This archive report was first published on 16 September 2019.
Busia County has taken a significant step towards transforming its municipality, with the establishment of a team to oversee the development of the town.
The team, which includes Chris Nambanga, John Odunga, Wangalwa Oundo, Peter Omeri, Mary Magero, George Kwedho, Victor Khandondi, and Urban Development Chief Officer Maurice Odundo, will be responsible for managing a budget of over Sh100 million annually from the World Bank through the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP).
The municipality status was conferred on Busia in November 2017, and the team's work is expected to bring about significant changes to the town, which has been plagued by issues such as poor planning, stagnated water, and a poor sewerage system.
According to Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, the task ahead of the board is heavy, and residents are expecting to see instant changes in the town.
“Busia is a small town but poorly planned. The board should move with speed and start discharging their mandates as locals are expecting to see changes in the town soon,” said Ojaamong.
He also hinted that some structures in the town would be demolished to facilitate proper planning, and appealed for co-operation from the residents.
“Kiosks constructed in wrong places will be brought down and those who have never painted their buildings since they were constructed must be ready to do so,” he said.
Busia County Assembly Speaker Bernard Wamalwa also appealed to the board to work closely with MCAs, particularly the Planning Committee.
“The burden on their shoulders is heavy and expectations are high. What people want are prompt changes in Busia town,” said Wamalwa.
