President Uhuru Kenyatta has pledged to work closely with Gusii leaders to fast track development in the region.
Speaking in Kisii where he presided over a fundraiser in aid of the Kisii Catholic Diocese projects, President Kenyatta said the ordinary Kenyan was only interested in development and not politics.
He said his government was prepared to give service to all Kenyans irrespective of their political persuasion saying it was important for political leaders to come together on matters of national interest like the fight against poverty and insecurity.
“What our people need is development, hope for the youth and jobs. No one government be it National or County can be able to do this on its own and that is why we have to work closely,” said Kenyatta.
Governor James Ongwae, his Nyamira County counterpart John Nyagarama and Senator Chris Obure led local leaders in welcoming the president. The president who landed at Suneka Airstrip held a brief meeting with area leaders who included MCAs at St. Vincent Pastoral Centre before attending mass at the Gusii Stadium.
MPs Simon Ogari (Bomachoge Chache), Joel Onyancha (Bomachoge Borabu), Manson Nyamweya (South Mugirango), Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache North), Richard Tong’I (Nyaribari Chache), Elijah Moindi (Nyaribari Masaba), Zebedeo Opore (Bonchari), Mary Otara (Kisii County), Charles Geni (North Mugirango), James Gesami (West Mugirango) and Ben Momanyi (Borabu) were present at the function.
Governor Ongwae raised issues affecting the community on behalf of other leaders. He asked the president to support the upgrade of Kisii hospital into a teaching and referral facility saying the county needed Sh 8 billion to actualize the process.
“We thank the president because most of the requests we made during his last visit have been acted on. Kisii County is a beneficiary of five roads under the contractor facilitated annuity program. However, we have a problem with Kisii Town roads which are in a bad state because contractors have yet to be paid by the national government,” said Ongwae.
He asked the president to help rehabilitate Daraja Mbili market, set up an ICT centre at Kisii University, upgrade Gusii Stadium and set up an integrated fruit processing plant in Kisii.
In response, president Kenyatta pledged to support the elevation of Kisii hospital through infrastructure upgrade, donation of critical equipment like CT scans, and help source for funds towards the project.
“As for roads, we are trying something new in the annuity financing program. I am aware that some constituencies were left out in the first lot of road projects but by the time we are done with the 10,000km roads, all major roads in Kisii will be tarmacked,” he noted.
He promised to fast track the establishment of a CBK money clearing house in Kisii saying Kisii diaspora was the leading in remittances.
