Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka delivered an ambitious State of the County Address, outlining key achievements and development plans across various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, trade, and agriculture.
Lusaka emphasized his administrationโs commitment to improving road networks and urban centers.
โWe have opened and graveled 953 km of roads, constructed six bridges, and upgraded 11.5 km of urban roads to bitumen standards in Bungoma Town,โ he stated.
Additionally, the county is working on a Kshs. 373 million Soko Kubwa Market in Bungoma Town and a Kshs. 343 million Chwele Market, both set to transform trade and commerce.
โThese modern facilities will provide cold storage, ICT hubs, and enhanced trading environments for our business community,โ Lusaka affirmed.
The county government has intensified efforts to improve healthcare services.
โWe are building a mother-and-child hospital in Naitiri, a modern theatre in Cheptais, and equipping the 100-bed Sirisia facility,โ Lusaka announced.
He further highlighted the hiring of 548 healthcare workers and the digitization of health services through a new Health Management Information System.
โWe are investing in healthcare workforce development to ensure quality and accessible services,โ he added.
The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to economic growth through trade and industrialization.
โDespite challenges in funding, the County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Sangโalo is progressing, and we have secured an additional Kshs. 105.3 million to accelerate its completion,โ he revealed.
Additionally, Bungomaโs street lighting program continues to boost security and trade, with over Kshs. 12 million in trade loans disbursed to empower small-scale traders.
Recognizing Bungomaโs agricultural strength, Lusaka noted investments in crop and livestock farming.
โWe distributed certified fertilizers and maize seeds to 21,900 farmers, alongside avocado and coffee seedlings to boost productivity,โ he reported.
The county has also provided 108 dairy cows and 40 goats to farmers, ensuring sustainable livestock development.
โWe aim to improve farmer incomes through strategic agricultural programs,โ he said.
Governor Lusaka highlighted investments in vocational training and sports infrastructure.
โWe confirmed 303 VTC instructors and launched programs to equip our youth with technical skills,โ he noted.
In sports, Bungoma is making strides in athletics and football.
โPhase One of the Chemoge High Altitude Training Centre is complete, and we are preparing for a marathon to launch it in April 2025,โ he announced.
The county has advanced its climate change initiatives, surpassing the national tree cover target.
โWe planted 600,000 trees last year and are committed to expanding green initiatives,โ Lusaka emphasized.
Governor Lusaka concluded with a call for unity and continued collaboration.
โI was given a second chance, and I want to finish strong! Letโs work together to build a resilient, prosperous, and inclusive Bungoma,โ he declared.
With increased budgetary allocations and strategic partnerships, the Governor expressed confidence in completing major projects that will shape Bungomaโs future.
