Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has mounted a spirited defence of President William Ruto’s development record, urging professionals in the county to take the lead in communicating the government’s achievements as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the Bungoma Professionals Forum at Kibabii University on Saturday, Lusaka said professionals were best placed to objectively assess the government’s performance based on projects implemented over the past four years rather than political rhetoric.
Lusaka said his interactions with the national government over the last four years had given him first-hand knowledge of the progress made in implementing development programmes in Bungoma and the wider Western region.
“I have worked closely with this administration in negotiating for Bungoma’s development priorities, and I have seen project after project move from the drawing board to implementation,” he said.
The governor said reforms in the sugar industry had begun reversing years of decline by settling historical debts owed to farmers, restructuring sugar factories and attracting private investment.
He cited the revival of Nzoia Sugar Company as one of the government’s notable achievements, saying the factory was operating more efficiently following the installation of a new milling machine.
“I visited Nzoia Sugar recently and the new milling machine promised by the President is fully operational. The challenge today is no longer low production but finding markets for more than 250,000 bags of sugar currently in storage,” he said.
He said the fertiliser subsidy programme had enabled farmers to access inputs directly, eliminating middlemen who had long exploited growers, while coffee and tea farmers were now receiving better returns through direct payments.
The governor also outlined major national government projects currently underway in Bungoma, saying they were laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.
He said procurement for the expansion of Matulo Airstrip, including construction of a new passenger terminal and extension of the runway, had been completed and the contract would be awarded next week before construction begins.
Lusaka further highlighted the construction of modern markets in Chwele, Sirisia, Mbakalo, Matisi and Lwandanyi, saying the facilities would provide improved trading spaces for farmers and small-scale traders.
He said work was progressing on key roads, including the Musikoma-Sango-Napakhalo Road and the Turbo-Ekero-Ndalu Road, while the Kimilili-Kamukuywa Road project was set to commence after the award of the construction tender.
Other flagship projects, he said, include the Kanduyi Smart City, the Affordable Housing Programme, rural electrification, the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), the upgrade of Masinde Muliro Stadium and the proposed Standard Gauge Railway route through Bungoma.
While acknowledging that some projects were still under construction, Lusaka maintained that implementation was on course.
“I will not claim that every project is complete, but I can confidently say contractors are on site, procurement has been concluded and implementation is progressing satisfactorily,” he said.
The governor also praised the national government’s improved disbursement of funds to counties, saying devolved units had for the first time ended the financial year with all their allocations fully released.
“We closed the financial year with all the money due to counties already in our accounts. That has never happened before because counties were previously forced to wait for months for disbursements,” he said.
Lusaka acknowledged that the Kenya Kwanza administration assumed office amid rising public debt, prolonged drought and global economic shocks but argued that it had sustained investment in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and social services despite the challenges.
He challenged professionals to use their expertise and influence to explain government programmes to the public and counter misinformation.
“The projects are visible and are transforming lives. President Ruto deserves another term to complete the programmes already underway,” Lusaka said.
Speaking at the same forum, Industry Principal Secretary Dr. Juma Mukhwana said no administration since Independence had invested in Bungoma and the wider Western region as heavily as President Ruto’s government.
He said the President had also appointed more leaders from Bungoma and the Western region to senior positions in government than previous administrations, demonstrating his commitment to inclusive leadership.
“The projects being rolled out by the government are impactful and will significantly spur economic growth in this region. Professionals should take stock of these developments and help inform the electorate about what has been achieved,” said Mukhwana.
Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai urged professionals to support the government’s development agenda by helping dispel misinformation and ensuring residents receive accurate information on ongoing projects and programmes.
“Professionals have a responsibility to demystify facts and counter misinformation so that wananchi understand exactly what the government is doing,” Kimtai said.
Public Service Principal Secretary Dr. Jane Imbunya said the government had ensured development opportunities were distributed equitably across the country regardless of region.
She said the government was also strengthening bilateral relations with other countries to create employment opportunities for Kenyan youth through labour mobility programmes.
“The government has secured opportunities including scholarships, fellowships and overseas jobs targeting professionals and young people. I urge eligible Kenyans to take advantage of these opportunities by applying,” she said.
Tourism Principal Secretary Prof Julius Bitok said every region had benefited from national government projects since President Ruto assumed office.
“When I served as Immigration Principal Secretary, I facilitated the establishment of a passport office in Bungoma. Now, at the Ministry of Tourism, we are exploring several projects that the government will invest in to unlock the county’s tourism potential,” he said.
Bitok urged professionals to rally behind President Ruto’s re-election bid, saying continuity would ensure the completion of ongoing development projects and programmes across Bungoma and the country.
By Chris Mahandara
