𝗡𝘆𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗿𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝘆𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗿𝗮 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝟰 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

Nyamira County residents have advocated for significant improvements in infrastructure and public services, urging Parliament to prioritize key projects in the upcoming budget for the financial year 2024/2025.

During a public participation event convened by the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriation Committee at Kebirigo High School Hall on Friday, residents voiced their concerns and aspirations including the tarmacking of roads, the construction of an ultra-modern sports complex in the county, and the upgrading of Nyamira Level 4 Hospital to a level six facility.

Led by Mr. Vincent Okemwa from Township Ward, West Mugirango Constituency, they emphasized the critical necessity for the construction of an ultra-modern sports complex.

This facility, they emphasized, would not only harness and showcase local talents but also combat the prevalent issue of substance abuse which has been detrimental to the community.

“We want to propose that you consider setting aside some funds in this budget for the construction of a sports complex to nurture our local available talents that is almost going to waste due to drug and substance abuse,” said Mr. Okemwa.

In addition to the sports complex, the residents passionately advocated for the elevation of Nyamira Level 4 Hospital to a Level 6 institution.

Mr. Okemwa underscored that this upgrade would benefit the residents by providing enhanced healthcare services and ease the strain on Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, which currently shoulders the burden of being the sole referral facility in the Gusii region.

“We also have Nyamira Level 4 Hospital that has been serving our people of Nyamira County, we could appreciate it if resources are allocated to upgrade it to a level six facility to serve as a referral hospital for the county,” added Okemwa.

Supporting these sentiments, Mr. David Ondieki stressed the readiness of the community for the construction of a national stadium, citing the availability of surveyed land earmarked for this project.

With six acres already designated at Nyamira Primary School, the residents urged the Budget and Appropriation Committee to allocate resources for this ambitious Project.

Residents like Daniel Nyakundi and Ednah Marita echoed the sentiment that the construction of the stadium would serve as a platform for nurturing and showcasing talent, thereby contributing positively to the nation’s sports sector.

Furthermore, Joshua Onchiri, representing the North Mugirango constituency and the disabled community, emphasized the pressing need for a divisional police headquarters in Kebirigo to address escalating security concerns.

He stressed that such a facility would not only improve law enforcement abilities but also enhance security across neighboring regions.

“The available Kebirigo Police Post is housed at the Chief Camp, even the personnel there is inadequate to respond to various security lapses in Nyamira South sub-county,” said Onchiri, adding the divisional police headquarters could also curb insecurity and anarchy on Borabu and neighboring North Mugirango constituency.

Education and employment opportunities were also key priorities raised during the event.

Evans Kibagendi Nduru, from the North Mugirango constituency, advocated for the construction of a National Library to enhance literacy among school children, while Joseph Nyaundi, a person living disability called for facilities catering to the needs of disabled persons, including a center of excellence and a rehabilitation center.

Nancy Mitunda emphasized the economic potential of a banana factory to promote value addition and generate employment, while Job Miruka Onduko underscored the necessity of road infrastructure development for accessibility and economic growth.

“We have asked for resources to be allocated for tarmacking of the Bondeni-Magombo road which has been used as a campaign tool for a long period during elections as well as tarmacking of Kebirigo Coop Bank-Nyamira road which has been neglected for years,” stated Onduko.

Assuring the residents, Kisumu County MP Ruth Odinga, alongside other members of the delegation, assured the residents that their concerns would be duly considered in the budgetary allocation process.

She reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to incorporating the proposed projects into the budget, emphasizing their importance for the county’s development.

MP Peter Masara of Suna West, also a member of the budget and appropriation committee expressed gratitude for the robust public participation, emphasizing its significance in line with constitutional principles.

He stressed the importance of aligning development initiatives with the aspirations of the locals as outlined in the Constitution.

The event was also attended by local MPs including Stephen Mogaka (West Mugirango), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), and nominated MP Irene Nyakerario Mayaka.