By Our Correspondent
The Teso Professionals Group (TPG) has re-elected its entire executive committee for another two-year term, positioning the association to deepen its involvement in development initiatives across Busia County and the wider Western region.
The decision was made during the group’s end-of-year Annual General Meeting held at Sudex Hotel in Amagoro, Busia County. About 40 members attended the meeting both physically and virtually.
No challenger emerged against the sitting officials, with members saying the uncontested outcome reflected confidence in the leadership’s performance, financial accountability, and growing visibility at the county and regional levels.
The AGM also saw the launch of TPG’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, which focuses on strengthening professional networks, mobilising investments, and supporting socio-economic development in Busia and neighbouring counties.
Launching the plan, the group’s patron, Engineer Justus Otwani, said the strategy is aimed at ensuring that skills within the Iteso professional community directly benefit local communities.
“This plan gives us direction and purpose. It is about making sure our professional skills translate into practical benefits for our people and the country,” he said.
Members were briefed on progress under the Ateker regional peace and integration initiative led by Special Peace Envoy John Munyes, which seeks to promote stability among cross-border communities in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
Mr Robert Papa, who coordinated development of the strategic plan, said the initiative could create opportunities for the Iteso through representation in its secretariat, including a proposed deputy envoy position.
He also confirmed that the Government of Kenya has formally recognised the Iteso as a minority group, a move leaders said would strengthen access to employment, leadership opportunities, and representation in public institutions.
The Iteso mainly inhabit Busia County and parts of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties and share close ties with Teso communities in eastern Uganda.
Financial sustainability featured prominently at the meeting. Engineer Otwani paid a full year’s contributions for consistent members and pledged to mobilise resources to clear a Sh1 million loan. Engineer Vincent Sidai pledged Sh100,000 towards the loan repayment.
TPG Chairperson Engineer Nancy Oprong thanked members for renewing their confidence in the leadership and called for unity as the group expands its development role in the region.