- Busia – 17.63%

Only 17.63% of the valid presidential votes cast in Busia went to William Ruto. This is a historical electoral record that raises an important question about the relationship between political support, government appointments and development.

Yet, despite this electoral outcome, Busia has featured in the national government's appointments and development agenda.

1. BUSIA'S REPRESENTATION IN GOVERNMENT

Among the personalities associated with Busia who have served in national government positions are:

• - Hon. Ababu Namwamba – Former Cabinet Secretary for Sports, subsequently appointed Kenya's High Commissioner to Uganda.
• - Hon. Susan Mang'eni – Principal Secretary.
• - Hon. Bonface Makokha – Principal Secretary.
• - Hon. Arthur Osiya – Presidential Advisor (PAS).
• - Hon. Bunyasi – Director.
• - Hon. Kelvin Lunani – Deputy Chairperson of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

These appointments raise an important question about the representation of Busia in national leadership.

2. DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IN BUSIA

Busia has also featured in several national development programmes, including:

• - Nasewa Industrial Park: An important investment in agro-processing, manufacturing, value addition and employment creation.
• - Sugar industry: Busia Sugar Factory and the wider sugar industry provide an important economic opportunity for sugarcane farmers, transporters, workers and businesses. Sugarcane remains a significant source of household income.
• - Affordable Housing: Implementation of housing projects, including the 2,000-unit Nasewa development.
• - Modern markets: Investment in modern trading facilities to improve the business environment for small-scale traders.
• - Electricity connectivity: Expansion of last-mile electricity connections to households and businesses.
• - Affordable fertiliser: Government-supported agricultural inputs intended to improve agricultural productivity and reduce production costs.

These initiatives should be assessed not merely by their announcements but also by their completion, accessibility and actual impact on ordinary residents.

3. THE BIG QUESTION: WHAT DOES BUSIA THINK ABOUT 2027?

In 2022, Busia gave President William Ruto 17.63%.

As we approach 2027, should Busia's political conversation also consider the national appointments, infrastructure investments and economic opportunities that have come to the county?

Can the county have an honest conversation about the relationship between its development priorities, political representation and electoral choices?

Could the 17.63% figure become a starting point for a broader political conversation about the county's future, with 60% being proposed as an ambitious political target?

4. DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY AND POLITICAL CHOICE

Development should not be a favour to any county because of how it voted. Every Kenyan county deserves equitable development, irrespective of its political preferences.

Equally, citizens have a responsibility to evaluate leaders based on their promises, performance, integrity, delivery and commitment to public welfare.

Busia must therefore ask:

• - Are the projects delivering the promised benefits?
• - Are the appointments translating into meaningful representation?
• - Are local farmers, traders, young people and households benefiting?
• - What more should the national government do for Busia?

The 2027 conversation should be informed by facts, development records, accountability and the aspirations of the people of Busia.