State to complete projects in Western

The government will finance all stalled multi-million shilling projects in Western Kenya.

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa (pictured) said President Uhuru Kenyatta was keen on reviving ailing sugar factories, upgrading roads and rehabilitation of airstrips before his term ends.

Mr Wamalwa, who spoke in Kakamega town said the government would help revive cotton industry in the region with focus on promoting BT cotton.

“The president supports efforts to revive the stalled projects. He has already requested a meeting between Transport CS and the five governors from this region on Monday to discuss the state of airports in the region,” he said.

Concerning the ailing sugar sector, Wamalwa noted that the Governor Wycliffe Oparanya-chaired sugar taskforce had already submitted a report to the president and after discussion with the cabinet, he was working on a proper plan to revive the sector.

“The taskforce submitted its recommendations to the president and we discussed it in the cabinet in detail. He is still consulting on a proper plan to revive the sugar sector especially the ailing Mumias Sugar Company that owes Kenya Revenue Authority Sh11 billion,” he pointed out.

Wamalwa was accompanied by governors Oparanya, Wilbur Ottichilo (Vihiga), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma) and Sospeter Ojaamong' (Busia).

He said the region would continue supporting President Kenyatta and ODM party leader Raila Odinga to promote the Building Bridges Initiative.

Mr Wangamati urged all leaders to embrace unity ahead of 2022 elections.

“We are fully behind the handshake because we want to be part of the next government. Development projects would be achieved if we put aside our political differences and unite as leaders,” he noted.