GANZE

Hon. Francis Baya, MP (KADU-Asili)
Assistant Minister, Ministry of State for Immigration & Registrations of Persons

The new Ganze MP is no stranger in the public service. He has worked in the Civil Service as a DO, PC, and a High Commissioner. He considers his 30 years in Civil Service as experience enough to bring change to one of the poorest constituencies.His election was a rare feat. First, he is the only MP elected on a Kadu-Asili ticket. Second, he is seen to have charted a new political path for Ganze. "He has broken the Ngala ‘dynasty’ spanning more than 30 years," says an observer.

The former PC becomes the fourth MP to represent the area. Ronald Ngala was at the helm since Independence until the late 1960s when he died in a road accident.His son, Katana Ngala, was the MP for more than 20 years until he was ‘dethroned’ by Joseph Kingi in 2002. This, analysts say, heralded the end of the Ngala ‘dynasty’. Baya was for a long time a threat to the Ngala dominance in Ganze politics, especially during his tenure as the Coast PC.And why did he wait? "Before then it was difficult for me to contest. The powers that be had their own people," Baya says, adding that the senior Ngala’s contribution to local politics has always been a factor.

He and former President Moi had also been close. They founded the pro-majimbo Kenya African Democratic Union (Kadu) together before it was abandoned when Kenya become a single party nation under Kanu.Baya says he did not fear facing Katana but the "circumstances" could not allow. As a senior civil servant under the Kanu regime, he had to be cautious. "After 2002, there was real democracy," he says, perhaps suggesting the end to politics of succession in the constituency.In this new dawn, however, Baya’s task is Herculean. He represents one of the poorest constituencies.

Expectations are high.

As a former PC, he is expected to connect well with his constituency’s needs. For example, many are waiting to see how he will tackle the perennial water problem. The area is prone to drought, rural electrification is almost unheard of, illiteracy levels are high, education standards are low and the roads are in a sorry state."I know the challenge is enormous. I also know that some of the problems in Ganze are both natural and man-made. Some parts are very dry," he says. He complains that the Government is yet to classify such areas as arid and semi-arid areas (Asal). "This means when animals die due to drought, farmers in this area are not compensated like those in North Eastern Province," he says. He also attributes high poverty levels to lack of land.

"Most people in Ganze do not own land. There is lack of self-sustained growth. Stagnation leads to marginalisation," he says. Baya says Bamba location needs resources from outside. "If people are helped in getting cattle that they lost during drought, they would produce milk and meat," he says.Has a job to doThe MP says there are highly educated but unemployed people in the constituency. He says he will put emphasis on education to ensure better performance in national examinations. "More youths should have a chance to join universities or youth polytechnics," he says. He says he wants to help women access development funds to start income generating projects. "I am also looking for development partners to put up cottage industries to process cassava, oranges and tangerines," he says. He says much of the milk produced goes to waste as farmer do not have coolers. "Coolers would improve incomes. We also need about three abattoirs so that people can sell meat without trekking to Mariakani. We need a small processing industry for skins and hides," he says.

Transport is also difficult as roads are impassable."Roads from Mariakani to Kafloni, Bamba to Kilifi and Kafloni to Kilifi need to be tarmacked," says Baya.There are about 14 water dams clogged by silt. The MP wants to ensure the silt is scooped to make the supply steady. He also hopes to make health services accessible.Born in 1953 in Katendewa, Bamba, Baya says his rise from a DO to a PC was not smooth. "There were times I did not get certain jobs because I was considered over-educated," he says. He attended Jila and Dungicha Primary Schools before going to Ribe High School from 1971 to 1975. He then went to Nakuru High School for his A Levels from 1975 to 1976. He got his Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of Nairobi. Soon after, he joined the provincial administration as DO3. He rose through the ranks to eventually become a PC.As a DO, he underwent several induction courses. In 1999, he got a diploma in Development Economics at Michigan University in US. He also did a post-graduate diploma in UN and International Affairs. He is currently doing his thesis in Masters in Business Administration. In 2001, he was named PS in the Ministry of Tourism and Information.

One year later, he was posted to the Ministry of Lands as PS before being relieved of his duties in January 2003 when Narc came to power.Four months later, he was appointed chairman of the Coast Development Authority till August 2005 after which he became the High Commissioner to India. He returned in September 2007 to contest in the General Election. Baya is married and has four children.

Immediate former MP: Hon. Joseph Kingi Kahindi,
Assistant Minister for Provincial Administration,
Ministry of State for Provincial Administration & Internal Security

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Sources: THE STANDARD
Story by: Athman Amran