The business community in Kisii County has commended devolution for contributing to growth of the business sector in the region and creating job opportunities for the youth and women.
Kisii County Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Chairman, Benjamin Onkoba, attributed the growth of the real estate and hospitality industries in the region to devolution which has led to increased demand for housing and hospitality facilities.
Speaking after attending the Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) launch of Second Assessment of the System of Devolved Government and 2014/2015 Annual Reports at Gusii Stadium on Thursday, Onkoba commended the Kisii County government for its efforts in transforming the region into a 24-hour economy through settimg up of security lights in all urban and market centres across the county.
Onkoba also attributed increasing business opportunities and investments witnessed in the region to increased volume of money circulation stimulated by the new system of devolved governments, which has decentralised services and investment opportunities from the centralised government system to the grassroots.
"As members of the business community we are very proud of devolution. It has brought more business opportunities especially in the real estates, agricultural produce, construction, hospitality and various investment sectors of the economy whose growth is linked to devolution," said Onkoba.
Onkoba challenged the Kisii County government to expand the street and security lighting services to the rural-based market and shopping centres to ensure business people and other investors invest in those areas under a conducive and secure environment, to spur economic growth across the the county.
Underscoring the importance of security, Onkoba called for good working relationship between the national government, law enforcement agencies and the County administration, to enhance security which he said was critical for any society to achieve its economic and development agenda.
"Despite various challenges facing the implementation of the new constitution, as citizens, we are proud of the those who crafted the constitution. They ensured people at the grassroots enjoy their right to participate and engage with their government through devolution of power and resources to the counties," said Onkoba.