By Okong’o Oduya
Busia County, Kenya: US ambassador to Kenya Kley McCarter has promised to work closely with county governments in Kenya to enable Kenyans to easily access government services.
He says the government that is closer to its people is capable of addressing issues affecting them with ease.
Addressing the media in Busia after meeting Busia’s county governor, Sospeter Ojaamong, the ambassador noted that a government that is close to the people listens best and responds swiftly to people’s needs.
“No citizen in Busia should have to go to Nairobi to complain about the road or to ask for assistance in whatever service they need,” he said.
On investments, the ambassador noted that the American government will bring private investors to Kenya to help county governments be self-reliant to elevate the lives of its people.
“We are convinced enough that Kenya should not just be depending upon foreign aid. They have the resources, they have the land, they have the ability to grow their own food and that is the greatest resources. We are committed to going that pathway of self-reliance at the county level, we will support the devolution to help bring the development near to the people,” he explained.
On security matters, McCarter said Busia county is very important on the security of the country being along the border especially this time the country is facing security challenges paused by the al-Shabaab militia.
“Providing security for the people of Kenya has to be the number one goal, and in order, to achieve that we have to have strong borders. We are going to continue those programs on the borders to help to assist to make it safe for the people of Kenya”, he said.
He noted that he understands security and prosperity threats al-Shabab is pausing to the people of Kenya adding that both Kenyan and the American government are going to work hard than ever before to push back al-Shabab.
“It is unfortunate that a few weeks ago the Alshabab hit Manda bay location and killed three American patriots. But it should also be known that Kenyan lives are lost weekly from the attacks by the Alshabab and I think both the united state and Kenyan government understand the magnitude of the problem,” he said
However, the ambassador distanced himself on improving Busia Kisumu road, from Korinda to the custom adding that it is the role of the national government to allocate the resources to work on the road.
“I think we all agree that this is something that the national government should be making a priority. If they want an excellent contractor to do the dual carriage road, I know one from America,” he said
Busia county is the 35th county where the ambassador has visited as a way of familiarizing himself with the devolution system of governance in the country
Busia county governor Sospeter Ojaamong appreciated the contribution the American government is doing to people of Busia.
Ojaamong said the health sector has benefitted immensely through USAID where the H.I.V patients in Busia have received ARVs drugs through Ampath.
He also noted that through Key wash the water projects at Sisenye and Alema in Samia Sub-county have been expanded through the aid of the American government.
