Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo has urged residents of Siaya County to embrace voter registration while highlighting the government’s efforts to improve service delivery and ensure that the country’s natural resources benefit both present and future generations.
He said the government was laying the foundation for sustainable development through prudent management of natural resources and expanded access to public services.
Dr Omollo said the recently enacted Sovereign Wealth Fund framework would ensure that proceeds from the country’s natural resources are invested for the benefit of future generations.
He was speaking during the Siaya Women Economic Empowerment Forum and Celebration of Widows at Barkalare Primary School in Gem Constituency on Saturday.
“We must better plan for the natural resources that we have in this country. Out of those resources, we must set aside a given percentage to look into the welfare of the generations that will come after us,” Dr Omollo said.
The PS noted that attracting private investment remained critical to unlocking economic growth, adding that the government was committed to ensuring that revenue generated from the country’s resources translated into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
“As we attract private investments, we must make sure that the resources and the money we get out of those resources make a difference in the lives of our people. That is why the Sovereign Wealth Fund has become a reality,” he said.
Dr Omollo also outlined reforms within the Ministry of Interior aimed at bringing government services closer to citizens.
He said the government had operationalised more than 1,800 administrative units across the country, including new locations and sub-locations in Siaya County, to improve access to essential public services.
He explained that the expanded administrative network was enabling residents to obtain key government documents, including national identity cards, more conveniently.
“Since President William Ruto came into office, we have operationalised more than 1,800 administrative units. This is to make it possible for our people to access government services easily, including identification cards,” he said.
The Principal Secretary challenged young people who have attained the age of 18 to register as voters, saying participation in elections remained the most effective way for citizens to shape the country’s future.
He called on residents to take advantage of registration services offered by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Registration Bureau officials present at the event.
“Please take advantage of this opportunity because in this region we have the chance to register close to one million new voters so that our people can fully participate in determining the country’s leadership,” Dr Omollo said.
The event brought together women leaders, community members and government officials to promote women’s economic empowerment while recognising widows for their resilience and contribution to their families and communities.
Leaders attending the forum encouraged women to take advantage of government empowerment programmes, strengthen savings and investment groups, and actively participate in development initiatives aimed at improving household incomes and community welfare.
The gathering also served as a platform for residents to access government services and receive civic education on national registration and voter enrolment, as leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding service delivery and promoting inclusive socio-economic development in Siaya County.
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