Lusaka says everything is in place for effective working of county government a year on

By DANIEL PSIRMOI

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has said all the relevant county government structures have been put in place to ensure effective service delivery.

Speaking during the celebrations to commemorate one year in office at Posta grounds in Bungoma, Lusaka said though the past one year has been full of challenges, the county leadership is rearing to go.

“Our belief in devolution across the country suffered serious blows even before the structures were put in place. We have been hit on all fronts. Legislation, the wage bill, massive shifts in funding priority by the government and a lot of unnecessary competition has eliminated a lot of goodwill necessary to prop us up and help us move,” said Lusaka.

Make strides

“But one year on, the  resolve of my government has not changed in the least. We are  even more determined that this was not just a promise I made to the people of Bungoma, but a war against failure and retrogression, a war that must be won on all fronts,” he added.

Lusaka said the county government is ready to make strides in development with the structures it has put in place and called upon leaders and residents from the region to work together.

“In the coming year as a county, we must seek to progress from the humble beginnings we have had to greater heights and make this a year of action. Let us all focus on the things that unite the people of this county regardless of region, party, young or old, rich or poor,” said the governor.

Lusaka said there were still challenges ahead and the expectations  of the people who elected governors to office  had got higher, but promised to do what is needed to give members of the public a taste of better service delivery.

Lusaka said the county has put in place structures such as the executive, the county public service board and the chief officers.

“What remains is appointment of ward administrators, which will be done next week. We have also put in place a task force to undertake the delineation of the village units with the approval of the county assembly.

This will help us define villages, segregate them from existing structures and avoid duplication of roles and services,” said the county chief.

Lusaka was at the ceremony with his wife.