Residents of Kisii County have been urged to support the cooperation and working relationship between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) political parties.
Speaking at St. Ambrose Kabeo Catholic Parish in Nyamache Sub County during a fundraiser, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke said teamwork between the two parties had fostered unity and inclusivity in the region.
“There was a lot of political tension prior to the broad-based agreement, but after the parties agreed to cooperate, a lot has been achieved as far as development is concerned,” he said.
Isaboke noted the national government had initiated several multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects in the larger Kisii region following the signing of the political pact.
The PS pledged to continue collaborating with the county government to roll out digital hubs and innovation centres, while expanding internet connectivity in the county.
Medical Services PS Dr. Ouma Oluga, who graced the event, said the broad-based arrangement had led to the successful rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) to expand medical insurance access to Kenyans.
Dr. Oluga noted that despite widespread acknowledgment of efforts by President William Ruto to transform the health sector, the uptake of SHA remains low among residents.
“Many of you speak positively about the President and the SHA programme, but you have not registered yourselves. You have only embraced part of the message,” he said.
The PS challenged the residents to register for SHA through the designated mobile platform, adding that universal health coverage can only be achieved if individuals enroll in the scheme.
Dr. Oluga lauded the Kisii county government for investing in health infrastructure, noting that collaboration between national and county governments was key to strengthening the sector.
The PS added that the government is conducting a broader assessment of health facilities across counties to ensure readiness for SHA implementation.
His Basic Education counterpart John Ololtuaa reiterated the government’s commitment to providing capitation to schools and employing additional teachers to ensure all children have access to equal learning opportunities.
Ololtuaa encouraged parents to instill discipline among their children to curb the rising cases of school unrest being witnessed across the country.
Public Investments and Assets Management PS Cyrell Wagunda on his part urged the youth, women and persons with disabilities to take advantage of the 30 percent government procurement opportunities.
Social Protection PS Joseph Motari, speaking at the same forum, cautioned the residents against lynching the elderly over allegations of witchcraft.
The Kisii Governor Simba Arati, also present, noted that many development projects, including markets, roads and state-of-the-art stadia, were currently being constructed across the county as a result of the broad-based arrangement.
Arati pledged to continue working closely with the national government to foster unity and development in the region.
He also called for political tolerance, adding that leaders in government and their counterparts in opposition were free to sell their agenda to the residents of Kisii.
Other guests present included Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, Members of Parliament Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North), Alfa Miruka (Bomachoge Chache) and John Bwire (Taveta) and Nominated Senator Essy Okenyuri, among others.
By Mercy Osongo and Alfred Misheba
