NGOs embark on promoting sustainable development in Homa Bay

Homa Bay Sunday July 2 2023

KNA by Davis Langat

Homa Bay County is set to benefit from a program being rolled out by a consortium of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) aimed at promoting sustainable development.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will support the organizations under the umbrella of Homa Bay Sustainable Development Trust (HOSDET).

Speaking during the launch of the strategic plan at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay town, USAID Representative Ms. Sheila Monda said the organizations will implement their projects through the HOSDET’s 2023- 2028 strategic plan.

She said HOSDET has already unveiled its strategic plan for the NGOs. The plan is guided by the HOSDET mandate of facilitating effective utilization of resources for sustainable development in Homa Bay.

Monda said they plan to empower local communities to influence development by demanding better services from both the county government and civil society organizations.

“Residents should participate in development and demand better services. Whistle blowing for checks and balances is allowed to ensure proper implementation of development projects,” Monda said.

Monda said activities of HOSDET will enable residents to be proactive in the county's development, adding that appropriate checks and balances will prevent misuse of tax payers and donor funds.

“We need accountability and prudent utilization of resources to enhance sustainable development in this county,” she added.

Also present were Aga Khan Foundation representative Irene Gathinji and Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga.

Gathinji said the formation of HOSDET will provide a solution for problems affecting communities in Homa Bay. She said that the partnership will help various organisations to mobilize resources for solving problems faced by residents.

“The community needs to participate in development activities being undertaken because they know problems affecting them. This will make the strategic plan people-driven,” Gathinji said.

Magwanga underscored the importance of the oversight role in governance and development. He said Homa Bay is endowed resources like Lake Victoria, Land and skilled labour which can transform lives of people when utilized appropriately.

“Anybody who is entrusted with resources meant for serving the public must be over-sighted to enhance proper utilization of resources. The oversight is a catalyst for sustainable development,” Magwanga said.

He said Homa Bay County government will provide a conducive environment and collaborate with HOSDET to undertake its duties.

Magwanga asked the organizations to focus on projects that will transform the lives of residents. “Let’s strive to implement development projects that impact positively the lives of Homa Bay people,” he added.

Courtesy ; K. N. A