By Habil Onyango
Under the Constitution of Kenya, county governments are primarily responsible for ensuring clean and sanitary towns.
These devolved functions are outlined in the Fourth Schedule and include solid waste management, public health, water and sanitation services, and the regulation of environmental nuisances.
County governments fulfil these mandates through core responsibilities such as solid waste management and refuse removal. This includes providing reliable garbage collection services and establishing, maintaining, and staffing approved refuse dumps and disposal sites.
They also enact local laws that require residents and businesses to separate recyclable waste, properly containerise their refuse, and prevent illegal dumping. Additionally, they must ensure that all public spaces, markets, and entertainment venues have access to adequate and safe water and proper sanitation infrastructure.
However, the business community and local stakeholders feel that the county government has failed to fulfil these mandates.
On Monday, a peaceful demonstration was held to express outrage over the lack of basic services, deteriorating security, and negligence by the county government.
The protesters called for the immediate resignation of key county officials whom they accuse of failing the municipality.
Led by the Oyugis CBD Vice Chairman Esau Owino, the demonstration highlighted critical grievances that are driving the community’s unrest.
The protesters condemned the deplorable state of sanitation in Oyugis Town, where main streets are neglected and back streets in areas such as Onanda, Thousand Street, Jua Kali, and Migingo have reportedly deteriorated due to uncollected garbage, poor waste management, and lack of toilets.
Furthermore, they expressed deep concern over a spike in targeted attacks, citing the recent assault on the organisation’s chairman, Edwin Okong’o, who was attacked by five armed men near his home and had his car stolen. He was rescued by family members after raising an alarm.
Okong’o has been an outspoken advocate for better hygiene standards, improved town management, reduced taxation, and the protection of traders.
“We are tired of living in constant vulnerability to thugs. The frequency and nature of recent attacks have reached unacceptable levels,” said Owino.
He also noted that despite the town being designated as a municipality, many areas are plunged into darkness at night.
“It is shameful and totally unacceptable that most parts of the town operate without a single functioning street light, which exacerbates the security crisis,” Owino added.
The business community has vowed to escalate their grievances if the county leadership fails to take immediate corrective action to restore security, clean up the town, and illuminate the municipality.
They have declared that they will not remit taxes to the county government until their grievances are addressed.
According to Odwar, a businessman in Oyugis, despite the deteriorating conditions for businesses, the county continues to impose high taxes and levies on hardworking entrepreneurs. Odwar also called on the police to conduct thorough investigations and ensure that those who attacked Okong’o are brought to justice.
“We demand a clean, conducive, and well-maintained business environment that supports local enterprises rather than stifles their growth before we will even consider paying taxes,” he stated.
“We will no longer remain silent in the face of these challenges. We call on the county government to address our grievances and improve the conditions under which we operate,” he concluded.
“Enough is enough. Our voices must be heard,” the protesters declared during the demonstration.
