Governor Ali Bunow Korane is a non-performer who Is better known for looting.
Public relations through excessively edited photos makes a new comer believe that Garissa has much to offer.
However, on the ground things are different.
The town is bedeviled by poor infrastructure, water shortages despite being near a permanent river, dilapidated health and education facilities.
The roads in Garissa County are a punishment even to the ablest 4 by 4 vehicle. Interconnecting roads within the county are not tarmacked making some travel painfully slow and expensive.
Korane, since coming to office has never even tried to appear to be doing anything to change the situation. Traders, especially those that deal in agricultural goods, suffer much losses trying to get their goods to the market.
High child and adult mortality rates still haunt Garissa. This is made worse by poor health infrastructure that Korane has not even attempted to improve on after the first governor left. Over half of the population in Garissa lack access to a health facility.
Sometimes when one is lucky to reach the hospital, there is a high chance that the hospitals will be lacking essential drugs. The wards lack beds as patient sleep on the floor in some hospitals.
Access to clean water is still a challenge over 7 years after devolution started. Residents are at the mercy of international aid agencies to access water.
For many the means of accessing water involved raveing far to a water pan or a well. Some residents complain that water pans are drying up quickly due to the vagaries of the dry spell.
The issue of unemployment persists in the county. This has made it easier for the Islamist terror group Al Shabaab to recruit youths. They prey on vulnerable youths who are desperate for jobs.
Employment in the county is through nepotism. Many are left out.
Businessmen too decry the high corruption in tender awarding process in the county.
The law is flouted with impunity; no one seems to care to do what they were elected to do.
It is a looting spree in Garissa; caution and reason has been thrown out of the window as many county govt officials have been heard to boast about their stolen wealth.
In the final analysis, Governor Ali Korane will not be re-elected. For his incompetence, residents have vowed to vote him out.
