On January 9, 2023, Governor Gladys Wanga signed and sealed charters creating four new municipalities in Homa Bay County: Kendu Bay, Ndhiwa, Mbita, and Oyugis, bringing the total number of municipalities in the county to five.
The move aims to enhance urban growth and attract investors. Wanga noted that rapid population growth in these towns has strained infrastructure such as water, power, roads, and sewerage, and elevating them to municipalities will allow autonomy, attract donor funding, and improve service delivery.
The process followed all legal requirements, including the Towns and Urban Areas Act, and involved public participation to define boundaries. Previous opposition from lobby groups had temporarily stalled the process through court petitions, but Wanga assured residents that procedures were properly followed.
The creation of municipalities will also create job opportunities for residents to serve on municipal boards, and the county government plans to advertise positions for eligible applicants.