MORE TECHNOCRATS ENTER INTO THE BATTLE FOR THE HOMA-BAY GOVERNOR POSITION AS THE JOB SEEMED TO BE MUCH MORE ATTRACTIVE TO HIGH PROFILE POLITICAL ELITE.
Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Homa-Bay Town.
The newly created Homa-Bay County in greater Southern Nyanza is likely to be the nerve center and major political battle ground in the forthcoming general election schedule for 2012.
This is one of the regional Counties create for the Luo-Nyanza under the constitutional dispensation in what is now defunct Nyanza Province.
From far flank of Mfangano and other smaller fishing island on Lake Victoria, Homa-Bay County stretches to Kabondo Division bordering both Nyakach, Belgut,Nyamira,Kitutu Chache and parts of Bonchari constituency in Kisii on the mainland. But also borders Kisumu Town, Kisumu Rural, Rarieda,Bondo and Budalangi across the Nyanza Gulf {Kivirondo Gulf}. And has the longest borderline with the neighboring Uganda on Lake Victoria.
Rural parliamentary constituencies that forms parts of the Homa-Bay County include Kasipul-Kabondo and Karachuonyo in the east and northern flank, while it also covered Rangwe and Ndhiwa in the middle in what is used to be referred to as “Milambo” and on the lowland region it covers Mbita and Gwassi constituencies. Its major inhabitants are mainly Luos and Abasuba, but relatively with other residents of diverse ethnic backgrounds such as Luhyia and Kisiis.
Economically, this region has the potentiality of turning out to be the richest only if its vast resources were to be exploited to the maximum. It has a lot of minerals underneath such as cement and reported deposit of uranium and gold. It is also the major source of fishing and fish trade, which is racks in million of shillings in both local and foreign currencies.
Agriculturally, apart from Ndhiwa and Kasipul-Kabondo, is slackest and in most places the arable and fertile land is still lying fallow. And in addition to fishing industry, the farmers in Kabondo are presently minting millions from the selling of sweet potatoes and pineapples as well as bananas, tea and coffee.
In Ndhiwa district a combined farming for both domestic and cash crop is visible and would soon be much more improved when the Sukari Sugar Factory, which is currently under the construction at Paw Otange in Kanyidoto area of Ndhiwa goes into full throat production within the next two year. This is because Ndhiwa and part of Rangwe produces a lot of sugar cane, which are crushed at the Awendo-based SONYSUGAR, but a lot of it goes up to waste due to inadequate means of transportation and also high cost of transporting the row cane overland for more than 50 kilometer consumes a lot in transport cost,
Ndhiwa of late has become the bastion of massive food grains production. This is due to good rainfall through the year, especially in the Riana Valley, which stretches from Nyakoe in Kitutu Chache down to Kamagambo-Kamwango and Gem location down to Riana and Pala Division in the larger Kabuoch and traverses over River Kuja winding up in Paw Otange after covering areas like Ndhiwa Mirogi and Rapedhi.
And of late, the resident of Kochia in Rangwe have resorted into massive production of pineapples almost superseding the crops growers in Kasipul-Kabondo. This particular region produces the top quality of pineapple, which are now finding its way to major markets like Kisumu, Nairobi,Nakuru and even Mombasa. Its pineapples are so popular with major hotels in the City and this is likely to turn the area around economically in the near future.
On tourism, Homa-Bay County has the most attractive sceneries apart from its Ruma National Game Park at Lambwe Valley, which is the home to nearly all species of wild animal including the rare roan antelope, but minus four of the “Big Five”, namely Elephant, Buffaloes, Rhinos, Lion and Leopard. Only one of the big cats is there in plenty, the Leopard.
Other scenery of attraction including Bur Agulu in Central Kasipul,birds sanctuary in the same area, and the vocanic Lake Simbi Nyaima in Central Karachuonyo.
But a lot would be waiting for the tourists in the lowland region covering Mfangano, Rusinga
,Ngondhe and Takawiri Islands on Lake Victoria. The pre-historic Nyamgondho Wuod Ombare, shrine which is located close to Nyandiwa Trading Centre in Gwassi, Soklo Kipenji which is a rocky island close to Homa0Bay and Lambwe Valley and many other. The new County need only to go full blast in the campaign to attract private investors to come down and invest their money in hotels, yachting activities and even spots fishing expeditions and boating enterprises apart from the hotels on both Mfangano and Rusinga Island.
It has been explained in government papers that the central annual grant would be in the region of Kshs 3 billion per region annually. But the rest would be locally generated from internal taxes. All this funding will still be inadequate to run such a vast area like the County of Homa-Bay.
Here is where the County Governor would be required to come in hand and rescue his or her region. In such position it will need someone with not only national outlook, but similarly with the international appeal who could stand before the international financiers and get extra money for regional development activities.
The entry into the contest for the governor by the youthful brilliant, mobilize and political strategist in the name of Mr Mark Matunga from Mfangano Island is seen by the local as an ideal.
iliser and political strategist per excellence Mr Mark Matunga from Mfangano Island is seen as a blessing in disguise.
The youthful technocrat and a computer Guru is reputed for having single handedly built and constructed anal weather road on hitherto remote Mfangano Island and spent a personal fortune in getting a very powerful power generating engine on the Island ,which is now supply electricity to the schools medical centers such as dispensaries and health centers and to individuals homes. The power supply was sources at an enormous cost estimated to be the region of Kshs 1,6 billion. It will soon be connected to the national grid as their supply in the Island is in excess of the local requirements of the residents.
Mr Matunga,36 year of age is an achiever and a man to watch. He is currently an employee of the Microsoft Corporation in charge of 15 African countries in Eastern and Southern African regions, covering Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar,Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa,Botswana, Malawi, Namibia,Zimbabwe,Swaziand,Lesotho and Angola.He s offering technical advice and inputs to the governments and institutes involved in ICT technology.
He has previously worked for International Training-USA, Africa Center for computing, Kenya ICT Trust Fund
An ordained clergy with Daniel Noel Ministries International –Vermont USA, this young technocrat is a symbol educational technology and development through ICT by education [e learning} in Kenya and the entire east and southern African regions.
He says he is an ambassador and a strong advocate of peace and unity in Kenya, freedom and justice, especially for the disadvantaged member of the society. He is an astute strategist and mobilizes.par excellence.
However Mr Matunga with his colorful background, will square and battle it with the men with equally illustrious administrative and political background such as Eng.Okoth Okundi former Range MP, former Marie Stoppie Clinics country director Cyprian Otieno Awiti, businessman Opiata Ogada, the incumbent Rangwe MP Martin Otieno Ogindo,
It is an area where the battle for the County governor sea has attracted many political heavy weights making it to look like the battle of the giant.
ends
leooderaomolo@yahoo.com
As a concerned youth and an aspirant in the post of Governor Homa Bay County, i personally feel that, the economic, social and political aspect has not been fully utilised. Therefore i urge the electorate to consider me first
awiti cyprian jamawego ema oromo odno waweuru siasa manono
we need not to rely on lies again,we need to give seats to those who hav shown us what they can do when they were still out of politics n not those who r going there for fame n lust,i propose Awiti Cyprian jamawego 4 this seat,he worth being a govenor
This is just the beginning. Things will shape up as we move on. The youth, exposure, charisma, courage, experience …..are definitely added advantages to this young man – Mark Matunga.
Because the Governor will be like the CEO of the county let us elect person of integrity, policies and a person who will be a symbol of unity the time of playing politics is over and let us all prepare for work.
lets build this region and elect leaders we want not the ones we will be given
THOSE WHO’VE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE IN THE PAST AND EITHER DID TOO LITTLE OR NOTHING MUST GIVE WAY.THE VAST RESOURCES IN HOMA BAY CAN ONLY BE TAPPED PROPERLY TO BENEFIT LOCALS IF WE GO FOR A GOOD MANAGER WITH A CLEAN PAST AND BRIGHT FUTURE.Dr. MARK MATUNGA IS A SURE BEACON OF THAT BRIGHT FUTURE FOR HOMABAY.KUDOS GOVERNOR.(WUOD CHULA OROMO)
We do and shall always respect everyones opinion on matters affecting our beloved baby “HOMA BAY COUNTY” My candidate of choice whom I need not over emphasis his capability, for it is common knowledge even if we chose to ignore, as fit for the position of governor is Eng PHILIP OKUNDI.
Lameck,yours is an opinion which too, needs to be respected.we appreciate your concern for “your beloved baby”.However if you realy care for your “baby”you would as a matter of urgency start thinking of the best way to keep malnutrition out of her way.Lets weigh these leaders and get the best for your baby.Nobody doubts Engineers capability only that this time round Lameck we need an energetic,visionary,focused and intelligent leader whose integrity isnt paralleled.We need a leader who will look beyond clan in his or her course of duty.I hope that with time Mr. Lameck Bwana you’ll see what we mean here.You’ll realise that for our baby to walk steadily the answer lies in one man.A capable man.A man of integrity.Highly visionary,resourceful,industrious,youthful and intelligent.The man for us is THE WORKING GOVERNOR:DR.MARK MATUNGA.
Am gonna watch Him. He might be the one…
The academic and job paraphernalia of Mark Matunga is undisputed. I wish him well
Am greatful and proud of the interlectual and leadership resources vital for full exploitation of other resources we have in our Homa Bay county. Lets give the best the chance. Am also eying Gembe Central Ward.
Guys its still too early and what Matunga has done is just to benefit his anyuola in Fuangano what else has he done apart from the 1.6billion generator.
If one has the heart to benefit his “Anyuola” by parting with1.6billion out of his own kind heart.Then I dont think i will need any busybody to tell me where to vote when the time comes.I have not heard of such acts of selflessness from other well – to – do folks in the society.Not many a rich guys out there do this.Not even the CDfed MPs.A sure sign of a good leader.It doesnt matter if the said Generator is in Mfangano.Those who live there are also humans.Or would he have done better if he had installed it behind Rege’s (above) home.If anything they say charity begins from somewhere near home.MARK MATUNGA HOW I WISH YOU WERE FROM MY CONSTITUENCY (rangwe).I WOULD HAVE VOTED FOR YOU EVEN IF YOUR NAME WERE NOT ON THE BALLOT.
I agree with you totally Boy.Rege should first tell us what he’s done to himself in the last 24 hours.Then his neighbours b4 criticising 4 the sake of it.Dont b jealous Rege Identify a worthy project that can benefit your anyuola then wait once MATUNGA is confirmed GOVERNOR he’ll show you his love 4 all.
So it was worth more than a billion.I think i know where i will cast my vote.Not many a rich men out there can boast of such feat.not even the CDFed MPs.Would you Rege have been happy if it was installed behind your simba?Pole mfangano pple are also humans.Charity begins from there for thats home to him.
Lets remember democracy is the rule of hooligans. It’s the number that matters. Can he marshal the mass. Politics is a profesion of it’s own: being a guru elsewhere doesn’t count. If charity begins at home, what if i don’t come from your home. If so lets not wail when ‘Jorabuon’ are being favoured. For now Matunga is just enjoying empty podium. As electorates lets shun sectionist politics and vote charismatic, focused and development concious leaders. Besides what he has done, what does he have for who and where in Homabay county matters a lot. (Ruoth Jagembe)
WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE MY BROTHER.WE ARE NO HOOLIGANS.DEMOCRACY IS A RULE BY THE RIGHT MAJORITY.N THE MAJORITY TODAY IS THE EDUCATED MASS OF VERY POLITICALLY,ECONOMICALLY AWARE KENYANS WHO ARE VERY VERSED IN THEIR RIGHTS N FREEDOMS.WE ARENT LIVING IN IBSEN’S WORLD.WE ARE IN KENYA A REAL KENYA N WE ARE REAL PPLE NOT IMAGINATIONS.SO RUOTH JA GEMBE WHEN U MENTION OTHER COMMUNITIES WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABT OUR HBAY YOU LOSE IT.I CALL IT HANGOVERS OF THE OLD GENERATION.IF YOU ARE REFERING TO YOURSELF AS CHARIS-whatever THEN ASK YOURSELF WHAT YOUR CHARIS…………..HAS DONE FOR YOUR PPLE.IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE IN MIND THEN BE OPEN N TELL US FIRST WHAT HE’S DONE FOR THE POOR GEMBE FOLK.WE WILL GIVE HIM VOTES IF HE’S GOOD BUT KINDLY RESPECT THE COMPACT MAJORITY,FOR WITHOUT THEM, YOUR PODIUM TOO WILL BE EMPTY.
I dont oppose anyone yet,but we will need to here from the aspirants that will be.we do not know them all and what they have achieved yet.so we will be waiting to interrogate them.
So, yesterday(16th july,2011) we had we had that lively and healthy debate about our county thanks to citizen radio.I want to thank all those who braved the insecurity in our town Homabay to attend.This is the way to go.We also want those aspiring for various positions in our county to converge at county hall one of these days so that we can interrogate them.They will have to demonstrate to us how well they know our county,in terms of its unique challenges,resources available,infrastructure,agriculture etc.we will also want to know their policies and leadership visions.How they intend to rope in homabayians in diaspora and lastly how they intend to fix the wrongs committed against homabayians by our own leaders like the collapse of the cotton industry with its cooperatives ie the lambwe farmers cooperative society,kochia FCS,Rachuonyo FCS plus the two ginneries of homabay n kendu that have turned into monuments of we once had.We want this debate soonest possible and I would wish that we do it soberly that people dont come there to support any of them.Well let them talk and answer our questions so that by the time its over we will go back and reflect on their policies and decide on who has the best policy for our county.I would urge all the leaders to attend if a date is announced.We will want to see those who would refuse the call of the people and still want votes.God bless homa bay.
I have read,with great interest, what our people have to voice through this site.I think you all have points and great points out there.Our leaders too have spoken,those in office and the ones nursing hopes of landing into these offices.Someone mentioned in this site sometime in the past that there is a need for an open debate with our aspirants.I think its now time that we interrogated them live in such a forum.A leader who cannot face his people and explain to them his manifesto is not worth being in office.We need to put these people down and interrogate their plans 4 us.This will help us make a wise choice.Remember we do not want to choose leaders for the sake of it or because they come from our regions.Our country has suffered for this and we don’t want to devolve the country’s problems to our county.NOW:ARE THERE PROFESSIONALS OUT THERE WHO WOULD ATTEND SUCH A FORUM SHOULD IT COME TO BE?OUR ASPIRANTS, I KNOW YOU FREQUENT THIS SITE,ARE YOU WILLING TO HEED THE VOICE OF HOMA BAY AND BE A PART OF THIS DEBATE?Let’s interact through this forum as we look fo ways of making this possible.Ideas and opinions are invited.
We need to get these aspirants together on forums and debates to gauge them on county’s issues. If smone has spent money to build a church or whatever, where did he get that money. We must hold them accountable and transparent from the word go.
One such debate is in the pipeline and very soon.It will be in Homabay and it will be a purely professionals open debate forum.We will not expect anybody to come to support anyone.we will want to stick to real issues affecting Homa bay not personality attacks.The aspirants will have to clearly state their agenda and visions for our county.The first debate will feature the Governors to be followed closely by senators.Boniface we will get in touch with you through this forum to let u and all who are interested know when.Keep reading this space.
Suppose you found yourself in a forum with all the aspiring leaders of homa bay county and you had the opportunity to address them .
i.What burning issue/question would you ask them first?
ii.What problems in homa bay would you ask them to sort first?
If you were to be made the governor of homabay county today.What would you take as a priority and do first?
New constitution,Nw governance structure,fresh youthful leaders coming up….change defintely comin.Bt our masses haven’t changed ‘ey stil are the same old goons who looted,killed,burnt properties,raped and blocked roads.’ey haven’t learnt that elections cn b done in an atmosphere devoid of chaos,shouting,stuffing ballot boxes intimidation and throwing stones.Thorough and comprhensive civic educ. is necesry 2 salvage our society from these savages who blieve its either thea candidate or no one.
our condolences to Hon. Milly odhiambo for losing her mum.As a result of this all activities planed in homabay by the Homabay professionals caucus on 28th Aug.are put off to a date to be announced later.Thanx and sorry for any inconveniences.
The date is finally here.Its 4th Aug. 2011……….Homabay county hall.come and debate with your governor to be.All aspirant governors have been invited.It will begin @ noon and end @ 4.Come and participate objectively.Do not come to support any one of them.Lets make them explain their agenda 4 us n assure us that they will remain committed to our course.This will soon be followed by debate by senate aspirants,Mps,Women reps etc
SORRY A MIX UP IN THE DATES.IT WILL BE ON THE 4TH SEPTEMBER 2011 AND NOT AUGUST.SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.WELCOME ALL.
The debates so far posted here are positive except a few who dwell much on personality than issues however i’d urge that we give chance to whoever can demons trate that he/she is ready to empower us economically by reviving the cotton industry,having grip on the viable sugar industry,fishing,infrastructure,good health care policy, ensuring that our high schools produces the highest no.of students going to the universities countywise.wanen uru mos kendo matut ,ero uru kamano.
Fellow homabayans,what are we debating about?Of all the contestants,the good that @ has done will follow him/her to the seat of governorship.
if the facts state above are accurate then this guy should be given a consideration. his academic line is outstanding and he has shown the signs of a committed leader, not many filthy rich politicians of his clime would have done the same at his age, one fact stands, homa-bay county needs a technocrat, a manager and an administrator, in his youth and with the epic achievement above, come on jodalawa
Iromo jatelo