By Reuben Olita
Busia Governor, H.E Dr Paul Otuoma has disclosed one of the demands among others his administration will present before President William Ruto when he tours the county on Sunday.
Addressing journalists during a breakfast meeting at Agricultural Training Centre today (Thursday), the Governor revealed that the President is expected at the border town for an inter-denominational service driven by religious leaders.
“Our suggestion is to host the Mashujaa Day on October 20th, 2023 or any other that will come after that. We are ready to take the challenge and bring the national holiday to Busia,” he said.
H.E Otuoma said the two governments will coordinate the activities from today until the conclusion of the prayer service, adding that he will welcome the President as the Head of State of the Republic of Kenya and join him in the prayer service.
The Governor said he will later address pertinent issues affecting the county which he will seek the President’s indulgence on matters affecting the smooth operations of his administration.
The Governor outlined areas of collaboration between the county and national Governments which he said needs to be fast tracked by President Ruto’s administration.
Top on the agenda is to fast track the estabblishment of an Export Processing Zone at the 843-acre Nasewa public land which will create over 5000 jobs; and the construction of a modern stadium at Nasewa which his Government has already donated 50 acres for the project.
” We also want the County Aggregated Industrial Park at Nasewa co-funded by the County Government to the tune of Ksh250million and the National Government contributing similar amount, noting that this will create over 2,000 direct jobs and do value addition.
He added:” The other issue of urgent concern is the dualization of Korinda-Customs Road and Road infrastructure. Currently the Kenya National Highway Authority is undertaking maintenance works. The dualization will pave way for creation of pathways, motorways, ” he said, adding that it will open up town for investors.
The Governor said he will also seek the Governor’s indulgence to have Kenya Urban Rural Authority (KURA) reimburse the County Government of Busia for projects not executed in Busia County for the last 10 years which amounts to hundreds of millions of shillings.
He added:” We also want the establishment of 20,000 of irrigation scheme in Bunyala County funded by the County and National Governments, noting that Busia should be a leader in rice production in the country.
The Governor said other issues awaiting him includes the fast tracking of construction of an airport and Ang’ololo Dam Project in Teso North Sub County that is costshared between Kenya and Ugandan governments.
Quoting Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chief Officer Governorship and acting County Secretary, Elijah Mwaro said hunger is a weapon of mass destruction, thus the need to redirect the focus of Busia residents to reduce poverty in the county, adding that Brazil is the leading producer of oranges in the world.
Photos: –
1.Busia Governor, H. E Paul Otuoma addressing Busia journalists during a breakfast meeting Busia ATC.
- Busia Governor, H. E Paul Otuoma takes a group photo with Busia journalist at Busia ATC.
- Busia journalists during a breakfast meeting with Governor, H.E Dr Paul Otuoma at Busia ATC.
