By Reuben Olita
The government will construct a modern Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Market in Changara to boost trade and spur economic development in the region, Busia County Commissioner Stephen Orinde has announced.
Speaking to jubilant residents after reading President William Ruto’s official Madaraka Day speech at Kopiya Comprehensive School in Changara Division on Monday, Orinde said Busia County remains a key beneficiary of the government’s development agenda, which includes affordable housing projects and modern markets.
He revealed that Changara is among the areas earmarked for the construction of a modern ESP market aimed at improving business opportunities and livelihoods.
The County Commissioner also urged youths aged 18 years and above to acquire national identity cards and register as voters.
“The Busia Youth Assembly should spearhead the campaign for young people to obtain IDs and exercise their democratic right by registering as voters and electing leaders of their choice,” said Orinde.
Addressing concerns about voter registration along the Kenya-Uganda border, Orinde stated that no Ugandan nationals would be allowed to register as Kenyan voters. He noted that vetting requirements for Kenyans living along the border had been removed, while Ugandan women married to Kenyan citizens would be eligible for national identity cards after following the required procedures.
On the recent dormitory fire at Utumishi Academy in Gilgil that claimed the lives of several students, Orinde urged school principals to strictly adhere to Ministry of Education safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies in Busia County.
The County Commissioner also dismissed social media claims linking the transfer of Busia County Police Commander Mohammed Abdile to recent security incidents in the county.
“That is a lie. It was a normal transfer like any other police officer. He has conveyed his condolences to families that lost their loved ones. The work of the police is to provide security and maintain law and order,” he said.
While acknowledging that political activities and campaigns had already begun ahead of the next elections, Orinde called on politicians to work together and collaborate with the provincial administration on matters of security and development.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya reaffirmed that Changara is part of Busia County, citing the June 2017 Gazette Notice that recognized Changara as a division.
He called on the Sabaot, Bukusu and Teso communities living in the area to continue coexisting peacefully.
“The 1962 boundary placed Changara in Busia. I am not inciting anybody. The Mwangovya Commission placed the boundary at Namangafulo, while Malakisi River was in Teso. Machakha is in Teso. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also wrote to Parliament confirming that Changara is in Busia,” said Kaunya.
Busia County Assembly Deputy Speaker Ronald Ochalu expressed concern over the welfare of women in Changara and urged the county government to make grants accessible to local women so they do not have to seek support in neighboring Bungoma County.
Angurai East MCA David Parapara highlighted infrastructure challenges in the area, noting that Matumbai-Aterait lacks a bridge while construction of the Ataba Oburi bridge remains incomplete.
He added that he had allocated KSh5 million in the budget for the purchase of a utility vehicle for the ward and oversaw the construction of seven classrooms in seven schools.
Teso North Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Kitai said Changara is the largest administrative area in the sub-county, comprising four divisions, four Assistant County Commissioners, 22 chiefs and 47 assistant chiefs.
Nominated MCA Concepta Omondi said the presence of the Governor, County Commissioner and area MP during the celebrations was further proof that Changara belongs to Busia County.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Jackline Masiga led a delegation from Uganda that attended the Madaraka Day celebrations.
