Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo has called on the national treasury to fast track the disbursement of funds to counties for devolution to be successful.

Speaking at Kidundu stadium during the state of the County address, Dr. Ottichilo gave an account of what his administration has achieved despite the challenges. Some of the highlights of his speech included the steps taken by his government to improve the healthcare sector. Installation of CT scan machines, equipping of dental units across sub county hospitals, inauguration of mother and child healthcare popularly known as "Ottichilocare" and equipping of the maternity unit are some of the milestones achieved in the health sector.

The Governor said against all odds his administration has endeavored to provide quality services to wananchi. The agriculture has seen growth in crop and animal production through improved extension services, partnerships and construction of the first ever fish farm and hatchery training centre; Mwitoko Fish Hatchery and Training Centre. The centre produces over 1.2 million fingerlings to farmers annually.

Since taking over in 2017, the Dr. Wilber Ottichilo administration has realized surmountable progress in the education sector. This has been enabled through the construction of over 200 Early Childhood Development Education Centre (ECDE) classrooms, equipping Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) with modern equipment. This has seen a rise in enrolment for both ECDE and VTCs.

Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka who was the Chief Guest urged Vihiga County Assembly to work in unison with the executive for better service delivery to the people. He congratulated the Vihiga County Assembly Speaker Hasna Mudeizi on the launch of Bunge Mashinani initiative which seeks to strengthen public participation and civic education to the people.

Among those who attended were; County Commissioner Ochillo Oyugi, Deputy Governors Dr. Patrick Saisi(Vihiga), Dr. Mathews Owilli (Kisumu), Prof. Charles Ngome (Bungoma), Dr. Stanley Tarus (Trans Nzoia), Vihiga Woman Rep Beatrice Adagala, Vihiga MP Ernest Ogesi, Nyandarua County Assembly Speaker and chairperson of the County Assemblies Forum Ndegwa Wahome and a host of MCAs.

Efforts to fight the Second Wave of The Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) in Vihiga County are key as cases of the disease are on the rise claiming lives of many Kenyans.

This morning Governor Ottichilo received a donation of 35,000 surgical masks and 500 pieces of NK95 masks from delegates of The High Level Summit 1 (HLS1) led by Dr. Joseph Amunga.

"Am greatful to HLS1 for this donation and as a county we are always willing to work with them. Covid-19 is at our doorstep and we should take it as a great enemy. Always adhere to the government's directive on fighting and prevention of the disease." Said Governor Ottichilo.

In his remarks the HLS National cordinator Dr. Amunga emphasized on the need for adhering to health protocols to combat COVID19.

"In as far as development is a key agenda in matters of devolution, at this time we cannot ignore mentioning issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is our duty to observe the set guidelines to protect ourselves." Averred Dr. Amunga.