Since the advent of devolution, the minority Kuria Community have been grappling with underdevelopment after the then Kehancha Municipal Council was scrapped off.
The residents, with nowhere to turn, often lived at the mercy of former Migori County administration to have their agenda spearheaded, a move that left the community wallowing in underdevelopment.
In most occasions, the community had to appease the previous regime so as to benefit from the county coffers.
Majority decried unequitable distribution of County cake after Rongo, Awendo and Migori towns received a Municipal status from the then County governor Okoth obado.
“We had been lagging behind in matters development. Kehancha town was a powerful economic hub and taking it away from the community seemed to have been deliberate and in bad taste by the previous regime.
But fast forward into 2023, the situation has changed with the once vibrant town, Kehancha the community’s economic powerbase roaring back to life.
The town located in Kuria West Sub County now reels from the shackles of its former self after the current administration conferred it to a municipal status barely eight months into office.
Speaking while presiding over the inauguration of the board members on Friday, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko termed the move “a timely opportunity for Kuria residents to attain financial independence and growth.”
“The main aim of a municipality is for the people to achieve self governance under the devolved units. This will help them to effectively plan for their development of their programs.”
Dr Ayacko
According to the governor, the launch was intended to spur development amongst the minority Kuria community who have for years decried neglect and shrewd distribution of resources from the county’s coffers.
Interestingly Mr Matiko Bohoko, Ayacko’s political nemesis in the run up to the last elections was appointment the board chair.
He termed the appointment an olive branch extended by governor Ayacko despite coming from different political divides.
Mr Bohoko was the chief campaigner of Mr John Pesa who emerged the runnners up in the gubernatorial contest.
I have to tell Migori people that our governor sees beyond politics and means well for the electorate. The fact that he has buried our political hatchet and appointed me to this position speaks volumes of his intentions to make Migori a better place
Bohoko, municipal manager.
Kehancha Municipality is expected to generate revenue from neighbouring Isebania, Mabera and Ntimaru, among other towns.
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