Homa Bay County Government has given new names to streets in Homa Bay town, eliciting mixed reactions among residents.
Governor Gladys Wanga had earlier in April given notice, inviting public participation for the naming of the streets.
Consequently, the streets have been named with the names of prominent politicians featured.
A section of the local residents has welcomed the names, while others have criticized them.
Some of the streets’ names include Gladys Wanga Street, Ong’ondo Were Street, Orwa Ojode Street, among others.
Asego Public Litigation Forum Executive Director Micheal Kojo said it was wrong for politicians’ names to dominate the naming.
He said politicians are after personal interests and are out to gain mileage from such naming.
Kojo said the county government should have prioritized names of legendary natives of the region, including Wahamba and Bunde.
Homa Bay Bunge la Wenye Nchi leader, Walter Opiyo, supported the move to name the streets, saying it will make it easy for people to find directions.
His sentiments were echoed by Geoffrey Okoth, an official at the Homa Bay Giant Traders Association, who said street naming will make it easy for traders to market their products.
During the public participation notice, the county government had indicated that public suggestions will be carefully considered to ensure the names reflect the culture, history, and values of Homa Bay people.
The notice also indicated that names for the town’s streets were meant to celebrate prominent leaders, cultural landmarks, or people who have made significant contributions to the growth of the County.
By Davis Langat
