- President William Ruto announced millions of shillings worth of goodies for Bungoma residents even as he leads Madaraka Day celebrations in the county on Saturday.
- The President landed in Bungoma on Thursday for a four-day visit to the county that also coincides with this year’s Madaraka Day.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto announced millions of shillings worth of goodies for Bungoma residents even as he leads Madaraka Day celebrations in the county on Saturday.
The President landed in Bungoma on Thursday for a four-day visit to the county that also coincides with this year’s Madaraka Day.
Ruto will be leading the country in marking the day at Masinde Muliro stadium.
The visit comes at a time when some leaders from the region have been criticising Ruto’s administration for ‘marginalising’ the Western region.
“Our people are struggling economically, questioning why Kikuyu constituency received Sh1.2 billion for roads, more than Busia, Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Trans Nzoia combined,” Bumula MP Jack Wamboka said.
“How can we claim to be in government when our regions are neglected?” he posed.
Last month, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi also hit out at the government for marginalising the region with a skewed distribution of resources.
“Kikuyu constituency alone has received Sh1.4 billion for road maintenance while the entire Western region comprising of five counties and 39 constituencies has only received Sh50 million inside Kakamega State Lodge,” he said.
On Friday, Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura announced the President's bag of goodies for the region.
He said the government is implementing Sh1.6 billion in affordable housing projects in Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Trans Nzoia and Vihiga.
He said government is also enhancing infrastructural and social services in the region.
The state has completed the construction of the Sh807 million Masinde Muliro project in Kanduyi subcounty and rehabilitated Matulo Airstrip for Sh139 million for commercial flights.
"The national government is putting resources to give a boost to the western tourism circuit," Mwaura said.
On Thursday, Ruto gave Sh10 million to Machakha Technical Training Institute for its expansion.
The President also donated 100 computers.
“These computers are expected to enhance the digital literacy and technical skills of the students, aligning with the government's commitment to advancing education and technological proficiency,” he said.
He also announced that Sh150 million arrears for the workers have been disbursed.
"This payment is anticipated to boost the morale of the workers and stabilise operations at the company," he said.
The President also revealed that Nzoia farmers will receive the remaining 20 per cent of their Sh54 million dues starting Monday, ensuring they are fully compensated for their produce.
The President also revealed plans to restore Agricultural Development Corporation tractors at Nzoia Company.
“This initiative helps maintain the nuclear estate in prime condition, thereby supporting agricultural productivity and efficiency,” he said.
Ruto added that the Treasury has released Sh61 million to continue the construction of the Industrial Park at Sang'alo.
The President said the funding will expedite the park's development, which is expected to become a hub for industrial activities and job creation.
In a major boost to the area's infrastructure, President Ruto announced a Sh27 billion rural electrification programme.
The President said some 600,000 residents will be connected to electricity under the programme over the next two years.
Wetang'ula praised the President for his commitment to development and turning around the fortunes of the country.
“The President has left his State House in Nairobi and decided to spend four days with us here. Isn't that genuine love for the people of Bungoma?” he said.
“During the last general election, we traversed this region with you, engaging our people with respectful dialogue,” Wetang'ula added.
He emphasised the President’s loyalty and reciprocal gestures, noting the appointment of several individuals from the region to prominent government positions.
“In the last government, we had only one Cabinet Secretary from this region. Now, we have our daughter Susan Nakhumicha as Health CS, Ababu Namwamba as Sports CS, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, yours truly as the Speaker of the National Assembly several Principal Secretaries and ambassadors.”
“This is truly our government,” he said.
The Speaker urged residents to support the Kenya Kwanza government and allow it time to deliver on its promises.
He confirmed that the funds for Nzoia staff and the balance for farmers have been disbursed.
“We will have a productive time with the President, who will meet various stakeholders to discuss the development of our region,” he said.
Wetang'ula also highlighted the significance of Bungoma hosting Madaraka Day, calling it an honour that means a lot to the residents.
He encouraged leaders and citizens to unite and collaborate for meaningful progress.
Leaders present included Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, MPs, Didmus Barasa (Kimilili) and John Waluke (Sirisia).
Other MPs present were Martin Wanyonyi (Webuye East), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West) and John Chikati (Tongaren).