This archive report was first published on 6 January 2020.
January 6, 2020
Senators from Nyanza have been at odds with their governors over a planned meeting to discuss the Building Bridges Initiative report in Kisii County.
Senate Public Accounts and Investments Committee chairman Moses Kajwang' has expressed his disapproval of the meeting, stating that it is unnecessary.
More than 3,000 delegates from six counties are expected to attend the event this Friday.
The meeting has been organized by governors James Ongwae (Kisii), Anyang' Nyong'o (Kisumu), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), Cornel Rasanga (Siaya), and John Nyagarama (Nyamira).
Speaking during a football tournament, Mr. Kajwang' said, "The BBI report has already been spearheaded by ODM leader Raila Odinga and nobody has opposed it in Nyanza region. The governors' meeting does not add value for the success of the report."
Senator Kajwang' challenged the governors to instead organize joint meetings for the implementation of development projects that would transform the lives of residents.
"Some of the leaders come up with excuses that make them look weak during time for implementation of development projects. But they now look very strong because of the BBI, which is already prepared. Let them be serious," said Kajwang'.
He argued that there were many issues in Nyanza that needed to be addressed, including poor road networks and lack of water.
Homa Bay County Assembly acting Speaker Evans Marieba advised MPs from the region to inform their constituents about the community's stake in the BBI.
"We are supporting the BBI but we should not support it blindly. Let our legislators tell the common man about our interest in the initiative," said Mr. Marieba.
