National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Monday led the Japan Ambassador to Kenya Ken Okaniwa to a tour of Bungoma County for education, social economic partnerships and agriculture.
Speaking at Bungoma County headquarters, Wetang’ula said that together with MPs, the deputy governor and Governor Kenneth Lusaka they had a candid discussion.
“We have had fruitful discussions with the Japan ambassador and governor Lusaka on the areas of partnerships in future, we have had partnerships with them before in education,” Wetang’ula said.
“We want to do more partnerships with Japan in making social-economic interventions to help our people."
The Ford Kenya leader said Bungoma is a hundred per cent Green County and productive and what is needed are interventions from partners to maximise production, value addition and manufacturing for our goods to leave here ready for international markets.
“Our engagement with Japan is very important,” Wetang’ula said.
Wetang’ula also noted that the visit to Bungoma County is historic as the two countries celebrate 60 years of long-standing bilateral relationships.
Governor Lusaka expressed his uttermost gratitude to the visiting ambassador, affirming total commitment to solidifying and expanding the partnership with Japan in elevating and equipping TVETs, and value addition in industrial park.
"This visit by the ambassador is historic to our county, as we celebrate the long-standing ties with Japan. We look forward to tapping into their great pool of network for the common good of our people,” he said.
The ambassador affirmed his commitment to partnering with Bungoma to improve education standards and value addition.
In an interview with the Star, Bungoma Trade and Industrialisation CEC Caro Khalayi said that the launch of the industrial park in Bungoma will help farmers process their products for international markets.
“This partnership is timely as it will see local farmers process their goods here in Bungoma and pack them for international markets,” she said.
“If an investor comes it will be a huge relief for coffee farmers in the region,”
Also present were Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, MPs John Makali (Kanduyi), Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Bungoma county assembly speaker Emmanuel Situma and CECs among others.
