The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Maurice Mc’Orege, participated and witnessed the election of the new Siaya Municipal Board officials.
In the election that was conducted by Director of Governance Mr. George Okello, Dr. Winnie Oyugi was elected as Chairperson, with Mr. Boniface Onyango as Vice Chairperson.
In their acceptance speeches, the duo pledged to work closely to drive development within Siaya Municipality. They committed to adhering to the Siaya County Physical & Land Use Plan (2023-2033) a framework for efficient, productive, and sustainable land use.
The Siaya Municipality Manager, Madam Linet Oyola, urged the newly elected board members to work in unison, assuring them that schedules would be provided to guide daily operations.
On his part, the CECM encouraged the board to execute their duties with diligence and firmness, emphasizing dialogue to align their work with the Nyalore Manifesto and Siaya County Integrated Development Plan 2023-2027.
Covering Township Ward and parts of South East Alego, North Alego, and Central Wards, Siaya Municipality spans approximately 157 square kilometers. It was established under the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011, amended in 2019. The 2019 Act outlines the composition of municipal boards, including the CECM and Chief Officer from the Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development as members, alongside elected representatives. This differs from the 2011 Act, which relied on gubernatorial appointments from groups like professional caucuses, women’s organizations, and persons with disabilities.
The Municipality’s first project was the rehabilitation of Ahindi and Governor’s Park in the 2019/2020 Financial Year funded at Ksh 50 million through the World Bank and Kenya Urban Support Program. These parks have boosted the creative economy for youth, provided recreational spaces for all ages, and offered venues for social gatherings.
Other initiatives include storm water drainage systems, Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) walkways, and parking spaces in Siaya’s Central Business District (CBD). The NMT project, stretching from the Governor’s Office gate to the CBD, enhances pedestrian safety and urban aesthetics. High-mast lighting in Mbaga, Siaya Market, Obambo, and Jua Kali areas erected by the Municipality has also extended trading hours for business thus improving livelihoods.
On solid waste management, refuse chambers have been installed in Ndere, Segere, and Siaya Municipal Market to serve as temporary disposal sites.
In the last Financial Year, plans for a modern toilet at Siaya Market, further rehabilitation of Governor’s Park and Ahindi Gardens, and opening a backstreet to reduce congestion were prioritized.
Today’s election reinforces the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2019 mandate for effective urban governance under county oversight. By aligning their work with Governor James Orengo’s 9-Point Agenda particularly Agenda One on Good Governance and Accountability, the new Siaya Municipal Board is poised to deliver sustainable development and improved quality of life for residents.