Wetang'ula vows to push for Bungoma's elevation to city status

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula during the burial of MCA James Barasa Mukhongo in Kabuchai Chwele, on August 16, 2025. [Juliet Omelo, Standard]

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has pledged to spearhead efforts to elevate Bungoma town to city status, saying the development must happen in his lifetime.

Speaking on Saturday, during the burial of MCA James Barasa Mukhongo in Kabuchai Chwele, Wetang’ula cited Bungoma's infrastructural development, saying it is on course to meeting the criteria for city status.

“If you go to Bungoma town today, it looks different. Since we brought Madaraka celebrations to Bungoma, we now have a passport office, the stadium, streetlights, and many other developments,” he said.

“I have told you in my lifetime, Bungoma must become a city in Kenya, and it will be if we continue with this journey together.”

The Speaker also highlighted key development projects initiated under the Kenya Kwanza administration, including road infrastructure, housing, and the expansion of tertiary institutions in the region. He attributed the initiatives to the region’s alignment with President William Ruto’s government.

“All these developments of roads, housing and other sectors are happening because we are close to the government, and they will continue to happen,” Wetang’ula said.

Calls to grant Bungoma city status gained traction during the 2024 Madaraka Day celebrations held at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi.

During the event, President Ruto committed to elevate Bungoma, Homa Bay, Meru, and Thika among other towns, to city status as part of the government’s broader urbanisation agenda.

On May 30, while commissioning the Homa Bay Pier, the president reaffirmed his promise to transform the town to city status.

As the government accelerates infrastructure development across the country, the push to recognise key towns signals a new chapter in Kenya’s urban policy and regional empowerment strategy.