As political temperatures begin to rise ahead of the 2027 General Election, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko finds himself at the center of a growing debate that could define his first term in office: has his administration delivered transformative development, or are the county’s achievements being overshadowed by mounting concerns over governance and pending bills?
In an adress read by Monitoring and Evaluation Chief officer Nicholas Ngabiya during this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations, Governor Ayacko, in absentia, presented what many observers consider the most comprehensive account yet of his administration’s development record, outlining a series of flagship projects that he says are transforming Migori into a regional economic powerhouse.
The speech came at a critical political moment.
In recent months, the county administration has faced criticism from contractors over delayed payments, concerns regarding procurement processes, and growing political opposition from leaders positioning themselves for the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Yet despite the criticism, Ayacko used the national holiday to mount a vigorous defense of his administration’s performance, arguing that development remains the most reliable measure of leadership.
The Infrastructure Agenda Taking Shape
Among the projects highlighted by the governor is the construction of a modern 10,000-seater stadium, which county officials say is now more than 80 percent complete. Once finished, the facility is expected to elevate Migori’s sporting profile and create opportunities for youth talent development.
Equally ambitious is the expansion of Lichota Airstrip, where plans are underway to construct a modern passenger terminal capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers annually while extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft. According to the governor, the project is intended to improve connectivity, boost tourism and attract investment into the county.
Perhaps the most transformative undertaking remains the Muhuru Bay International Port project.
The county government successfully secured and handed over land to the Kenya Ports Authority, paving the way for construction works that could potentially alter the economic fortunes of the lake region. The port is expected to facilitate regional trade, strengthen the fishing industry and position Migori as a gateway to the larger Lake Victoria economic zone.
Political analysts argue that such projects could become central pillars of Ayacko’s re-election narrative.
“Governors are increasingly judged by visible infrastructure. If these projects are completed and operational before 2027, they could significantly strengthen Ayacko’s political standing,” says a political observer familiar with county politics.
Markets, Industrialization and Economic Growth
The governor’s administration has also invested heavily in market infrastructure.
The modern Marindi Market, complete with an integrated ring road, is nearing completion, while similar projects are planned in Rongo, Awendo, Muhuru Bay, Kehancha, Mabera, Masara and Sori. Additionally, eleven Economic Stimulus Programme markets are under construction across the county.
Ayacko also pointed to the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) in Macalder, Nyatike, which is now more than 90 percent complete and expected to become a major center for agro-processing and value addition.
Supporters argue that such investments reflect a long-term economic strategy focused on industrialization and job creation.
Critics, however, contend that development projects mean little if local suppliers and contractors who execute county work remain unpaid.
The Pending Bills Question
While the governor’s speech highlighted infrastructure and investment, it remained largely silent on the growing frustrations among contractors and suppliers who claim they are owed millions of shillings by the county government.
Several contractors who participated in county-sponsored programs and events have publicly complained about payment delays, arguing that businesses are struggling under mounting debts while awaiting settlement of invoices.
The issue has become one of the most politically sensitive challenges facing the administration.
Opposition leaders have increasingly used the pending bills debate to question the county’s financial management, while affected suppliers continue to demand transparency and prompt payment.
For Ayacko, the challenge may not simply be delivering development but convincing residents that economic benefits are reaching ordinary citizens and businesses in a timely manner.
Investing in People
Beyond physical infrastructure, the governor showcased what he termed “people-centered development.”
His administration has already distributed KSh54 million to 524 organized groups under the county empowerment program, benefiting women, youth and community-based organizations across Migori. An additional KSh40 million has been earmarked for the second phase of the initiative.
In education, the county’s digital learning initiative has expanded to more than 30,000 ECDE learners, with another 3,000 expected to join the program. The project aims to equip young learners with digital literacy skills from an early age.
Healthcare has equally featured prominently in the governor’s development agenda.
His administration says it has improved maternal health outcomes, constructed specialized theatres in Migori and Awendo, and partnered with the M-Pesa Foundation to establish a modern Mother and Child Unit in Awendo. Similar facilities are planned for Kehancha, Nyamaraga and Sori.
Agriculture and Food Security
Recognizing agriculture as the backbone of Migori’s economy, the county government has invested in coffee and avocado farming through seedling distribution while recruiting more than sixty agricultural extension officers to support farmers.
The administration has also expanded irrigation projects in Nyatike and Kuria West while planning seed distribution programs to help farmers recover from devastating floods experienced earlier this year.
Political Reality Ahead of 2027
Despite the impressive catalogue of projects outlined during Madaraka Day celebrations, Governor Ayacko faces an increasingly competitive political landscape.
Potential challengers are already mobilizing across the county, seeking to capitalize on public dissatisfaction regarding delayed payments, unemployment, cost of living concerns and perceptions of unequal development.
Yet Ayacko’s supporters argue that no governor in recent years has presided over such a broad portfolio of ongoing flagship projects simultaneously.
The governor’s political gamble appears clear: by the time Migori voters head to the ballot in 2027, he hopes residents will judge his administration not by the controversies that dominate political conversations today, but by the stadiums, markets, roads, hospitals, industrial parks and ports that remain visible across the county.
Whether that strategy succeeds may ultimately depend on two factors — the completion of the flagship projects currently underway and the administration’s ability to address growing concerns over pending bills and service delivery before campaign season reaches full momentum.
For now, Migori finds itself at a crossroads between a development narrative championed by the governor and a growing chorus of critics demanding greater accountability.
The battle for public perception has already begun.
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