Western Leaders Prepare for Uhuru Visit

President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioning the Ksh2.4 B Bondo Water Supply Project in Siaya County on May 31, 2021.
President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioning the Ksh2.4 B Bondo Water Supply Project in Siaya County on May 31, 2021.
PSCU

Leaders from Kenya's Western Region are finalizing preparations for President Uhuru Kenyatta's visit in August 2021. 

Speaking to kenyans.co.keKakamega Senator Cleophas Malala stated that he hopes President Kenyatta will help revive industries in the county, especially Mumias Sugar Company.

"The president can help Mumias (Sugar Company) which has been put under receivership by paying part of its debt. He should also set up programmes which will create employment for the youth," Malala said.

Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala addresses a gathering in Kibra in November 2019
Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala addresses a gathering in Kibra in November 2019
File

He also stated that the president should also ensure that all infrastructure projects governments started by the national government are completed, citing the Lurambi-Bungoma Road. Malala wants the President to set up programmes that will create employment for the youth.

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya will convene a meeting next week to discuss the president's itinerary. The meeting will be attended by all leaders from the region irrespective of their political party affiliations.

The Head of State is expected to visit Kakamega, Vihiga, Trans-Nzoia, Busia, and Bungoma counties.

The leaders, who felt sidelined when the president launched several projects in the neighbouring Nyanza Region hope to secure several development projects for their region.

Among the projects, President Kenyatta is expected to launch is a Ksh100 million gold refinery in Ikolomani, Kakamega County. He will also inspect the progress of the Ksh6 billion Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The county asked the national government to step in and take over the facility after it stalled due to a lack of funds. 

In Vihiga, the head of state will launch a Ksh1.7 billion cluster water project funded by the Belgian government. He will also commission the construction of a granite factory. 

The visit comes at a time when leaders in the region are divided over political positions ahead of 2022.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Kakamega Fish Factory on Monday, July 12, Devolution Cabinet Secretary asked local leaders to avoid partisan politics if they wanted residents to benefit from development projects.

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A photo of Mumias Sugar Company in Kakamega County.
Photo
Boni Khalwale