Ali Korane banks on development record in bid to reclaim Garissa governor seat
Korane, who served as Garissa's second governor between 2017 and 2022, is seeking a political comeback after losing his re-election bid to incumbent Governor Nathif Jama Adam.
Audio By Vocalize
Former Garissa Governor Ali Bunow Korane is banking on his experience in public administration and development record as he seeks to reclaim the county's top seat in the 2027 General Election.
Korane, who served as Garissa's second governor between 2017 and 2022, is seeking a political comeback after losing his re-election bid to incumbent Governor Nathif Jama Adam.
His renewed bid is anchored on his decades of experience in public service, alongside development projects undertaken during his five-year tenure, particularly in healthcare, education and water provision.
Before joining county politics, Korane held several senior positions in the national government, including district commissioner, deputy provincial commissioner and permanent secretary.
The former governor has frequently cited his administrative background as an advantage in coordinating government operations, managing public resources and overseeing service delivery.
Among the achievements highlighted during his tenure was the operationalisation of intensive care and renal units at Garissa Referral Hospital, which expanded access to specialised medical services within the county.
During the 2022 election campaigns, Korane said the facilities had reduced the need for some patients to travel to Nairobi for specialised treatment, easing the financial and logistical burden on families.
His administration also invested in water infrastructure, including the Kasha Water Supply project, which he commissioned in January 2019.
The project, implemented by the county government with co-funding from UNICEF, was designed to improve access to water for residents of Kasha and neighbouring settlements.
In education, Korane's administration undertook the construction of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms and recruited teachers in efforts to strengthen foundational learning across the county.
The former governor has, however, acknowledged shortcomings during his first term, saying his experience in office provided lessons that would inform his leadership approach if elected again.
Speaking in a September interview with The Star, Korane said he intended to build on his administration's achievements while addressing areas where it fell short.
"I made some mistakes, and I learnt from them. I made some successes, and I will build on them," he said.
His bid to return to office is expected to place his previous administration's performance under renewed scrutiny as Garissa voters weigh his development record against his promise of improved service delivery.
For Korane, the 2027 contest presents an opportunity to convince the electorate that his experience in both national and county government offers a foundation for addressing Garissa's development challenges and completing projects left unfinished during his first term.
Join the Discussion
Share your perspective with the Citizen Digital community.
No comments yet
This discussion is waiting for your voice. Be the first to share your thoughts!