By Reuben Olita, Busia
Busia Governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma has vowed to make the dreams of Jairos Cotton Cooperative Society founder members a reality, 61 years since its formation and which became a white elephant.
Addressing farmers at the society’s offices in Malaba North Ward, during the distribution of Bt Cotton seeds donated to farmers by the county government ahead of the planting season, Otuoma said “our forefathers had brilliant dreams by coming up with a cooperative society”.
Apart from Bt cotton, farmers were also given three tons of lime, 50 KNAP sack sprays, 100 litres insecticides, and 400 folia feeds fertiliser.
“Our generation, which took over the mantle of leadership, went into oblivion, failing to continue revamping the society that would have led to jobs creation, and income generation instead of relying on bursaries to educate our children,” Dr Otuoma said.
The governor said his administration will take over the mantle to ensure a vibrant ginnery that would be up and running, calling on CECM in charge of trade Omuse Olakachuna and Chief Officer Gypson Wafula to make the dreams a reality.
Otuoma said in a view to motivate farmers to increase acreage under cotton, his government has increased the price of one kilogram of cotton produced from Ksh50 to Ksh72
The governor noted that Nasewa factory will avail the value addition to cotton farmers where ginning will be carried out and oil produced, which will give them bonus.
Otuoma said there is also a need to solve the problems of our people by reviving the cotton sector with farmers encouraged to increase acreage for cotton growth.
“It’s regrettable that the last time his government donated free cotton seeds to the society members, the bulk of the supply remained unutilized. We need a paradigm shift to engage farmers in mass cotton production in edible oil crops, others being sunflower, groundnuts, soya beans, and simsim,” he said.
Dr Otuoma also revealed that funds have been allocated from the ward based economic revitalization program to renovate 15km of roads per ward totalling 530km, adding that the task of project development will be exuted by departments, with MCAs to perform oversight roles.
The governor assured the Jairos society management leadership and area MCA Patrick Omanyala that he would construct a gate at the society for ease of security.
Otuoma pleaded with those gunning to challenge him in his bid to defend his gubernatorial seat in 2027 to give him time to exute his manifesto for the county residents instead of engaging in their witch-hunt activities.
“President William Ruto swallowed his pride to broker peace with Raila Odinga and later with his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta. This has yielded peace in the country that culminated in a broad based government that saw the inclusion of Raila and Uhuru allies into the government.
Dr Otuoma added:” I am irritated to see some leaders who have engaged from day one of my administration in cheap machinations instead of allowing me to deliver quality services to residents. Give me time until six months to the elections, then come and put your agenda before the electorates, and they will decide whether you are a credible candidate worth your salt.
Those who accompanied the governor included deputy governor Arthur Odera, CECMs George Mukok (Agriculture), Andrew Meso (Water), Omuse Olakachuna (cooperatives), Beatrice Nakholi (Education), Topisya Wanyama (Finance), Peter Odima (Lands), Olunga Ekwenye( Sports), and Douglas Okiring ( Special Programmes).
