Today 15th September 2022, Fernandes Barasa and his deputy Ayub Savula we took oath of office, taking the reigns of county over from outgoing governor H.E Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya and his Deputy – H.E Prof. Philip Kutima. Articulating his vision anchored on seven pillars, the new Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa agenda for the people of Kakamega promises to strengthen important sectors in the county including those of medicine, agriculture and education. Presiding over the swearing-in was Lady Justice Dorah Chepkwony. The ceremony was conducted by Kakamega Law Courts Chief Magistrate Linus Kassan. Vivienne Mmbaka, who is the Kakamega County Attorney and member of the transition committee was also present. The colorful ceremony took place at Bukhungu Stadium, Lurambi Sub-county, Kakamega Town.
Summary of New Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa Agenda For The People Of Kakamega
Barasa’s Health Agenda
I will ensure that the Health System is functional and meets the needs of everyone and that the health facilities are upgraded, well equipped, stocked with medicine and operated by trained, well remunerated and motivated staff.
Water and Sanitation
My administration shall endeavor to connect as many homesteads as is practically possible to water supply in what I shall call “Amatsi mumuliango,” water at the door step. Ensuring that our households are connected to clean water is not just a moral and administrative obligation, but it is also a constitutional requirement that binds us.
Wealth Creation
It will be the primary responsibility of my administration to capitalize on our peaceful and progressive environment and promote business’ growth and make Kakamega more attractive to investors.
Food Security
My government will provide necessary support to the farmers including trainings especially on climate friendly farming methods, ensure access to fish feeds, provide soft loans through farmers’ cooperatives, recruit and facilitate more extension officers, improve transport infrastructure and spearhead market linkages locally and internationally in order to fetch the best prices for our farmers thereby improving their incomes.
Education
The ECDE teachers as well as the polytechnic instructors have a scheme of service to guide their career growth. The recent promotions and salary increments will motivate the teaching staff of ECDEs and County Polytechnics to deliver on their mandate. I will enhance the infrastructure development and recruit additional teachers and instructors to sustain the best devolved education levels in the county.
Social Development
I will also prioritize the inclusion of all the elderly above 65 years old in our Universal Healthcare by seeking partnerships to pay for their NHIF subscriptions to enable them access medication seamlessly and as when required. I will spearhead the protection of our culture and heritage by supporting and strengthening local initiatives that put Kakamega on the world map.
Good Governance
None of these pillars can be realized without good governance. There is need for all of us, especially elected leaders, to work together since the problems that our people face are better solved by our respective identifications and maximize on the collective solution strategy.
God bless Kakamega. God bless Kenya.