Presidential aspirant and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah is currently on a nationwide tour aimed at gathering and consolidating the views of Kenyans to inform his political manifesto ahead of his campaign launch.

This initiative underscores, chairperson of the Okiya Omtatah Presidential Exploratory Committee Mary Riungu told the press in Kisumu that is their commitment to understand the challenges facing citizens across different regions.

This week, Omtatah’s team pitched tent in Nyanza, specifically focusing on collecting feedback from local residents about the pressing issues that affect their daily lives and the national economy and leadership.

According to Riungu, the group has visited various counties, including Migori and Homa Bay, and is now engaging with communities in Kisumu.

“The grassroots data collection effort is pivotal for Omtatah’s campaign, as it seeks to address specific problems within the counties. The insights gained will directly shape the policies and priorities outlined in his manifesto,” said Riungu.

Several common themes have emerged from their discussions across Nyanza and Mt Kenya regions where they have visited in their preliminary nationwide indoor meetings.

Notably, the residents of the two regions, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s Social Housing Agenda (SHA), claiming it has not delivered on its promises.

Furthermore, they also cited high taxation rates as significant concern, with many feeling that the financial burden is becoming increasingly untenable.

Another critical issue highlighted is the rising cost of boda boda services. Reports indicate that the average cost of the motorbikes has surged to around Sh150,000, which many consider exorbitant.

“This has led to steep increase in transportation costs and is further straining household budgets and limiting mobility for residents,” Riungu disclosed this as one of the cross emerging issues they established.

Additionally, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) also surfaced as a significant topic of concern, with many young people and families struggling to manage educational debts and access funding for their studies.