LREB appoints musician Akothee as part of team to lead economic recovery

The Lake Region Economic Bloc has rolled out new strategies it is putting in place to help its members to combat the spread of Covid-19.

On top of the strategies that the 14-member counties have now put in place is the establishment of 17-member Covid-19 resource mobilization and advisory committee.

The members of the committee include celebrities and investors in the region with the bloc hoping that their inclusion in the fray will help transform the fight against Covid-19.

Among the members that have been appointed by the bloc include celebrated musician Esther Akoth (pictured above), popularly known as Akothee, alongside prominent businessmen.

In a press statement sent to newsrooms on Wednesday, the chairman of the bloc and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said that the committee will play an integral role in helping mobilise resources to help steer the counties in economic recovery.

“The partial opening of the economy and cross border movement of people caused increased Covid-19 infection spread and requires additional commitments and efforts,” said Oparanya.

By July, 29, the region had already recorded about 1255 positive cases of the virus with the leaders now focused to ensuring that the cases are under control.

According to the bloc, there is an urgent need by authorities to shift their focus on economic recovery even as they continue to battle the soaring cases.

Oparanya said that the bloc is focused on ensuring that they do proper resource mobilization to help caution the region even after the pandemic.

“Mobilisation of critical actors in both public and private sectors is of utmost urgency and importance towards mounting an effective regional Covid-19 control and socio-economy in the region,” said Oparanya.

Members of the committee will be officially inaugurated on August 14 to begin their journey in helping the bloc in its quest to handle Covid-19.

Among the main duties they will be expected to undertake include establishing the level of socio-economic impact of the pandemic on households in the region.

They will also be expected to propose to the bloc mechanisms for effective linkages, inter-county sharing of resources for Covid-19 and for socio-economic recovery.

“The activities will also include but not limited to promoting local production of medical supplies in the region,” said Oparanya.

With the developments, the bloc is optimistic that it will be able to caution its members against the adverse effects of the pandemic.

According to Oparanya, the bloc has already lined up a series of activities for the day the committee will be officially launched with CS Mutahi Kagwe expected to grace the event.

Residents will also be offered free medical testing when the bloc will be availing the committee.

The bloc consists of 14 member counties which include; Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya, Bomet, Nandi, Kericho, Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Trans Nzoia.