Siaya Governor James Orengo has welcomed the Mizani Africa Polls that ranked him 5th out of 47 counties in terms of popularity, scoring 72.1%. Orengo explained that his ranking is based on visible and tangible developments initiated by his administration.
"The developments my administration has initiated have positively transformed the lives of Siaya residents, and we have gained popularity as an outcome," said Orengo. He emphasised that his administration does not pay attention to sideshows but focuses on addressing the public's social and economic challenges. It is the services received by the residents that have accelerated economic growth and earned him the 5th position in the Mizani Poll.
"I want to assure the people of Siaya that I am up to the task, and we shall succeed," stressed Orengo.
The county boss spoke on Saturday, 3 August 2024, during the anniversary of his nephew, James Orengo Ondiek, at Sifuyo Ratado, West Ugenya. The deceased, who was buried in April last year, was named after Governor Orengo, and was the son of the late former Ugenya legislator, Archbishop Ondiek.
The Mizani Poll assessed the popularity of governors within their jurisdictions. Orengo expressed confidence in his popularity but is committed to supporting initiatives that would see it rise. "I am happy that, in terms of the assessment of governors' popularity, I am in the 5th position. However, I hope to rise to the top," he added.
A survey report released by Mizani Africa last week showed that Orengo was ranked fifth in terms of popularity, while Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru topped the list with 86.3 percent. Tharaka Nithi earned a 79.7 percent score to secure second position, while Joseph Ole Lenku of Kajiado and Patrick Ole Ntutu were ranked third and fourth with 78.1 percent and 74.2 percent, respectively. In the region, the research placed Gladys Wanga of Homabay in the 7th position with 65.3 percent, and Kisii Governor Simba Arati 8th with 63.4 percent.
Among the projects initiated by the Nyalore Government is the installation of the Sh. 60 million Siriwo Rice Plant. According to the CECM for Agriculture, Silvestre K'Okoth, the rice mill installation is complete. "We have sent expressions of interest to persons interested in managing the mill on behalf of the rice farmers. The project is nearing completion, with the construction of the wall and three-phase electricity finished. It is now up to the farmers to expand their growing area to supply the mill with raw materials," said K'Okoth.
The County Government is also in the process of procuring new Madiany Cotton Ginnery Machines in West Uyoma Ward, Rarieda Sub-County. Some of the flagship projects rolled out by The Orengo's Administration include the Ugunja Market Ring Road and the elevation of the Rabango-Siaya SDA – Hospital Road to bitumen standards. “We are almost done with tarmacking the Yala Town-Yala Sub-County Hospital Road,” said Orengo.
In the health sector, the Nyalore Administration has made significant strides. For example, the construction of a Funeral Parlour is ongoing at the Bondo Referral Hospital. The Siaya Maternity Complex is almost complete, while the Yala Sub-County Maternity Complex is 24% complete.