- On Health Milestones
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has credited strategic prioritization and community engagement for the dramatic transformation in the county’s health sector. In an interview with Citizen TV’s Yvonne Okwara, the governor revealed that malaria prevalence has plummeted from 19% to 3% due to expanded preventive care and the deployment of over 2,900 community health promoters.
Wanga said her administration has revamped lower-tier facilities with new maternity wings, theaters in sub-county hospitals, and an upgraded Level 5 referral hospital equipped with dialysis machines and a CT scan. Oncology services are expected to begin by June in partnership with Aga Khan Hospital. “Our goal is to build public confidence in the public healthcare system,” she stated.
- Homa Bay is attractive to investors
Governor Wanga has positioned Homa Bay as a hub for agricultural and tourism investment, highlighting the county’s Special Economic Zone, sweet potato and cotton production, and tourism assets such as Lake Victoria islands. She confirmed that several investors in fish processing, cotton, and energy have signed agreements following the county’s inaugural international investment conference.
The governor called on hospitality players to invest ahead of the county’s upcoming events, including the national Madaraka Day celebration and the Devolution Conference in August. “We are the Bay of Endless Potential,” she declared, emphasizing land availability and incentives for hotel developers.
- Governor Wanga Stresses Devolution in NG-CDF Debate, Backs Gradual Phase-Out
In the wake of national discussions around the constitutionality of NG-CDF, Governor Wanga walked a fine line between party loyalty and her experience as a former MP. While maintaining alignment with ODM leader Raila Odinga’s pro-devolution stance, she advocated for a pragmatic transition that avoids abrupt disruption of services.
“I don’t want to disagree with my party leader, but I understand the MPs’ position,” she said, suggesting room for dialogue. Wanga noted that while NG-CDF supports education and security, devolution should be the ultimate path for equitable development.
- Wanga Denies Rift with Deputy, Decries Politicization of Violence in Homa Bay
Addressing concerns about security in Homa Bay, Wanga dismissed claims of a deteriorating relationship with Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga following an alleged attack on his vehicle. “Our relationship is cordial. We’ve worked together since Parliament,” she affirmed.
She further condemned the killing of Kasipul MP Charles Ongondo Were, calling it “a national tragedy” and urged security agencies to release investigative findings promptly. “We must not politicize tragedy,” Wanga said, reaffirming that the county remains peaceful despite national speculation.
- ODM-UDA Pact Still Holding, Says Wanga Amid Gen Z Criticism
Governor Wanga defended ODM’s engagement with President Ruto’s administration under the March 7 memorandum, asserting it is based on shared goals of inclusion and development. “This is about Kenyans, not about spoils,” she stated.
Responding to Gen Z concerns over exclusion, Wanga pointed to recent appointments of young professionals, including Principal Secretaries under 30. She argued that the pact addresses issues of accountability, cost of living, and devolution, many of which were echoed in 2023 Gen Z protests.
“Time will show that these issues are being acted on. Our commitment is to leave no Kenyan behind,” she concluded.
She welcomed Kenyans to the Madaraka day celebrations scheduled for 1st June at the Raila Odinga Stadium Homa Bay.
