This archive report was first published on 16 September 2019.
Busia County has taken a significant step towards transforming its municipality, with the county government constituting a team to lead in the transformation. The team will oversee the development of Busia town, which is expected to receive over Sh100 million annually from the World Bank through the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) for five years.
The municipality status was conferred on Busia in November 2017, and the county boss, Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, has hinted that the border town of Malaba will soon also get a charter to become a municipality and benefit from the World Bank funding.
During the inauguration of the Busia Municipal Board at the weekend, Governor Ojaamong emphasized the need for proper planning in the town, stating that some structures would be demolished to facilitate this. He also appealed for cooperation from residents, saying that kiosks constructed in wrong places would be brought down and buildings that have never been painted since their construction must be painted.
The board, which has nine members, includes Chris Nambanga, John Odunga, Wangalwa Oundo, Peter Omeri, Mary Magero, George Kwedho, Victor Khandondi, and Urban Development Chief Officer Maurice Odundo. However, the nomination for the informal sector was rejected by ward reps due to academic credentials.
Busia County Assembly Speaker Bernard Wamalwa appealed to the board to work closely with MCAs, particularly the Planning Committee, to ensure prompt changes in Busia town.
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