Lusaka promises better services and fairness

The new Bungoma administration will strengthen public service and strictly adhere to the principles of fairness and meritocracy, Governor Kenneth Lusaka has said.

The governor was sworn in yesterday at Kibabii University grounds in Bungoma.

Lusaka said he will set up an economic council in his office to get balanced advice.  

“This will ensure greater accountability and collective accountability of decisions thus averting a silo mentality. Further, we will mainstream public participation in all departments to achieve consensus of all stakeholders in programme implementation," he said.

Lusaka also promised to revamp agriculture.

One way he aims to do this is by developing policy guidelines to set up teams to establish the actual land available for production.

“In so doing we aim to increase the support to cover more farmers, repair existing tractors, purchase 18 more tractors and distribute them to subcounties covering specific wards,” Lusaka said.

The governor said his administration will introduce new varieties of crops such as avocado and French beans for export.

He said the bursary programme will be streamlined, allocation increased and transparency improved.

“We will reintroduce in-service training for ECDE teachers and VTC instructors, and purchase and distribute a variety of learning materials to all ECDE centres," Lusaka said.

"We will further incorporate the education needs of persons living with disabilities in the ECDE infrastructure."

Lusaka said he will enhance the stipends of community health workers, whom he termed a vital bridge to health provision.

The former Senate Speaker promised to rise above his shortcomings in his first term and become an outstanding governor.

“I have borne the brunt of my mistakes. I come back humbled by your renewed confidence in me but acutely aware of the magic of a second chance. With God’s grace and your help, we will continue forward together,” he said.

Lusaka's was the county's first governor but was kicked out in the 2017 election and replaced with Wycliffe Wangamati. 

Wangamati congratulated Lusaka for his win and promised him his support.

“I stand here today with huge gratitude for the chance that you the people of Bungoma granted me as your governor. Five years ago we were in this venue as Lusaka was handing over leadership to me and today, we are standing on opposite sides and I hand over the powers back to him,” he said.

Leaders present included Senator-elect Moses Wetang'ula, Kanduyi MP-elect John Makali, Kabuchai MI-elect Majimbo Kalasinga and Woman Representative-elect Catherine Wambilianga.

Edited by Josephine M. Mayuya