The Busia County Government is facing renewed scrutiny over its failure to establish an official office for the governor, nearly 14 years since the county governments came into existence.

Speaking at the funeral of the mother of Angorom Ward MCA James Ongole, Arthur Osiya, the Principal Administrative Secretary in the Office of the President, questioned the county administration’s record, citing the lack of a Governor’s office among issues he said reflected shortcomings in service delivery and governance.

Osiya also raised concerns over healthcare services in the county and said Governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma would have a challenging task convincing voters to give him another term in the 2027 elections.

"For 15 years since devolution began, Busia has nothing to show for it, yet money keeps flowing in. Ojaamong was here for ten years with very little development. In the last four years under Otuoma, we have received over 60 billion shillings, but there is nothing tangible on the ground. Our county is ranked 47 out of 47 — the worst in the Republic of Kenya in all aspects: roads, health, agriculture, everything." ~ PAS Arthur Osiya

He said he was prepared to push for changes in Busia, provided residents moved beyond party politics and prioritised development issues.

“Residents should put aside party politics and focus on the development and services they receive,We have what it takes to transform this town. Businesses have collapsed, contractors have not been paid for the last five years, and there is no money circulating in the local economy. What we must do with this Busia government is to rescue the people of Busia by changing its leadership." ~ PAS Arthur Osiya

His remarks have injected fresh political debate into the county as attention increasingly turns to the 2027 elections.

However, Otuoma’s allies have defended his administration, with Members of the County Assembly Concepta Omondi and Irene Eduwa urging residents to give the governor a second term.

The MCAs argued that Otuoma should be allowed more time to implement his agenda and continue with the county’s development programmes.

The contrasting positions are likely to fuel debate over the performance of the Busia County Government and the issues that could shape the county’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls.