Governor Ken Lusaka showcases health, roads, agriculture gains as Bungoma’s development spikes
Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka has struck an optimistic and forward-looking tone, outlining the county’s development milestones while urging residents to remain united and focused on building a prosperous future for all.
His administration, he said, has registered “tangible progress” across key sectors, including health, agriculture, infrastructure, education and governance, despite economic and administrative challenges facing devolved units.
Health care emerged as a major highlight of the year, with the governor detailing wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving service delivery and staff morale.
Already, he confirmed, hundreds of health workers had been promoted, new staff recruited and drug supply chains strengthened to ensure facilities remain adequately stocked.
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“We have upgraded and equipped health facilities across all sub-counties and fast-tracked the construction of the Level 6 Hospital in Sichei. Our Teaching and Referral Hospital will remain a Level 5 facility to expand specialised services closer to our people,” he said.
He was speaking on December 12 when he led the county in marking this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations where he noted that such days are meant to renew “our commitment to build the Kenya and Bungoma we all desire.”
Agriculture, the economic lifeline of Bungoma County, has also received renewed focus under Lusaka’s administration.
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The governor said farmers have benefited from the distribution of subsidised fertiliser and certified seeds, alongside targeted support for dairy farmers through milk coolers and artificial insemination services.
“Our County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Sang’alo is taking shape, promising better value for our farmers’ produce,” Lusaka said.
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He noted that strategic partnerships under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme (NAVCDP) are aimed at restoring Bungoma’s long-held status as Western Kenya’s food basket, while improving household incomes and food security.
On infrastructure, Lusaka acknowledged early delays caused by the transition to a new e-government procurement system but assured residents that road projects are now progressing steadily across the county.
He announced that the contractor on the Naitiri–Brigadier Road is completing the final two kilometres, while construction works have resumed on the Dorofu–Sang’alo–Musikoma Junction Road.
“Our urban centres are being upgraded with street lighting, drainage and modern markets, restoring dignity to traders and safety to our streets,” he said.
The governor also confirmed ongoing rehabilitation of the Sikata–Bokoli–Kimilili Road and continued opening of rural access roads in all sub-counties, a move expected to ease transport, boost trade and improve access to social services.
Education and youth empowerment formed another key pillar of the address. Lusaka revealed that the county has issued an intent to hire more Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers and promote those due for advancement starting January 2026.
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“Our VTCs are being equipped to give youth practical skills, and we intend to hire more TVET trainers on permanent and pensionable terms,” he said.
Thousands of ECDE learners, he added, continue to benefit from the county’s Uji Programme, which supports nutrition and school attendance.
On sports and culture, Lusaka highlighted progress on Phase Two of Masinde Muliro Stadium, where roofing of terraces is underway, as well as plans to construct and upgrade Amtalla Stadium in Kimilili.
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“We are supporting innovation, sports and culture because the youth are the torchbearers of Bungoma’s future,” he said.
In governance, the governor announced that a substantive County Public Service Board will soon be fully constituted, pending approval by the County Assembly, a move expected to enhance efficiency and professionalism in public service.
“We have championed transparency, accountability and efficiency because Bungoma deserves leadership that listens and delivers,” he said.
As he concluded, Lusaka called on residents to rise above political differences and embrace unity for the sake of development.
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“Let us embrace the spirit of Jamuhuri by choosing hope over fear, action over complacency, and unity over division,” he said. “We have seen what we can achieve when we work together.”
The celebrations were attended by several leaders, including Kanduyi MP John Makali, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Tongaren MP Thomas Sankei, the Bungoma County Commissioner, County Assembly Speaker Emmanuel Situma, Members of the County Assembly and senior county officials.
