Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has underscored healthcare and infrastructure development as top priorities in his latest State of the County Address, highlighting key achievements and ongoing projects aimed at transforming the county.

Lusaka announced significant investments in improving healthcare services, citing the construction of a mother-and-child hospital in Naitiri, a modern surgical theatre in Cheptais, and the equipping of the 100-bed Sirisia Hospital. The county has also hired 548 healthcare workers and introduced a new Health Management Information System to digitize services and enhance efficiency.

“We are investing in healthcare infrastructure and workforce development to guarantee quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare for every resident,” Lusaka said.

The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to expanding road networks and modernizing urban centers. He reported that the county had opened and graveled 953 kilometers of roads, constructed six bridges, and upgraded 11.5 kilometers of urban roads to bitumen standards in Bungoma Town.

“These investments are opening up rural areas, easing transport, and driving economic growth,” Lusaka noted.

He further highlighted major infrastructure projects in the trade sector, including the KShs. 373 million Soko Kubwa Market and the Kshs. 343 million Chwele Market, both designed to modernize the trading environment and stimulate local commerce.

“These facilities will provide cold storage, ICT hubs, and decent spaces for our traders to grow their businesses,” he stated.

In addition, Lusaka pointed to ongoing works at the County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Sang’alo, supported by an additional Kshs. 105.3 million to fast-track completion. He also reported the installation of street lighting in urban centers and the disbursement of over Kshs. 12 million in trade loans to empower small-scale traders.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, revealing that 21,900 farmers had received certified fertilizers and maize seeds, alongside avocado and coffee seedlings. He said the county had also distributed 108 dairy cows and 40 goats to improve livestock production.

In education and sports, Lusaka reported that 303 vocational training instructors had been confirmed and technical skills programs rolled out to equip young people. He further announced the completion of Phase One of the Chemoge High Altitude Training Centre, which will be launched with a county marathon in April 2025.

On climate action, Lusaka revealed that Bungoma had planted 600,000 trees in the last year, surpassing the national tree cover target. He concluded his address with a call for unity and collective effort.

“I was given a second chance, and I want to finish strong. Together, we can build a resilient, prosperous, and inclusive Bungoma,” Lusaka declared.

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