Wanga Defends Development Record, Cites National Government Partnership in Homa Bay Projects
The governor also defended the county’s Ondoa Kaunda programme, describing it as one of her administration’s most significant education initiatives.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga speaks during the commissioning of ECDE classrooms in Kanyamwa Kosewe Ward, where she defended her administration's development record and said collaboration with the national government has accelerated key projects across the county. Photo: Courtesy.
By Mercy Otieno
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has defended her administration’s development record, saying collaboration with the national government has accelerated the delivery of key projects and improved access to essential services across the county.
Speaking during the commissioning of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms in Kanyamwa Kosewe Ward, Ndhiwa Sub-county, Wanga said partnerships between the county and national governments are essential to achieving meaningful development under Kenya’s devolved system.
“My administration will use all available resources to deliver services, no matter who funds them,” Wanga said.
She dismissed debates over which level of government should receive credit for development projects, arguing that such disputes only delay progress and shift attention away from the needs of residents.
“My job is to ensure my people get roads, water, hospitals, markets and quality education,” she said.
Wanga said her administration has worked closely with President William Ruto’s government to implement several flagship projects, including affordable housing developments, road construction, the refurbishment of Homa Bay Pier and the upgrade of Raila Odinga Stadium.
She said county governments must continue working with the national government to bridge funding gaps and ensure critical infrastructure and public services are delivered efficiently.
Kenya’s devolved system of government relies on both county allocations and national government funding to finance major investments in sectors such as health, education and infrastructure. Development experts say intergovernmental cooperation plays a key role in expanding services and improving living standards.
The governor also defended the county’s Ondoa Kaunda programme, describing it as one of her administration’s most significant education initiatives.
According to county data, the programme has facilitated the construction of more than 600 ECDE classrooms over the past three years, replacing aging iron-sheet structures. That compares with 23 classrooms built during the previous decade.
Wanga said every ward in Homa Bay County has benefited from improved learning facilities, providing young learners with safer and more conducive classrooms.
She also highlighted the county’s Fins to Swim scholarship programme, which supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing school fees, learning materials and other educational assistance.
The first group of beneficiaries under the programme is expected to sit the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations later this year.
Education experts say investments in ECDE infrastructure and student support programmes contribute to stronger literacy outcomes, improved school retention and long-term economic growth, making them critical components of development strategies in Kenya’s devolved counties.
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