Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has praised President William Ruto for reducing the cost of living that has been weighing heavily on Kenyans.
He said the recent drop in pump prices is critical in reducing the cost of essential commodities.
“The New Social Insurance Fund Policy, which reduced the monthly medical insurance cover to Sh300 down from Sh500 will guarantee healthcare for all citizens,” Savula said.
The deputy governor has been one of the fiercest critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration in recent past for failing to bring down the spiralling cost of living.
Ruto started his two-day working tour of Western on Thursday. He is expected to issue payment cheque to Nzoia Sugar farmers and flag off fertiliser, lay foundation stone for affordable housing project in Kanduyi and do groundbreaking for economic stimulus programme projects.
On Friday, the President will launch construction of Chekalini market in Lugari and commission Iguhu Kenya Medical Training College in Ikolomani.
Savula also said the cooperation between Governor Fernandes Barasa and President Ruto is paying off in terms development.
He said more than Sh1.5 billion development projects have been rolled out to improve the lives of Kakamega people.
“As a county, we will continue to work with the national government to receive development for our people. By working with President Ruto, it does not mean that the governor has defected to Kenya Kwanza because the two levels of government are interdependent,” Savula said in his office.
Savula said intervention by Ruto and Barasa in the revival of Mumias Sugar Company has stabilised the firm.
The company has been drowning in debts owed to creditors and suppliers. It is operating on a 20-year lease arrangement.
Savula said the company has paid Sh5.6 million to the county government as cess levy for maintenance of roads in the sugar belt for the first time in years.
The deputy governor said the revival of Mumias Sugar Company is critical to the stability of not only Kakamega's economy, but entire Western.
He said the national government has also committed to finance the ongoing upgrade of Bukhungu Stadium to international standards to the tune of Sh1 billion.
The stadium will host African Nations Championship (CHAN) competitions in September and part of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
He said the national government has promised to spend Sh300 million to equip the first phase of Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital.
