Free milk plan tops Barasa’s governor campaign agenda

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa addressing locals at Chebukaka market in Kabuchai Constituency during a public rally on Saturday/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO

Kimilili MP and 2027 Bungoma gubernatorial hopeful Didmus Barasa has pledged to introduce a free milk programme for all learners across the county if elected governor, in a move aimed at improving nutrition, school attendance and concentration among pupils.

The second-term MP said every learner from Early Childhood Development Education to Grade 9 would receive milk twice a week under the initiative, which he said is intended to boost academic performance and support children from vulnerable families who often attend school on empty stomachs.

Speaking at Chebukaka Market in Kabuchai Constituency, Barasa said his administration would also seek to develop the dairy sector by establishing a processing factory and supplying dairy cows to women’s groups, which would in turn sustain milk supply for the programme.

“The programme will strengthen household incomes through dairy farming and create employment opportunities for youths involved in milk collection and distribution to the factory, besides improving nutrition among learners,” he said.

“We will create a conducive environment for our students while empowering our local farmers through dairy farming at the same time. Investing in education is a crucial aspect of development,” he added.

Barasa further said that pregnant women and mothers with babies below the age of six months would also benefit from a separate free milk programme.

He said the initiative is intended to improve maternal and child nutrition, particularly among vulnerable families struggling to afford a balanced diet amid rising living costs.

“Proper nutrition during pregnancy and the early stages of a child’s life is critical in boosting immunity, improving health outcomes and supporting healthy growth and development among children,” he said.

Barasa, who is serving his second term as MP, plans to contest the Bungoma governor’s seat on a UDA ticket. He is expected to face Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, who has shifted his political base to Bungoma.

Current Governor Kenneth Lusaka is serving his second and final term and will not be defending his seat.

Barasa is banking on his development record, including improvements in the education sector and infrastructure projects initiated during his tenure as MP, to anchor his gubernatorial bid.

“For the people of Bungoma to believe that I am capable of delivering what I am promising, they should look at what I have been able to do in Kimilili in terms of upgrading schools and other infrastructure,” he said.

He also pledged to eliminate “nyumba ya nyasi” (grass-thatched houses) in Bungoma County, saying many families still live in poor housing conditions despite years of development promises.

Barasa said his administration would work with development partners, well-wishers and community leaders to mobilise resources and construct modern and dignified homes for needy residents across the county.

On agriculture, he promised to secure better markets for coffee farmers in Bungoma, arguing that many currently earn low returns despite heavy investment in production.

“When I become governor, I will register a brokerage company that will negotiate for better coffee prices on behalf of Bungoma farmers so that they can become rich like farmers in other counties,” he said.