By Habil Onyango
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has been ranked the third-best performing governor in a new poll by the Infotrak survey report.
Wanga said the survey was a true reflection of her work after assuming office two and a half years ago.
“When we took over the leadership, we promised that Homa Bay would no longer be looked for at the bottom but ranked among the top-performing counties,” said Wanga.
Wanga was rated the best-performing female governor and the third-best-performing County CEO, achieving a 61 per cent rating.
In the 2024 ratings, Homa Bay County has also been ranked second among the best counties, just behind Murang’a County.
“These achievements have been realised due to commitment, dedication, and hard work among our staff,” she said.
Wanga promised to prioritise the health sector in her development agenda, a matter she says has seen significant improvement.
“You all remember how our health sector was on its deathbed when we took over. However, we have made drastic improvements that have truly changed the lives of our people, and we believe this sector has contributed to our high ratings in the survey,” she said.
According to the governor, her administration has improved staff welfare and motivation through promotions, confirmations, and maintaining industrial harmony.
She highlighted that sound healthcare financing and the operationalisation of Facility Improvement Financing (FIF) had been initiated, alongside infrastructural improvements in dispensaries and health centres, such as facility fencing, staff housing, and sanitation upgrades.
“We have also enhanced diagnostic services like MRI and CT scans and focused on expanding Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital, with an ongoing Accident & Emergency Plaza,” she said.
Focus on Education
In just two years, Homa Bay County has successfully constructed 240 Early Childhood Development (ECD) classrooms using the Labour-Based model through the initiative dubbed Operation Ondoa Kaunda.
She explained that this innovative approach involved engaging local communities in identifying schools in need and utilising local artisans, suppliers, and management teams for construction.
“An impressive total of 160 classrooms were completed within a remarkable 90 days, setting a new record for efficiency and community-driven development,” said Wanga.
Additionally, Homa Bay County has implemented notable education support programmes such as the Fins to Swim initiative, which provides full scholarships for bright and needy students, benefiting 600 students.
“This comprehensive scholarship covers fees, supplies, transportation, and pocket money for the entire four-year duration of study, ensuring that deserving students have access to quality education without financial barriers,” she said.
The county has also launched the Fundi Mang’ula programme, which offers young people a second chance by granting them full scholarships to technical institutions and providing them with start-up toolkits to kick-start their careers and entrepreneurial ventures, empowering them to thrive and contribute to their communities.
“Homa Bay County has demonstrated commitment to supporting education through annual bursaries, with a substantial 215 million Kenyan Shillings distributed across all 40 wards to assist needy secondary school and college students.
This financial aid programme plays a critical role in enabling students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals, fostering a more prosperous and educated future for the county’s youth,” she said.
“So far, 600 individuals have benefited from the Fundi Mang’ula initiative, another 600 students are being sponsored under Fins to Swim, 240 new ECD classrooms have been constructed, and over 50,000 students have benefited from our bursary distribution,” said Wanga.
“Overall, these impactful initiatives and investments in education showcase Homa Bay County’s dedication to improving access to quality learning opportunities, promoting skill development, and empowering its residents to reach their full potential,” said Wanga.
“What I can tell our people is that we are on the right track. Under my leadership, Homa Bay will continue to rise,” she said.
