Kenneth Lusaka: Here is my promise to the people of Bungoma

By Kenneth Lusaka

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 sets out the mandate of a county as follows; ensuring resources and services are decentralised and shared fairly and justly, maintaining transparent and accountable systems, promoting participatory decision-making by people directly affected by such decisions, encouraging representation of women, youth and other marginalised groups in public offices and taking positive steps towards sustainable development.

As the first elected Governor of Bungoma County, I believe in participatory governance to explore solutions to the problems that bedevil our county as we move together towards a new way of life.

World over, good governance is essential for sustainable development, both economic and social, with responsiveness of the administration. I will ensure that our county is guided by transparency and accountability, integrity and ethics, equity and fairness, efficiency and effectiveness, courtesy, professionalism, partnership and team spirit.

Focus on priorities

 My promises to the residents of Bungoma which remain top on my agenda are better and affordable healthcare, multi-sectoral employment, lucrative agriculture, improved infrastructure, top notch education, booming tourism, strong economy, social protection and participatory governance.

 Together with fellow leaders in the county, I am certain we will deliver and build the land we are all indebted to. The electorate depends on me and other leaders, and as the governor, I will not fail them. With just a slight change on the list of our priorities, we can make sure every child in Bungoma has access to good education, every youth has a shot at decent life, every parent can feed their family and every individual has access to proper health care. The people of Bungoma know we can do better; a choice my administration will grant them.

The great Martin Luther King once said, ‘If a man is called to be a street-sweeper, he should sweep the streets even as Shakespeare wrote poetry or Beethoven composed music, sweeping the streets so well so that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street-sweeper who did his job well’ – that will be my administration.

The Bungoma County Executive is in place and I am confident in our shared commitment to serve the people; giving the best public service. For a long time, corruption has ruined our societies, in Bungoma though, it is a vice that must be crushed at all costs.

 As we plan to launch the strategic plan, every resident will enjoy equal opportunity and other devolution benefits. It is an expression of my commitment and determination to empower the county and its people. The emphasis is on effectively responding to the needs in Bungoma and providing coordinated, comprehensive, high quality service to the Bungoma people.

The budget has great considerations for key sectors; health is leading with a budget of Sh2,725,574,004, Land, Urban and Physical Planning Sh962,642,224, Agriculture, livestock, fisheries and co-op development Sh844,630,368, Roads and Public works Sh712,829,900, Education, Science and ICT Sh537,069,724.

 The local structure is already being strengthened and it is the vehicle through which efficient service delivery will be implemented to provide opportunities for Bungoma communities to exercise their right to self-governance and mobilise human and material resources for a better Bungoma in terms of governance, growth and wealth creation.

New season

 The time is nigh for a new season of renewal. We can disagree without being disagreeable, taking more responsibility, not only for our families and ourselves but also for all communities of the county.

 With shared vision, it is possible to monitor and adjust implementation where necessary.

 Generations have risen up and done the necessary.  We are called once more let’s all answer that call of reshaping our economy to enable us to compete in this digital age.

 I know the people are watching. This administration will bring a paradigm shift that invests more in its own people, in their skills and future, making sure that every single person willing to work can earn a decent living wage. The administration that will be the pride of future generations. 

 Yes I have a dream; a great vision for Bungoma. That one day, Bungoma County will compete with the other 46 counties, setting a great example to be emulated nationally and across borders; examples the Bungoma people will proud of. 

 At no time will I forget the people whose sweat sent me here and pays my way. My ultimate objective is to serve the people of Bungoma and improve their economic and social welfare, inspired by God’s greatest gift of hope, a belief that there are greater days ahead.