Siaya: The electorates in Siaya county have been challenged to emulate Homa Bay county by electing women into leadership positions in the 2027 general elections to spur economic growth and development.
According to Kenya News Agency, Siaya Woman Representative Dr. Christine Ombaka highlighted that Homa Bay county is ahead of Siaya in terms of development due to their superior numbers of women elected leaders. Currently, Homa Bay boasts five women in leadership roles compared to Siaya’s one.
Speaking at Kamito in Rarieda subcounty during the opening of the modern Kamito Market, Dr. Ombaka, who has declared her interest in running for the Gem Constituency Parliamentary seat in the next elections, emphasized the importance of giving women a chance in leadership roles beyond the automatic woman representative seat. She believes this move could lead to meaningful development in the region.
Dr. Ombaka pointed out that leaders like Millie Mabona, Dr. Eve Obara, and Lilian Gogo have contributed to Homa Bay’s development, and similar progress could be achieved in Siaya with more women in leadership. Her current status as the only female elected leader in Siaya has slowed efforts to implement projects aimed at alleviating poverty, particularly those directly benefiting women.
She announced the completion of the modern Kamito market, stalled since 2019 due to land disputes, at a cost of Sh7.2 million from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) kitty. The 120-stall market is expected to enhance trade in the area, providing better facilities for women traders.
Dr. Ombaka also disbursed cheques worth Sh7.2 million to various women groups in the county and revealed the construction of eleven market shades in other subcounties over the last decade to improve the working environment and alleviate poverty.
Regarding political matters, Dr. Ombaka mentioned the challenges facing the ODM party following the demise of former leader Raila Odinga. She expressed confidence in the current party leader, Oburu Oginga, and urged patience and dialogue among party members to address the ongoing issues.
Dr. Ombaka called on the ODM secretariat to engage in dialogue and make timely decisions, assuring that the party would abide by the leadership’s decisions on future collaborations ahead of the 2027 elections.
