By Peter Ochieng
President William Ruto has announced a series of initiatives aimed at fostering development and improving livelihoods of the residents of Bungoma, as he started a 4-day tour of the Western County that will see him preside over Madaraka Day celebrations at the Masinde Muliro stadium, on Saturday.
Speaking in Webuye West Constituency during his first day of the visit, Ruto assured residents that his government is committed to initiating development plans, geared at changing their livelihoods.
“You Bungoma residents are gentlemen. You stood with me at a time I needed a friend and helped me bag the 2022 general elections, something that I will forever be grateful,” he said.
Addressing the plight of Nzoia sugar factory workers, the President confirmed that Sh150 million in arrears has been disbursed to the company to clear salary arrears.
“This payment is anticipated to boost the morale of the workers and stabilize operations at the company,” he said.
His assurance came shortly after workers urged him to fast-track their payment, for them to be able to fend for their families.
The Head of State revealed that Nzoia farmers will receive the remaining 20 percent of their Sh54 million dues starting Monday, disclosing plans to restore Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) tractors at Nzoia Company.
“This initiative will help maintain the nuclear estate in prime condition, thereby supporting agricultural productivity and efficiency.”
Furthering the region’s industrial growth, he said the treasury had released Sh61 million to continue the construction of the Industrial Park at Sang’alo, that will go in tandem with a Sh27 billion rural electrification program.
National Assembly Speaker, Moses Masika Wetang’ula, praised the President for his commitment to the people of Bungoma, who he said played a pivotal role in his 2022 presidential victory.
“During the last general elections, we traversed this region with you, engaging our people with respectful dialogue. We united with other regions and formed the government by voting you in since we believed in you and we shall walk with you,” Wetang’ula assured.
“In the last government, we had only one Cabinet Secretary (CS) from this region. Now, we have our daughter Susan Nakhumicha as Health CS, Ababu Namwamba as Sports CS, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, yours truly as the Speaker of the National Assembly several Principal Secretaries, and Ambassadors. This is truly our government,” he added.
The Speaker urged residents to support the Kenya Kwanza government and allow it time to deliver on its promises.