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Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has been unanimously endorsed to take over as the Chairperson of the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), succeeding Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyangโ Nyongโo, following a resolution reached during the LREB Special Summit held in Bungoma on Friday.
Through a communique signed by the 14 governors, also endorsed Kisii Governor Simba Arati as the new Vice Chairperson, marking a new chapter in the leadership of one of Kenyaโs largest regional economic blocs.
Lusaka assumes the chairmanship after serving as the LREB Vice Chairperson, with delegates jointly endorsing the transition in accordance with the blocโs agreement on leadership rotation.
The endorsement was among key resolutions adopted during the summit, which reaffirmed the blocโs commitment to accelerating regional integration, climate resilience, food security, economic development and institutional reforms.
As Chairperson, Lusaka will become the political and strategic head of the Lake Region Economic Bloc, leading the summit, the blocโs highest policy-making organ comprising the governors of the 14 member counties.
He will spearhead the implementation of regional policies, strengthen inter-county collaboration, mobilise partnerships and champion programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic welfare of millions of residents across the region.
The summit resolved to deepen investments in climate change adaptation by allocating at least two per cent of county budgets to climate action, develop a harmonised regional climate policy, strengthen resilient education infrastructure, promote clean energy innovations, operationalise the LREB First Spouses SACCO, establish an integrated regional health data system, review the blocโs 2022โ2027 strategic plan and fast-track institutional reforms to enhance the blocโs effectiveness.
For Bungoma, Lusakaโs elevation significantly enhances the countyโs influence within regional decision-making, positioning it at the centre of policy coordination, investment mobilisation and development planning for the Lake Region. The new role is expected to boost Bungomaโs visibility, attract greater development partnerships and reinforce its position as a key driver of regional economic transformation.
The Lake Region Economic Bloc brings together 14 counties to promote regional integration, shared economic growth and coordinated development through joint investments, policy harmonisation and strategic partnerships.
Under Lusakaโs leadership, the bloc is expected to intensify efforts towards sustainable development, climate resilience, infrastructure expansion and improved service delivery across member counties.
