Kisii Governor Simba Arati said his county had assembled a team of health professionals ready for deployment to the Democratic Republic of Congo to assist in containing the Ebola outbreak.
He said this is subject to approval and support from the national government.
“We have qualified medical personnel who are prepared to support our neighbours during this public health emergency. Africa must stand together in times of crisis,” he said.
He emphasized, however, that any deployment would require authorization and logistical backing from the national government.
The governor used this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations to highlight his administration’s achievements and rally support for his bid for a second term.
Speaking during the county celebrations, Arati said his government had made significant progress in infrastructure, healthcare and public service delivery since taking office nearly four years ago.
He cited the acquisition of multimillion-shilling road construction equipment, saying the investment had enabled the county to open and maintain roads more efficiently while reducing dependence on contractors.
“When we took over, many areas were inaccessible due to poor roads and inadequate services. Today, residents can see tangible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare and other key sectors,” Arati said.
The governor said his administration had also strengthened measures to curb corruption, arguing that prudent use of public resources had allowed the county to undertake more development projects.
“We have embraced accountability in the management of public funds, and that is why development is now reaching more parts of the county,” he said.
The governor appealed to residents to support his re-election bid, saying continuity was necessary to complete ongoing projects and implement new development programmes.
“We have laid a strong foundation for growth. With continued support from the people, we can complete ongoing projects and accelerate development across the county,” he said.
To boost infrastructure development, Arati announced plans to recruit 30 workers from every ward to support drainage improvement and road maintenance programmes.
“The initiative will not only create employment opportunities but also help us maintain and expand our road network more effectively,” he said.
On healthcare, Arati said investments in medical services were beginning to bear fruit, particularly in reducing maternal mortality and improving patient outcomes.
He cited progress at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, noting that the facility can now go several days without recording a death.
The governor also announced that the county had allocated Sh74 million for the construction of a Mother and Child Wing at Kenyenya Sub-County Hospital.
“This facility will greatly enhance maternal and child healthcare services for residents of Kenyenya and neighbouring areas,” he said.
Arati further pledged to equip every sub-county health facility with an ambulance and vowed to continue conducting impromptu inspections to improve service delivery.
“Residents deserve quality healthcare services, and we will continue monitoring our facilities to ensure high standards are maintained,” he said.
The celebrations were briefly interrupted as leaders and residents observed a minute of silence in honour of victims of the recent fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls High School.
Expressing sympathy to the bereaved families, Arati urged schools to strengthen safety measures.
“No parent should have to endure such a painful loss. Learning institutions must prioritize safety and ensure emergency response systems are fully functional,” he said.
The governor also paid tribute to freedom fighters from the Gusii community who contributed to Kenya’s struggle for independence.
County Assembly Speaker Philip Nyanumba used the occasion to urge residents to support Arati’s re-election.
“The development projects being implemented across the county demonstrate effective leadership and deserve the support of the people,” Nyanumba said.
However, Deputy Speaker Jacob Bagaka opposed proposals by the national government to establish an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya.
“While we support efforts to combat disease outbreaks, the safety and welfare of Kenyans must remain the foremost consideration,” Bagaka said.
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