfred and Boniface Machuru
