Tag: Siaya County news

Siaya County Assembly Moves Against Non-Performing Executive

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

The Siaya County Assembly has summoned the county’s top executive leadership over stalled development projects, warning of possible removal from office if delays persist.

During a plenary session, Members of County Assembly (MCAs) cited a “systemic failure” in project implementation, noting that a significant number of projects approved under the 2025/2026 budget have neither been procured nor executed, with only two months left in the financial year.

A motion tabled by Central Gem MCA Silas Mandingu calls for all County Executive Committee (CEC) members, chief officers, and procurement directors to appear before the House.

Mandingu told the Assembly that a December 2025 consultative meeting had committed the executive to tender all documents by the end of January 2026, a timeline he said has not been met.

The entrance to the Siaya County Referral Hospital (Image: Files)

He further criticised the executive’s response to a status request, describing it as inadequate and lacking clear timelines or accountability measures.

Several MCAs said stalled projects were already affecting their standing with constituents.

South East Alego MCA Scholastica Madowo said residents were blaming elected leaders for failures in implementation, despite their oversight role.

South Sakwa MCA Eunice Ndolo pointed to cases where contractors had abandoned sites due to non-payment, including an Early Childhood Development (ECD) project.

Concerns were also raised over slow infrastructure development.

East Gem MCA Seth Baraka compared Siaya’s stalled road works to progress in neighbouring counties, noting visible deterioration in local infrastructure.

In West Uyoma, MCA Justus K’oguta cited a Sh47 million water project that had been publicly announced but had not progressed to procurement stage.

North Sakwa MCA Oliver Arika called on the Assembly to consider invoking Article 181 of the Constitution of Kenya, which provides grounds for removal of county officials, citing non-performance.

Speaker George Okode directed the executive to submit a comprehensive report addressing the concerns raised before further action is taken.

The Assembly also resolved to open upcoming deliberations to the public, civil society, and the media as part of efforts to enhance transparency and accountability.

Ruto’s Blue Economy Push Puts Siaya on Africa’s Research Map

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

When President William Ruto launched the Blue Economy Research Hub at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Miyandhe, Kenya’s economic future diversified the attention to focus on water ecosystems.

The facility positions the university as a key research centre for freshwater science linked to Lake Victoria, with a focus on fisheries, aquatic technology and environmental sustainability.

For Siaya County, the project places the region directly within the country’s broader Blue Economy agenda.

The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of water resources to support economic growth, jobs and environmental protection.

While often associated with coastal activities, Kenya’s strategy also includes inland water bodies such as Lake Victoria, which support millions of livelihoods through fishing and trade.

The JOOUST hub will support both postgraduate and undergraduate research, particularly in molecular research systems related to aquatic life.

Its location near major freshwater ecosystems allows the university to expand research in fisheries science and aquatic technologies.

Speaking during the launch, President Ruto called on universities to take a stronger role in developing research and innovation that can address real economic challenges.

He noted that specialised scientific skills will be increasingly important as Kenya builds a modern and competitive economy.

Beyond the Blue Economy hub, JOOUST has also attracted international research partnerships.

A drone view of the Blue Economy Research Hub currently under construction (Image: Files)

These include the World Bank-supported Africa Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Use of Insects as Food and Feeds (INSEFOODS) – which explores insects as sustainable protein for food and animal feed.

Researchers at the university are also working on projects such as sericulture, a silk production initiative developed in partnership with Silk Origin Limited.

Together, these programmes position JOOUST as an emerging research hub linking science, sustainability and local economic development.

For Siaya and the wider Lake Victoria region, the goal is straightforward:

Turn freshwater ecosystems into centres of research, innovation and opportunity – while protecting the natural resources that communities depend on.

M-Pesa Attendant Robbed of Sh200,000 in Siaya

Posted on by Ozymandias

In a brazen robbery, a gang of three assailants has stolen Sh200,000 from an M-Pesa attendant in Ukwala, Siaya County. The incident occurred on Wednesday night as the victim, who has not been identified, was riding home from his M-Pesa shop.

According to police reports, the victim was trailed by the gang on another motorcycle from the Ukwala shopping center to Uwai village. As he approached his home, the gang attacked him from behind, causing him to lose control of his motorcycle and fall into a ditch.

The attackers, who seemed to be aware of the victim’s possession of the cash, grabbed the Sh200,000, along with his motorcycle and a bag containing personal valuables. They then fled the scene, leaving the injured victim behind.

The victim was rushed to Ukwala Matibabu Hospital, where he was treated and discharged in fair condition. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are currently investigating the incident.