The Vihiga government has upgraded Kaimosi and Luanda towns to municipality status in a move aimed at accelerating economic growth and improving infrastructure for better services.
Speaking during the signing of charters for the two new municipalities, Governor Wilber Ottichilo said elevation reflect the rapid growth witnessed in the two towns over the past decade and positions them to attract more investments.
He said municipality status will unlock dedicated development funding, promote data-driven planning, strengthen accountability, improve infrastructure, create employment opportunities and increase land and property values.
"The growth of Kaimosi and Luanda over the years demonstrates their viability for municipality status. This will enable us to deliver better services while creating an environment that attracts investment," Ottichilo said.
The upgrade makes Kaimosi and Luanda the county's second and third municipalities after Mbale, which forms part of the larger Vihiga municipality.
Kaimosi municipality comprises Kaimosi, Shiru, Muhudu, Kaptech, Shaviringa, Makuchi, Mulundu, Cheptulu, Jemloli, Kisasi, Galwani, Serem and Senende sub-locations while Luanda municipality will cover parts of both Luanda and Emuhaya constituencies.
Ottichilo said Luanda has emerged as Vihiga's commercial hub and is set to benefit from the ongoing construction of an industrial and aggregation park, while Kaimosi's growth has largely been driven by the expansion of Kaimosi Friends University and surrounding businesses.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi welcomed the conferment of the two municipalities, describing it as a major milestone in the county's socio-economic transformation.
He said the municipalities will open up opportunities for financing from development partners, including the World Bank, enabling improvements in roads, drainage systems, markets, water supply, sanitation and other public services.
Osotsi, however, urged the county government to fully implement the Urban Areas and Cities Act by establishing functional municipal boards with sufficient autonomy to manage revenue, staffing and service delivery.
"This will enable municipalities to collect and manage their own revenue, operate independent payroll systems and improve efficiency and accountability," he said.
The creation of the municipalities is also expected to address persistent urban challenges such as poor waste management, traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure and unplanned development while supporting the expansion of trade, small industries and public services.
Some residents acknowledge that the new status could also lead to higher rates and taxes as more properties and businesses are formally included in leasehold from freehold status.
They, however, remain optimistic that the new municipalities will deliver tangible improvements.
Luanda trader Derick Ombima said residents are looking forward to expanded roads, reliable water supply, improved street lighting and better public amenities.
"With Luanda and Kaimosi now operating as municipalities, we hope urbanisation will become a key driver of economic growth, improved service delivery and better living standards for residents," Ombima said.
