Governor Barasa outlines plans to transform urban areas

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Council of Elders during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Inaya Primary School in Butere sub county, on October 20, 2024. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has applauded the Affordable Housing and Urbanisation programme, terming it critical to social and economic empowerment.

Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Inaya Primary school in Butere constituency, Barasa said that President William Ruto launched phase one of the construction of affordable houses in Kakamega comprising of 220 units.

"I am glad that President William Ruto launched phase one of the construction of affordable houses in Kakamega. In this phase, 220 units are being constructed. 3,780 more units will be constructed in subsequent phases," Barasa said.

The governor assured that the Kakamega county government has put in place measures to improve infrastructure in urban areas.

"As far as urbanisation is concerned, we are looking forward to elevating Matunda, Malava and Butere towns to municipalities. Conferment of the new statuses will be made before the end of the year," he said.

He announced plans to revive Sh2 billion sewerage system, whose construction was halted due to ongoing court battle.

The governor revealed that there is progress in the Sh26 million water last mile connectivity which seeks to connect 8,000 households to water points this year.

"So far, we have already established Musembe Dam, Lumino Dam, Kuvasali gravity scheme, Nandamanywa, Lwakhupa, Yala Butwehe, Misango Hills and Savona Water projects," he said.

He acknowledged the national government for launching the Sh2 billion Malava Cluster Water Supply project which will ensure clean and safe water supply to more 100,000 members of Namanja community in Malava sub county.

The governor celebrated Kakamega county heroines including Marion Serenge, a Form Four student at Archbishop Njenga Girls' High School in Lugari; Lorna Faith Wasike, Halima Imbachi, Joy Angela Valencia and Diana Anyango from Butere Girls' High School.

"These girls are currently representing the country in the prestigious under 17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic and have done extremely well and they are an inspiration to millions of girls in this country," he said.

Residents led by James Ijeji appealed to President Ruto to focus on reviving the economy, streamlining the Social Health Authority and university funding model.

"We have nothing to celebrate for as Kenyans we are facing many pressing issues like SHA, Adani-JKIA deal and university funding model, our people are dying in hospital due to dysfunctional SHA system and these are issues the President should be focusing on and therefore we have nothing to be proud of," said Ijeji.

The event was attended by Kakamega County Commissioner, Michael Mwangi Meru, Butere MP, Tindi Mwale among other representatives from the national government.
The celebration brought together residents from the 12 constituencies and 60 wards.