By Peter Ochieng
Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka has appealed to the national government, to allocate additional funds in a bid to bolster infrastructural development in the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) counties.
Speaking on behalf of the LREB and the Council of Governors (COG) at the inaugural Kakamega International Investment Conference (KAIICO) being held at Masinde Muliro university grounds, governor Lusaka emphasised the necessity for partnership between the national government and counties, to enhance devolution.
“It is imperative for us, as county leaders within this regional bloc, to strengthen our collaboration with the national government to advance infrastructural and socio-economic development,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of counties seizing investment opportunities for grassroots’ development, Lusaka added, “As counties strategically align their development plans, it is crucial that we reinforce our commitment to devolution for socio-economic empowerment.”
“Our strategic plan for 2022-2027 aims to enhance the vibrancy of the bloc through targeted action plans to realize our mission.”
The 14 LREB counties are: Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Trans Nzoia.
Speaking at the event, president William Ruto said his Kenya Kwanza administration will support investment in counties.
“We will support investments in counties — through the upgrading of roads, establishment of new transmission lines to guarantee reliable power supply and support the fight against corruption and wastage.”
The Kakamega conference is the second to be held within the LREB region in a span of under two months, after Homabay hosted another one recently.
Fernandes Barasa, the host governor underscored the strategies his administration has taken to market Kakamega for investment.
On her part, US Ambassador to Kenya, Margaret Meg Whitman, announced a partnership between the County Government of Kakamega and a US-based company, Delish and Nutri, for peanut value addition, expected to generate over 1000 jobs to the residents.