Vihiga County has made significant steps towards the formal upgrading of Luanda and Kaimosi townships to municipal status following the formal submission of the long-awaited report on the proposed elevation.
The handover ceremony, held at the governor’s office, was presided over by Governor Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Otichillo and attended by top county leaders and dignitaries.
The formalisation Committee, chaired by the Municipal Manager for Vihiga Municipality, Mr Paul Ayodi, affirmed that both Luanda and Kaimosi have exceeded the requirements for elevation to municipal status, each town boasting populations of more than 90,000 residents, alongside adequate social amenities and infrastructure.
Governor Otichillo hailed the committee’s swift and comprehensive work, noting that such evaluations have in the past taken years to be realised.
“We are here to celebrate not just the completion of a report but the development of our strategic towns. The swift actions of the committee will pave the way for transformative developments in Luanda and Kaimosi,” explained Otichillo.
The governor also pledged to adjust the supplementary budget to support the establishment of municipal frameworks.
Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo applauded the collaborative spirit behind the initiative, describing the progress as a true reflection of goodwill and excellent teamwork across the county.
“Today’s achievement demonstrates the dedication of all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to realise this vision,” he remarked.
The report will now be tabled before the County Assembly for scrutiny and approval. Once sanctioned, the two towns will officially attain municipal status, a move expected to improve service delivery and spur socio-economic development.
The event was also attended by County Executive Committee Members, Deputy County Speaker Eric Odei, County Assembly Majority Leader Kareka Mboku, and several MCAs, all expressing optimism about the positive transformation expected after the elevation of the town.
As Vihiga County charts a new course, residents of Luanda and Kaimosi eagerly await the benefits of municipal status—marking a milestone in the county’s growth and governance journey.
By Sylvester Muhadi and Ian Mugamangi
