DNK International By Our Correspondent,Siaya.
Walter Okello,chief officer Governance, Administration and ICT serving under Governor James Orengo’s administration at the County Government of Siaya, has renewed calls for predictable funding, fiscal responsibility and strategic investment in productive sectors to strengthen devolved governance.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM, Okelo said Siaya County has embraced good governance practices anchored on prudent financial management and people centered development.
He emphasized the county’s deliberate focus on the blue economy, noting sustained investments undertaken jointly with the National Government in fisherfolk empowerment, fish landing sites and aquaculture across Usenge Beach, Luanda Kotieno, Wich Lum and Asembo Bay.
Okelo underscored the importance of ensuring that economic opportunities reach ordinary citizens directly, rather than being concentrated among elites.
He argued that inclusive development models are key to spreading business ideas, stimulating grassroots enterprise and unlocking local economic potential.
With a polished civil and political career spanning service at the County Assembly of Siaya and later as a Chief Officer for governance,ICT development Okelo called for realistic budgeting and allocations that deliver maximum economic gains.
He noted that since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, which created 47 autonomous county governments, approximately Sh 4.1 trillion has been disbursed to counties.
Highlighting achievements of the Nyalore Administration under Governor Orengo since 2022, Okelo cited the Sh 60 million rice production project in Usonga, Siriwo, which has transformed livelihoods and enabled locally grown rice to reach supermarket shelves.
He also pointed to the construction and upgrading of sub county healthcare facilities, and the introduction of free fortified porridge for ECD learners in public primary schools,an initiative he said has boosted enrolment and improved learning outcomes across Siaya.
Additional gains, he noted, include expanded water access through boreholes, construction of markets including livestock markets, development of link roads in areas such as Usenge, Ugunja and Bondo, and several ongoing projects being implemented in collaboration with the National Government.
On regional cooperation, Okelo praised the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), describing it as a critical economic platform that allows governors to pool resources and drive shared development priorities.
Addressing fiscal challenges, he observed that of the approximately Sh 10 billion allocated annually to Siaya County, a large portion goes to recurrent expenditure, leaving about 30 percent for development.
He called for stronger legislative frameworks to increase development allocations and ensure uninterrupted funding.
“As a country, we need laws that guarantee progressive and predictable disbursements to achieve real economic impact,” Okelo said, adding that such reforms would spur job creation, industrial growth and broader economic development.
He also advocated for quality civic education and inclusive national dialogue to accelerate people-driven development initiatives.
[DNK-International @ January 22, 2026]
One Comment
CO touched on predictability of funding but curiously avoided addressing fiscal discipline which is quite an issue in county governments.