Governor Jama Upgrades Bura Township to a Municipality

Galbet – Garissa County Governor Nathif Jama signed the Charter officially upgrading Bura Township to a Municipality. 

During a meeting at the county headquarters on Wednesday Jama appended a bill approved by the regional assembly viewed as a substantial milestone in bringing essential services and resources closer to the community.

Governor Jama said the transition to municipality status will provide the region with the necessary resources, functions, and workforce to support local growth and development. 

This achievement follows the elevation of Masalani, Dadaab, and Bura to municipality status in recent times.

This year has seen the county’s continued commitment to urban development, with the launch of Dabaab Municipality in Dadaab Constituency, Bura East Municipality in Fafi Constituency, and Masalani Municipality in Ijara Constituency.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Garissa County Assembly, with Speaker Abdi Idle, Chair for Lands Committee Khadija Idriss, and County Secretary Mohamud Hassan present.

The newly established municipality will undertake various crucial functions, including the promotion, regulation, and provision of refuse collection and solid waste management services. It will also focus on promoting and providing water and sanitation services and infrastructure in areas not currently served by the Water and Sanitation Provider.

This change in status is expected to attract investors and usher in an era of increased development in various sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, drainage, education, and other social amenities, benefiting local residents.

According to the Urban Areas and Cities Act of 2011, a municipality must meet specific criteria, such as having a population within the range of 70,000 to 249,000, an integrated development plan, and the ability to generate sufficient revenue to sustain its operations. 

It must also have the space for expansion and the capacity to efficiently deliver essential services to its residents. These requirements ensure the municipality’s ability to foster growth and improve the quality of life for its inhabitants.