Tuesday, 11th October, 2022:

Governor James Orengo has today delivered his maiden address to the County Assembly, heralding the formal commencement of Sittings of the 3rd County Assembly.

As he embarks on the daunting task of delivering on his campaign manifesto, the Governor underscored the need for the Assembly and the Executive to embrace collegiality, remarking that intentional collaboration between the Executive and the Assembly will create a favourable working environment that shall enrich development and service delivery.

“You, as a County Assembly, must exercise your powers robustly without let or hindrance. It is my deeply held conviction that for Siaya to reap the fruits and democratic dividends of devolution, good governance, integrity, transparency and accountability and for us to attain sustainable development, the legislative authority, which is vested in the County Assembly, must be respected, upheld, defended and protected. I will never seek to make you an appendage of the county executive,” remarked the Governor.

He congratulated Members of the County Assembly for making it to the august House and called for their cooperation in enriching his vision by crafting and reviewing relevant legislation that will spur the socio-economic transformation of Siaya County.

He further commended House Speaker George Okode for the overwhelming confidence bequeathed upon him by the MCAs to preside over the affairs of the County Assembly for the third uninterrupted term.

In appreciation of the Assembly’s oversight role, the Governor committed to ensure that all County Executive Committee Members appear before House Committees when invited or summoned.

“As the county administration we shall, in accordance with the law, open all books, ledgers, bank accounts, records and documents and make any material available to this august Assembly when called upon to do so in the exercise of your lawful duties and responsibility,” averred the Governor.

In the spirit of further entrenching devolution and taking resources to the people at the grassroots, the Governor reiterated his administration’s support to actualize the Ward Fund within the arm pit of the law and realities of the resource envelope.

Among those who graced the occasion were Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, Deputy Governor William Oduol and Siaya Woman Representative Dr. Christine Ombaka.

The inauguration of the Assembly now paves the way for the House to commence business.

Members of the County Assembly will debate the Governor’s speech for the next 4 sitting of the House.