Homa Bay County has ushered in new executive leadership, with Danish Otieno Onyango sworn in as Deputy Governor alongside two newly appointed County Executive Committee Members.
Onyango officially assumed office on Thursday, succeeding Joseph Magwanga, who resigned earlier this year.
Before his appointment, Onyango served as the County Executive Committee Member for Roads and Transport. He was nominated by Governor Gladys Wanga to fill the vacant deputy governor position.
He took the oath alongside Isaac Ongiri and Elijah Obiny Dede, who were sworn in as CECMs for Communication and Governance and Trade and Cooperative Development, respectively.
Speaking after taking the oath, Onyango pledged to serve Homa Bay residents diligently and support Governor Wanga in delivering the county government’s development agenda.
He described his appointment as more than a promotion, saying it came with responsibility, accountability, and the need to deliver results.
“I stand before you today not as one who has merely attained a position, but one who has accepted a sacred trust,” Onyango said.
He said his priority would be to turn Homa Bay’s abundant resources into tangible economic opportunities, citing fishing, agriculture, mining, and emerging investments as key areas of focus.
Onyango singled out the Riwa Special Economic Zone, saying he would work towards completing and operationalising the project and positioning it as an industrial and commercial hub through partnerships with investors and other strategic partners.
He also pledged to promote agro-processing and value addition, particularly for crops such as sweet potatoes, to increase farmers’ earnings and reduce post-harvest losses.
“Homa Bay County remains Kenya’s hidden treasure with endless potential,” he said, while recognising the contribution of farmers, fishermen, and other producers to the county’s economy.
Onyango praised Governor Wanga’s administration for what he described as equitable development across the county, citing ward-based programmes and ongoing road projects as evidence of efforts to spread development across Homa Bay.
He also promised to strengthen collaboration between the county and national governments, particularly in upgrading roads to bitumen standards.
The new Deputy Governor said his office would work closely with other members of the county executive to mobilise resources, forge partnerships, and accelerate development across the county.
He urged the newly appointed CECMs to work as a team in implementing the county government’s agenda.
“Together we will work together. The future of Homa Bay is bright. Our resolve is unshaken. Our finest days are ahead of us. Our potential is truly endless,” he said.
By Sitna Omar
