Homa Bay County is making waves for the right reasons under the leadership of Governor Gladys Wanga, with the county posting remarkable gains in its financial performance. Appearing before the Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to address the 2023/2024 Auditor General’s report, the governor highlighted bold strides that point to a county on the rise.
One of the most striking achievements has been the exponential growth in own-source revenue (OSR). In just two years, Homa Bay has expanded its OSR fourfold—from an average of KSh 300 million to KSh 1.2 billion. This success is anchored largely in health facility fees, which account for more than KSh 800 million, but the county is now looking to spread this success across other revenue streams. With automation and the establishment of a County Revenue Board, Wanga’s administration is positioning Homa Bay to become a model of efficiency and financial independence.
Equally commendable is the county’s decisive effort to tackle pending bills, a long-standing burden for many devolved units. Under Governor Wanga’s stewardship, pending obligations have dropped by more than half, from KSh 1.19 billion to KSh 571 million. This progress reflects a deliberate push toward financial discipline, transparency, and rebuilding trust with suppliers and contractors.
The governor’s administration has also embraced oversight and accountability, demonstrating a willingness to confront challenges openly. The PAC flagged the high wage bill, which currently consumes 55% of revenues against the statutory ceiling of 35%. While this limits funds available for development, Wanga assured the committee that reforms in human resource management are underway to bring the county back in line with national standards.
Similarly, the issue of liabilities from adverse court orders remains a concern. The governor, however, reiterated her commitment to full disclosure of contingent liabilities and to pursuing legal reviews to protect the county’s financial stability.
Looking ahead, the CPAC resolved to visit Homa Bay in October to evaluate progress on flagship projects such as Kigoto Mills, Arujo Animal Feeds, and the County Headquarters. These initiatives are expected to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and improve service delivery across the county.
Governor Wanga’s appearance before the CPAC reinforced her administration’s reputation for transparency, resilience, and ambition. By combining bold revenue growth, debt reduction, and a readiness to reform, Homa Bay is steadily laying the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable development.
