The media team in Migori County received a boost following the official launch of the Migori Media Community-Based Organisation (CBO).
The launch event was attended by senior county officials who lauded the initiative as a strategic milestone for both local journalists and the wider community.
Speaking during the launch, Starlet Oduor, the Migori County Chief Officer in charge of Special Programs and External Partnerships, extended her congratulations to local media practitioners.
“Personally, I want to congratulate our local media practitioners for their foresight in establishing a physical office,” Oduor said.
“This centralized hub will go a long way in positioning them strategically within the communication sector.”
Oduor emphasized that the new office will streamline professional engagement between media practitioners and their clients, notably the county government.
She highlighted that a permanent base would simplify the procurement of media services while simultaneously serving as an incubation hub for journalists to mobilize resources and enhance their professional skills.
The county administration intends to partner closely with the newly formed CBO to enhance the visibility of ongoing developmental projects. Officials noted that extensive progress has been made under the leadership of Governor Ochilo Ayacko, which now needs to be effectively communicated to the public.
Record development
“There is so much that has been done across Migori since Dr Ayacko assumed office,” a county executive representative noted.
“We are keen to partner with the media fraternity to ensure that the mwananchi is fully informed of what the government is doing for them and the key development projects being delivered.”
Key regional developments highlighted during the event include, strides in economic expansion marked by the operationalization of the Lichota Airstrip in Ragana and the introduction of new pier services at Muhuru Bay and Sori.
There has been massive boost to market infrastructure with the construction of 28 modern markets across the county, including the flagship Marindi Market.
On health the Ayacko-led administration has made advancements in maternal health through the establishment of fully-fledged maternity wings across all sub-county hospitals.
Echoing the spirit of partnership, Silas Owuor, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water and Energy, congratulated the media fraternity and pledged his department’s full support.
Owuor utilized the platform to address pressing infrastructure issues, revealing that the county is implementing over 130 projects across its 40 wards this financial year, focusing primarily on borehole drilling and installing high-mast floodlights in local markets.
Addressing the current water shortages affecting local municipalities during the dry season, Owuor offered strong reassurances to residents.
“Early this year, we were heavily affected by severe floods, which submerged four of our main water pumps,” Owuor explained.
“These were unbudgeted emergencies. A single pump costs over Sh20 million, meaning we required at least Sh80 million to reactivate the network. The county has successfully completed these repairs, and we are confident that within the next week or two, piped water will be fully restored to our lines.”
