Kisii launches county flag

Kisii on Monday become the third county to launch its own flag, seal and emblem at a colourful ceremony presided over by Governor James Ongwae.

The flag's colour includes blue which symbolises the sky as the limit, white representing peace and unity and green which represents the country's rich agricultural potential.

There is also a yellow stripe symbolising unity and strength.

There are also seven stars at the centre of the flag, which Mr Ongwae said represent the six clans of the county and an additional for the residents from other areas.

The clans are Bobasi, Bogetutu, Bonchari, Bomachoge, Nyaribari and Bogirango.

PROTECT CITIZENS

During the launch attended by hundreds of residents, leaders present stepped up calls for increased security not only in the region but the country as well as a plan to stem growing terrorism threats.

Mr Ongwae asked police in the region to be vigilant to protect citizens against criminals.

His sentiments come barely a day after Migori Teachers Training College was closed over fears of a terrorist attack.

The institution was the second to be closed over security concerns.

On Friday, Garissa Medical Training College also sent home its students for the same reasons.

At least 147 people were killed early this month when Somali based Al-Shabaab militants raided Garissa University College in a deadly dawn attack. Several others sustained injuries in the terror attack.

COLLABORATION

On Monday, Mr Ongwae said: "We are forming a policing oversight authority in three months which will work in tandem with the security agencies in beefing up security in the county."

He said security would only improve if county governments worked with the national government on security matters.

"My government is collaborating with the national government on this. But this collaboration needs to be institutionalised to ensure security issues are adequately given the attention they deserve," he noted.

The governor warned employees against corruption, asking them to reform or be kicked out of office.

Mr Ongwae said a governance monitoring unit would soon be set up in his office to help contain the vice.

"I am warning my employees to ensure they are clean. We must be up to the task in offering improved service delivery to people," he said.

Kitutu Chache MP Richard Onyonka said the county would support the Okoa Kenya initiative that will amongst others ensure increased budget allocations for counties.

"We will support (it) because the resources are meant to come and help develop the counties," he said.

He called on Mr Ongwae's administration to allocate jobs fairly to all sub-counties without discrimination.