Ali Korane sets sights on Garissa comeback with pledges on water, hospitals and jobs

Korane, who served as governor between 2017 and 2022, says his bid to reclaim the county's top seat will focus on addressing longstanding challenges in essential services while creating economic opportunities for young people.

Speaking during an interview with The Star in September, Korane pledged to resolve water supply challenges in Garissa Town within his first two years in office.

He said his administration would seek support from the national government should the financial requirements exceed the county's budgetary capacity.

During his previous tenure, Korane's administration implemented the UNICEF-supported Kasha Water Supply project, which was commissioned in 2019 to improve access to clean water in Kasha and neighbouring settlements.

On healthcare, the former governor said he would channel more resources towards strengthening Garissa Referral Hospital and sub-county hospitals to improve service delivery.

He acknowledged that his previous administration had concentrated substantial resources on smaller health facilities and dispensaries, adding that a second term would see greater emphasis placed on strengthening referral services.

Korane has also proposed establishing a revolving fund to support youth-led enterprises, allowing organised groups to access financing without conventional collateral requirements.

The former governor acknowledged that his administration had previously relied heavily on county government employment to address youth unemployment, saying his renewed approach would focus on entrepreneurship and alternative sources of income.

Education also features prominently in his development agenda.

Speaking during a fundraising event for Nanighi Mosque and Tahfidh Madrasa, Korane identified improved access to education, quality healthcare and youth empowerment as key priorities for his proposed administration.

He further called on Garissa residents to rise above clan divisions and embrace peaceful political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.

Korane, who previously served as a district commissioner, deputy provincial commissioner and permanent secretary, is seeking to draw on his administrative experience and previous record as governor in his bid to return to office.

However, details of the proposed programmes, including their budgets, implementation timelines and the operational framework for the youth revolving fund, are yet to be outlined.