By Yoga David.
Kisumu County today hosted members of the Coast Parliamentary Group (CPG), who paid a courtesy call to Governor Anyang Nyong’o at his City Hall office.
The delegation was led by their chairman, Hon. Danson Mwashako, the MP for Wundayi. They are in Kisumu for a four day retreat aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing regional development matters.
During the meeting, Governor Nyong’o engaged the visiting legislators in a candid conversation on key national and county matters.
At the heart of the discussions, the team had the opportunity to interact with members of the county executive, who shared insights into the work being done across different departments to transform the lives of Kisumu residents.
The governor, while talking to the legislators, expressed concerns over the current delays and late disbursements of funds from the exchequer to counties.
He said the late disbursements have resulted in unspent funds being returned to the exchequer, which has adversely affected county operations and slowed development progress.
Despite these challenges, the Governor noted that Kisumu continues to make steady progress, thanks to a strong working relationship between the county executive and the county assembly.
On education, the County Scholarship programme was highlighted, with an allocation of Ksh 205 million to its scholarship and bursary programme, for 2024/2025 financial year, the programme has provided scholarships and bursaries to deserving learners across Kisumu, helping ease the burden on families’ access to education.
The governor also spoke passionately about devolution, calling it a transformative force that must be protected.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathew Owili, extended a warm welcome to the visitors, talking on the shared history of marginalization between the Nyanza and Coast regions prior to the advent of devolution in Kenya.
He pointed out the revitalized Kisumu Port as a symbol of progress and a strategic link between inland Kenya and the coastal ports of Mombasa and Lamu. Which can serve as a vital node connecting East Africa through the lakeside and coastal cities.
Members of the Coast Parliamentary Group present included, Hon. Gertrude Mbeyu Mwanyanje (Kilifi County Woman Rep), Hon. Mishi Mboko (MP, Likoni), Hon. Paul Katana,(MP, Kaloleni) Hon. Omar Mwinzi (MP, Changamwe), Hon. Mohamed Machele (MP, Mvita), Hon. Badi Twalib (MP, Jomvu), Hon. Khamis Chome Abdi (MP, Voi), Hon. Peter Shake (MP, Mwatate), Hon. Fatuma Masito (Kwale County Woman Rep), Hon. Gonzi Rai (MP, Kinango), and Hon. Mathoni Marubu (Lamu County Woman Rep).
From the Kisumu County Government, the meeting was attended by CECM for Public Service Mr. Salmon Orimba, CECM for Sports and Culture Ms. Beatrice Odongo, CECM for Education Mr. John Awiti, and Chief of Staff Aloice Ager.
