Barasa Secures major boost as Kakamega women, youth groups pledge 2027 support

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa received a major political boost over the weekend after more than 20 women and youth groups from Butsotso South Ward publicly pledged to support his re-election bid, citing his administration’s record on jobs, water, and empowerment programs.

The endorsement event, held at the home of Butsotso South MCA Gildon Shioso, brought together grassroots leaders, widows, and youth representatives. It was led by the County Chief Officer for Water, Sanitation and Climate Change, Mrs. Mariam Were, and MCA Shioso.

Speaking to residents, Chief Officer Were said Governor Barasa had delivered enough for voters to reward him with a second term. She credited the county government for creating employment opportunities for vulnerable groups.

“At the moment, widows and youths have secured employment positions in the county and are earning a living where their families are well,” Were said. “Widows and youths are now part of this administration. The county has secured a lot of jobs without discrimination.”

Beyond direct employment, Were revealed that the county had channelled funds to women and youth groups to strengthen economic activities at the village level. She said over 60 groups had already received money to run revolving funds, allowing members to lend to each other at interest and build small businesses.

“The county has given over 60 youth and women groups money to strengthen their activities in villages as a way of empowerment and creating self-employment to youths,” she added.

The revolving fund model, she explained, was designed to reduce dependency on handouts and give groups capital to start income-generating projects like agribusiness, boda boda savings schemes, and table banking.

MCA Gildon Shioso echoed Were’s sentiments, urging Butsotso South residents to back Barasa based on visible development. He said the administration had prioritized basic services that directly affect rural households.

“At least every village in Kakamega is connected to clean water and good roads,” Shioso told the crowd. “We are urging residents to consider the development record for Barasa when making their decision.”

Water access has been a key campaign talking point for Barasa’s team. The county has expanded piped water projects and boreholes across several wards, a move the administration says has cut walking distances for women and improved sanitation in schools and markets.

Roads have also featured prominently. The MCA said feeder roads and grading works had improved movement of farm produce, helping farmers get better prices by reducing transport costs.

The endorsement from over 20 organized groups signals Barasa’s growing support among women and youth, two voting blocs that often decide elections in Kakamega. By focusing on jobs, water, and group funding, the governor’s allies are framing his first term around service delivery and inclusion.

With the 2027 elections still some time away, early mobilization of grassroots groups like those in Butsotso South suggests both sides are already positioning for the race. For Barasa, consolidating support in areas like Butsotso could be crucial as he seeks to defend his seat.

As the event closed, group representatives said they would take the governor’s development message back to their villages and mobilize more voters to support his re-election.