A section of Governors elected under the National Super Alliance (NASA) umbrella has agreed to form a new economic bloc dubbed the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB).
Led by Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o, 13 counties announced that they had signed up for the deal that is meant to facilitate greater trade opportunities for the counties.
"The Secretariat will disseminate the LREB agreement for signature by governors of the member counties while at the same time following up on financial contributions by the counties," Governor Nyong'o explained.
The finer details of the agreement are set to be drawn up by lawyers and tabled for discussion in the various county assemblies.
Prof. Nyong'o delivered the news in the company of Migori Governor Okoth Obado, Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), Kericho Deputy Governor Susan Kikwai and her counterpart from Siaya James Okumbe.
[caption caption="Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o"]
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Governor James Ongwae (Kisii) and Governor Stephen Sang (Nandi) sent their representatives to the meeting as they attended to other county matters.
Other counties set to participate in the new deal include Nyamira, Busia, Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga and Bomet.
Governor Nyong'o went on to outline the first issue the bloc would address.
"We are well aware of the challenges facing the sugar industry in the region including outstanding salary arrears at the milling factories, cane availability and poaching, factory inefficiencies and cane transportation infrastructures among others.
"We are also going to look at the payment of arrears to farmers and staff at sugar factories as well as achieving sustainable cane production," Prof. Nyong'o stated.
The first-term Governor was also behind a peace caravan that toured Kisumu, Kericho and Nandi counties soon after the October 26 repeat poll to quell the clashes experienced along the county borders.
[caption caption="Prof Anyang' Nyong'o with his wife during the late Mama Christabel Ouko's funeral"]
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