County assemblies outline their agenda as all 47 get down to regional business

Suleiman Mbatiah | NATION Nakuru County Governor Kinuthia Mbugua addresses the assembly on April 18, 2013 when he laid down a number of development plans for the county. 

By NATION TEAM newsdesk@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Thursday, April 18   2013 at  21:00

IN SUMMARY

• Promise to weed out ghost workers and amnesty for land grabbers among offers made

All 47 county assemblies countrywide on Thursday opened their first session.

Nairobi governor Evans Kidero promised to weed out ghost workers as he outlined his development agenda.

He said this was part of initiatives to weed out corruption and laxity at City Hall.

On Thursday, Dr Kidero suspended five more council officers linked to the Sh180 million supply scandal. This follows Tuesday’s suspension of four senior workers.

“When we raided and arrested the officers involved in this scandal, we got hold of all documents used in the “air supplies” and these 25 companies’ papers were mentioned therein,” he said, adding that investigations were still ongoing and those found clean would be allowed to continue working while those found guilty will be rendered jobless.

He also intends to automate all the payment processes to ensure corruption is completely weeded out of Nairobi.

The Speaker of the Nairobi City County Assembly Mr Alex Ole Magelo also urged member to put aside their personal differences aside and work together the people.

In Kitui, governor Julius Malombe on Thursday said sand harvesting and mineral exploration in Kitui County will be regulated by new laws.

Dr Malombe said the exploitation of the county’s mineral wealth will be structured to generate more revenue to finance development agenda.

Speaking when he inaugurated the Kitui County Assembly, Dr Malombe also outlined a raft of key policy and legislative proposals which will guide his administration.

Kitui senator David Musila cautioned the Executive against interfering with the operations of the county governments.

“County governments should be left alone to exercise all authority vested on them by the Constitution. Any attempt by the Executive to interfere with their running will be met with severe resistance,” he said.

And people who have grabbed public property and those with corrupt intentions were put on notice in various counties in the North Rift.

Uasin Gishu county assembly officially opened its doors with its Governor Jackson Mandago extending amnesty to those who grabbed public property.

Mr Mandago said the decision was guided by the Economic Crimes Act and called on suspects to use the grace period to own up to their dubious dealings if they expect clemency.

“Initially there were underhand dealings that led to loss of public property. Guided by the Act, we will extend a grace period for suspects to own up and return property failure to which we shall seek legal redress,” he said.

In Nandi County security, food shortage, creation of jobs and supply of piped water would be given priority by the Nandi county government.

The governor for Nandi County Dr Cleophas Lagat spelled out several measures he would put in place saying people of Nandi County had high expectations and he would work with his executives and members of the County Assembly for the public to get proper services.Dr Lagat said: “My Government will address areas that are key in attracting investors to establish industries and tap the rich potential in this area.”

And Elgeyo-Marakwet County governor Alex Tolgos has put on notice officials with corrupt intentions that his administration will have no room for them. Corruption, if entrenched into the devolved system will undermine development, said Mr Togos. 

The Trans Nzoia and West Pokot county assemblies were also opened at 2.30pm with official addresses from the region’s governors.

Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba said: “I challenge Members of this House to use their legislative powers to find a lasting solution to the challenges that have for long “It is good to acknowledge that we are currently going through teething problems but we call on the national government to live up to its word of fully supporting counties to realise their developmental goals.”

In West Pokot, the governor Mr Simon Kachapin also called for the County Assembly’s support through legislation that will uplifting the economy.

“My government wishes to work hand in hand with the county assembly to find a solution to the region’s economic barriers” said Mr Kachapin.

Governors from various counties in western Kenya yesterday unveiled their plans for the units when they addressed their first respective county assembly.

In Homa Bay County Governor Cyprian Awiti wants members of his County Assembly to forget their political differences and focus on development agenda.

In Kisii County Governor James Ongwae on Thursday challenged county representatives to roll their sleeves and work tirelessly to ensure that the electorates get value and quality services.

“Agriculture is a major source of income to hundreds of the people in the county, but they are not getting the full benefits because of being exploited by middlemen,” he said.

In Siaya, Governor Cornel Rasanga noted in his first address to the County Assembly on Thursday that the county’s economy can grow by 10 per cent if a clear development plan is drawn and implemented.

Kisumu county governor Jack Ranguma expressed optimism that the county would be one of the leading in terms of economic growth.

“The vision for the development of Kisumu County is anchored on the Vision 2030 and will be achievable if we work as a team taking into consideration the massive resource potential that the county is endowed with,” said Mr Ranguma

In Busia, food security and infrastructure topped the agenda of the governors.

Speaking during the session, the county governor Sospeter Ojamoong asserted that his government will diverse into modern methods of farming and improve infrastructure and fight poverty.

“My government will invest in road network by providing good rural access roads and upgrading Class C roads to tarmac roads,” he said adding that plans are under way to purchase seven graders to maintain roads.

Nyamira County Governor John Nyagarama on Thursday asked the County Assembly members to fight corruption in order to fulfil pledges they gave their electorates during campaigns.

“I will lead by example by ensuring that resources allocated to this county are used to the satisfaction of our people,” he said
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