Garissa, Kenya – Bura Municipality in Garissa County has become fully operational as its board members were officially sworn into office, marking a significant step in the county’s administrative and developmental efforts.
According to Kenya News Agency, the municipality, inaugurated on October 20 during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, is the fourth in Garissa County. This development comes as part of Governor Nathif Jama’s initiative to expand municipal units to enhance service delivery to the local communities. The municipalities of Garissa Town, Masalani, and Dadaab were previously established in the county.
The newly sworn-in board members include Mohamed Gabow Kharbat as Chairperson and Ibrahim Ismail Khalif, Mahat Moulid Bashir, Elias Ahmed Lebi, Abdirauf Osman Abdi, Halima Ali Gure, and Nasra Farah Gure. Garissa Chief Magistrate Stephen Mbungi officiated the ceremony.
Governor Jama, addressing the event, expressed his congratulations to the new board members. He emphasized the importance of municipalities in bringing services closer to the people and his vision of attracting investors and donors to support urban development in the county.
In a previous interview with the Kenya News Agency (KNA), Governor Jama underscored the critical role of municipalities in Kenya’s county development. He stated, “The way forward for our country and for the counties in particular is through the municipalities. That is where the action is supposed to take place. That is where a lot of funding is supposed to go.”
The Bura Municipality will undertake various functions including the promotion, regulation, and provision of refuse collection and solid waste management services. It will also focus on enhancing water and sanitation services and infrastructure in areas not served by the Water and Sanitation Provider.
The establishment of the municipality is expected to attract investors, leading to further development in infrastructure, agriculture, drainage, education, and other social amenities.
Under the Urban Areas and Cities Act of 2011, a municipality in Kenya is required to meet several criteria, including a population of 70,000 to 249,000, an integrated development plan, the capacity to generate sufficient revenue for operations, space for expansion, and the ability to effectively deliver essential services to its residents.