This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt economies, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has called on county governments to take proactive measures to protect small businesses.
Speaking during the unveiling of a Sh10 million bus bought by Busia County Assembly Sacco on June 26, 2020, Wamalwa warned that failure to do so would put small businesses at risk of total collapse due to disruptions caused by the virus.
Small business owners have experienced significant declines in business activity and revenue due to pandemic-related restrictions, making it challenging for them to pay employees and stay afloat. Moreover, they have struggled to access government support programmes.
Wamalwa urged county assemblies to prioritize the fight against the pandemic over political fights with governors and county executives. He emphasized that there is a growing trend of impeaching governors, which he believes is counterproductive to the current situation.
“There is a new trend that is happening in our country right now that it is fashionable to impeach governors, and we are seeing more impeachment motions from the counties,” Wamalwa said.
He appealed to ward representatives across the country to direct their efforts towards fighting the coronavirus pandemic in counties, rather than engaging in political battles. Wamalwa also encouraged ward reps to adopt a culture of saving to grow the cooperative movement in the county.
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong echoed Wamalwa's sentiments, urging ward reps to play a more active role in helping contain the pandemic. “The war against this virus can only be won if all of us joined hands, including the MCAs,” Ojaamong said.
