BY TONY WAFULA
Bungoma county is set to receive Sh800 million in funding from the World Bank for the upgrade of Bungoma and Kimilili municipalities, Governor Kenneth Lusaka has announced.
Governor Lusaka said the upgrade will be a significant step towards transforming the county’s urban infrastructure.
Speaking at the county headquarters during a swearing-in of nine new members of the two municipal boards, Lusaka said the amount will be distributed equally between the municipalities, ensuring balanced development across the county.
“This activity marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to unlock the World Bank funding necessary for infrastructure development in Bungoma and Kimilili,” Lusaka said.
“With today’s swearing-in of the board members, we are one step closer to realizing this goal.”
The Governor added that with the formation of the new municipal boards, Bungoma and Kimilili municipalities are now fully constituted.
“This is crucial in positioning us to receive the World Bank funding, which will play a transformative role in modernizing our urban infrastructure,” he said.
The governor urged the new board members to prioritize effective service delivery above political distractions.
He reminded them of their important responsibility to diligently serve the residents of the municipalities.
“You have a collective responsibility to deliver on your mandate. Minimize internal conflicts and political interference and focus on transforming our towns,” Lusaka advised.
“The people of Bungoma are looking to you for the changes that will improve their quality of life.”
The newly appointed members of the Bungoma Municipal Board are Paul Kamala, Wilkister Wafula, Job Munyasia and Dorcas Katiambo.
Those sworn in to the Kimilili Municipal Board are Caroline Wanyonyi, Dennis Barasa, Samson Sichangi, Ziprine Wamalwa and Abigail Wafula.
NEW MUNICIPALITIES
Governor Lusaka also announced plans to gazette Webuye and Chwele as new municipalities are in advanced stages, adding that the move is expected to accelerate urban expansion and bring about the modernization of other towns within Bungoma.
This, he said, will help in driving the region’s overall growth.
Governor Lusaka also highlighted the ongoing infrastructure projects across the county such as the construction of Chebukube, Chwele, Mateka and Kamukunywa roads, as part of broader efforts to improve the urban landscape and further modernize the towns.
Bungoma County Assembly Speaker Emmanuel Situma, who was present at the event, commended the area MCAs for their dedication in vetting qualified candidates to serve on the municipal boards.
He emphasized that the careful selection of board members was crucial for shaping the policies that will guide the development of the municipalities.
“By ensuring the appointment of qualified individuals, the MCAs have played an instrumental role in setting the stage for meaningful development,” Situma stated.
