By REUBEN OLITA
May 29, 2026| Former Busia gubernatorial aspirant Daniel Mogoria (pictured) has opposed the proposed construction of the Governor’s official residence at Nasewa in Matayos Sub-County, arguing that the project raises legal, administrative and economic concerns.
In a statement, Mogoria said residents of Busia County support the provision of decent official facilities for the Governor but questioned the decision to locate the residence away from Busia town, the legally recognised county headquarters.
He cited Section 6A of the County Governments Act, which outlines procedures for altering a county headquarters, including approval by the County Assembly, public participation and parliamentary endorsement.
According to Mogoria, establishing a Governor’s residence far from Busia town could fuel fears of a gradual shift of county executive functions from the designated headquarters.
He also questioned the county government’s priorities, asking why plans for an official residence were being advanced while key administrative infrastructure remains incomplete.
“Where is the Governor’s office?” Mogoria posed, arguing that the county should first prioritise constructing and fully equipping a permanent Governor’s office within Busia town before investing in an official residence elsewhere.
The former gubernatorial candidate further raised concerns over the expansion of county directorates under Governor Dr. Paul Nyongesa Otuoma’s administration.
His remarks came during public participation forums on the proposed 2026/2027 Budget organised by the Busia County Assembly Budget Committee, where committee clerk Alphonce Okwara announced allocations to 17 directorates.
The departments include Agriculture, Trade, Education, Treasury, Youth and Sports, Roads, Lands, Water, Health, the County Public Service Board, Governorship, County Law Office and Strategic Partnerships, among others.
Mogoria noted that during the administration of former Governor Sospeter Ojaamong between 2013 and 2022, the county operated with only 12 directorates.
He argued that the increase in administrative units has contributed to the rising county wage bill, which experts estimate has reached nearly 45 percent of the county’s expenditure.
Mogoria maintained that public resources should instead be channelled towards development projects and service delivery rather than expanding administrative structures.
He called on the county government and the County Assembly to reconsider the proposed Governor’s residence project and review the expanding administrative structure to ensure prudent use of public funds and adherence to the law.