The government has challenged Kenyans to demand accountability not only from those in power but also from critics, urging citizens to ask what they have done to improve the lives of ordinary people.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the Kenya Kwanza administration has largely delivered on the promises made during the 2022 election campaign, pointing to expanded access to youth empowerment programmes, road infrastructure, healthcare reforms and grassroots development projects across the country.
Speaking during a public baraza in Rachuonyo North Sub-county, Dr Omollo said the government had opened up financing opportunities for young people through the NYOTA Fund, enabling thousands of young women and men to access affordable financing, business support and training aimed at improving their livelihoods.
He maintained that President William Ruto has ensured that development is spread across all 47 counties, unlike previous administrations where, he claimed, only a few regions benefited from major government projects.
Using Homa Bay County as an example, Dr Omollo said the county had only three road projects before President Ruto took office, covering about 150 kilometres, and none had been completed.
According to the PS, the current administration has initiated nearly 20 road projects in Homa Bay with a combined length of about 454 kilometres, with more than half already completed.
“When President Ruto came to power, there were only three road projects in the entire Homa Bay County, and even those were never completed. Today, we have close to 20 road projects covering about 454 kilometres. More than half of that has already been completed, and we expect another 250 kilometres to be finished within the next 12 months before the next General Election,” said Dr Omollo.
He described the scale of development as unprecedented, saying many residents had never imagined such investments would reach the county.
Dr Omollo said similar projects are being implemented in Kisii, Nyamira, Nairobi, Mombasa and other parts of the country, arguing that the government’s development agenda is national rather than regional.
He further expressed confidence that Homa Bay residents would support President Ruto’s re-election bid in the next General Election because of the ongoing development projects.
On healthcare, the PS raised concern over the county’s registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying Homa Bay currently stands at 59 per cent, significantly below the desired target.
He urged residents to work closely with Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and the county government to increase enrolment, saying higher registration would enable the government to effectively plan and deliver healthcare services.
Dr Omollo noted that Mombasa County currently leads the country with an 83 per cent SHA registration rate, expressing confidence that Homa Bay could achieve similar results.
“I was in Mombasa two days ago, and Mombasa is leading in SHA registration with 83 per cent. If they have done it, it is possible to achieve the same here in Homa Bay,” he said.
The Principal Secretary also announced that village elders will begin receiving their July monthly stipends this month, describing the payments as long-overdue recognition for a group that has served communities since independence without formal government appreciation.
He said the move underscores the government’s commitment to recognising grassroots leaders who play a critical role in maintaining order, resolving disputes and supporting government programmes at the village level.
