•Development Hailed as a ‘Milestone in Devolution’
Garissa Township, Garissa County| In a historic moment for Garissa County, Governor Nathif Jama officially commissioned the ultra-modern Garissa County Assembly office complex and chambers on Tuesday, marking a transformative milestone in the county’s journey toward robust governance and effective service delivery.
The grand opening, held at the County Assembly grounds in Garissa Township, signifies a new era for the county’s legislative arm, which now boasts a permanent, purpose-built home 12 years after the advent of devolution in Kenya.
The state-of-the-art facility, a testament to Governor Jama’s vision for institutional strengthening and infrastructural development, replaces the previous assembly building, which had been repeatedly ravaged by devastating fire outbreaks.
The new complex houses the main assembly chambers, offices for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the County Assembly Public Service Board Chairperson, and various committee chairpersons, providing a modern and conducive environment for legislative activities.
A Symbol of Progress and Collaboration
Governor Jama, the central figure in this landmark achievement, presided over the opening ceremony, joined by a distinguished roster of dignitaries, including County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo, Garissa High Court Judge Hon. Justice John Onyiego, County Secretary Mohamud Hassan, Speaker Abdi Idle Gure, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), and leaders from both national government and private sector stakeholders.
The event underscored the power of collaboration, with the governor lauding the collective efforts of government and non-government actors that brought the ambitious project to fruition.
“This new building is not merely a structure of brick and mortar—it is a tool to empower our MCAs and assembly staff to serve the people of Garissa more effectively,” Governor Jama declared in his keynote address.
“It is a symbol of our commitment to improving representation, oversight, and service delivery for every resident of this county. I urge our leaders to make full use of this facility to enact policies and pass laws that will transform lives for generations.”
The governor’s remarks resonated with the audience, reflecting his broader agenda of fostering functional infrastructure and strengthening governance institutions across Garissa County.
His administration’s focus on sustainable development has been a cornerstone of his leadership, with the new assembly complex standing as a beacon of progress in a region that has faced significant infrastructural challenges.
A New Chapter for Legislative Excellence
The newly commissioned complex addresses long-standing challenges faced by the Garissa County Assembly, which had operated in cramped and inadequate spaces following repeated fire incidents that destroyed its former chambers.
The modern facility is equipped with cutting-edge amenities, including spacious legislative chambers, dedicated office spaces, and advanced technological infrastructure designed to enhance the efficiency of the assembly’s operations.
Speaker Abdi Idle Gure, who described the commissioning as a “restoration of dignity” for the assembly, emphasized the transformative impact of the new complex.
“For months, we operated in spaces that were not befitting the constitutional mandate of this institution. Today, we stand in a modern facility that reflects the importance of our role in serving the people of Garissa,” he said. “This complex will enable us to carry out our legislative duties with greater efficiency and pride.”
The new office block is designed to accommodate the evolving needs of the county’s legislative body.
It includes specialized spaces for committee meetings, administrative functions, and public engagements, ensuring that MCAs can effectively carry out their roles in law-making, oversight, and representation.
The facility is also expected to enhance public access to the assembly, fostering greater transparency and accountability in governance.
A Beacon of Hope for Garissa Residents
For the people of Garissa, the new County Assembly complex represents more than just a building—it is a symbol of hope and a catalyst for change.
Abdullahi Noor, a resident of the Gulled area, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the new facility.
“We’ve waited a long time for this, and now that it’s here, we expect our MCAs to work harder and pass laws that address our challenges, from water scarcity to education and healthcare,” he said. “This building should be a place where solutions are born.”
The commissioning of the complex aligns with Governor Jama’s broader vision of empowering local communities through improved governance and infrastructure.
Residents like Noor see the new assembly as a platform for addressing longstanding issues such as unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and access to basic services, which have historically plagued the region.
Overcoming Challenges, Building a Legacy
The road to the new County Assembly complex was not without its challenges. Repeated fire outbreaks at the previous assembly building caused significant damage to equipment and infrastructure, hampering the assembly’s ability to function effectively.
The construction of the new facility was a direct response to these setbacks, with Governor Jama’s administration prioritizing the project as a critical step toward restoring the assembly’s capacity to serve the public.
The project’s completion is a testament to the resilience and determination of Garissa’s leadership to overcome adversity.
By investing in a modern, fire-resistant, and sustainable facility, the county has taken a significant step toward ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of its legislative processes.
A Model for Devolution in Kenya
The unveiling of the Garissa County Assembly complex is not only a win for Garissa but also a model for other counties in Kenya striving to strengthen their devolved institutions.
Governor Jama’s leadership in spearheading the project has positioned Garissa as a leader in the implementation of devolution, demonstrating how strategic investments in infrastructure can enhance governance and public service delivery.
The facility is expected to serve as a hub for legislative innovation, where MCAs can draft and debate policies that address the unique needs of Garissa’s diverse population.
From improving access to clean water and healthcare to promoting economic development and education, the assembly’s work in this new environment is poised to have a far-reaching impact on the county’s future.
Looking Ahead
As Garissa County celebrates this monumental achievement, the focus now shifts to the assembly’s ability to leverage its new home to deliver tangible results for residents.
Governor Jama’s call to action—urging MCAs to use the facility to improve lives—sets a high bar for the county’s legislative body.
The governor’s vision for a prosperous and well-governed Garissa hinges on the assembly’s ability to rise to the occasion, using its enhanced capacity to address the pressing needs of the county.
The commissioning of the Garissa County Assembly complex is a defining moment in the county’s history, one that reflects the transformative power of visionary leadership and collective effort.
Under Governor Nathif Jama’s stewardship, Garissa is laying the foundation for a brighter future, where strong institutions and modern infrastructure pave the way for sustainable development and improved quality of life for all residents.
For more information on Governor Jama’s initiatives or to stay updated on developments in Garissa County, visit the official county website or follow local news outlets for real-time updates.
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