The United States of America is committed to help Kenya become self-reliant and stop depending on foreign aid.
Addressing the press after paying a courtesy call to Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, US ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter said Kenya has the potential to exploit its natural resources to the maximum.
“We want to bring investors from the US to County levels in Kenya because we are convinced that Kenya should not just be dependent on foreign aid. Kenyans should be self-reliant because they have the resources; they are tenacious, tough fighting people of Kenya are a great resource,” he said.
The envoy added that US believes in Devolution and that it’s a good thing.
“We believe that the government that is closer to the people is most sensitive and it listens and responds. It’s easy for citizens to access to the government and they don’t need to go to Nairobi to complain about a road or service. “he said.
McCarter said devolution is there to stay and that the US is going to support it.
He said the US is committed to having safe borders by providing security to the people of Kenya.
On Al Shaabab, the envoy said the terror group killed three Americans recently while Kenyans lose lives to Al Shaabab every week.
He said this is a threat to security and prosperity of the people of Kenya.
“We are going to work together to decimate Al Shaabab. Kenyans should also stand against this extremist group; people should also not stop talking about it,” he said.
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong thanked the US for initiating many projects in the county through Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) and Kenya Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Project (KIWASH).
The Governor sited the health sector development where AMPATH is financing several programs assisting people with HIV/Aids while KIWASH has financed many water projects including Alema, Sisenye and upgrading piping system in Busia town.
The Governor said the talks also centered on corruption, adding that his government will help the National Government and the International community to fight corruption.
Ojaamong revealed that their talks also centered on the dualization of the Korinda-Busia One Stop Border Post road.
He requested the envoy to link the County with investors from the US.
The envoy in the company of his host and the County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri later toured various sites including Busia OSBP, OSBP-Korinda Road and water projects in Busia.
Also, present included Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi, County Executive Committee Members Phaustine Barasa (Finance), Okwara Ekirapa (Public Works), Chief of Staff Sebastian Okiring and Chief Officers Dr Isaac Omeri (Health), Eng Gilbert Oduory (Energy) and Stephen Nasiagi (Roads).