𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐖𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝟔𝟑𝐑𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐀 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒.

H.E. Dr. Fernandes Barasa, FCPA, OGW, today presided over the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations at Bomani Grounds in Mumias West Sub-County alongside County Commissioner Mr. Taari Rwaria. Held under the national theme, “Education and Skills for the Future,”the event provided an opportunity for the Governor to highlight the progress made by his administration in advancing development, improving service delivery, and transforming the lives of residents across the county.

Addressing wananchi, Governor Barasa noted that as the country commemorates 63 years of self-governance, Kakamega County continues to make significant strides anchored on his administration’s six-pillar development agenda. He observed that devolution has provided counties with an opportunity to address local development priorities and improve the quality of life of residents through targeted investments in key sectors.

The Governor noted that his administration inherited numerous challenges in 2022, including stalled projects, weak healthcare infrastructure, inadequate public facilities, unemployment, and pending bills exceeding KSh10 billion. He said these challenges informed the development of the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023–2027, which continues to guide the implementation of programmes aimed at delivering sustainable and inclusive development across all sectors.

In the health sector, Governor Barasa highlighted the ongoing construction of the Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, a flagship project being implemented jointly by the County and National Governments, and is expected to create over 3,000 direct jobs. He also cited the expansion of Butere County Hospital, upgrading of Shamakhubu Hospital, establishment of maternity wings and inpatient wards, construction of new health centres, and the recruitment of 360 healthcare workers. Through the Barasa Care programme, healthcare access points have increased from 34 to 61 facilities, while 4,250 Community Health Promoters have been equipped and supported to strengthen primary healthcare services.

The Governor further noted that in addition to the 750-bed capacity Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital, the other project nearing completion this year, in collaboration with the National Government, is the Bukhungu International Stadium. He said the projects are expected to enhance healthcare services, nurture talent, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth across the region.

On water and economic development, Governor Barasa highlighted the completion of key projects, including the Savona, Shianda, Misango, Inyanya, Etenje, Kuvasali, and Mwihomo water schemes, alongside the drilling and equipping of 239 boreholes to expand access to clean and safe water. He also pointed to the operationalisation of the FUKA Maize Processing Plant in Lugari, the ongoing construction of the Kakamega County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Likuyani, and the establishment of Kenya Gold Refinery plant in Iguhu, Ikolomani.Through the Kakamega County Microfinance Agency, over KSh180 million has been disbursed to more than 2,100 local entrepreneurs to support business growth and job creation.

On infrastructure and food security, the Governor said the county has completed approximately 33.8 kilometres of tarmac roads, improved about 760 kilometres of all weather roads through maintenance and rehabilitation programmes, and constructed 11 major bridges to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade. He added that his administration remains on the course to improve 1,080 kilometres of roads by the end of the year. Governor Barasa further noted that the county has invested KSh2.2 billion in subsidised fertiliser and certified maize seeds, benefiting approximately 175,000 farmers and increasing annual maize production from 1.9 million to 2.8 million bags.

In education and social empowerment, the Governor reported that the county has completed 29 ECDE centres and is constructing 42 more, while KSh180 million in bursaries has been disbursed during the 2025/2026 Financial Year, benefiting 47,793 students across the county. Since 2022, the county has allocated KSh720 million towards bursary support, employed 1,911 ECDE teachers and 335 vocational training instructors and supported more than 800 persons living with disabilities with assistive devices, in addition to the financial and training support for the 6000 beneficiaries of the first and second cohorts of the County Youth and Women Empowerment Program.

He reiterated that the county has prioritised the construction of ECDE centres, health facilities, water projects, roads, and market infrastructure, noting that self-governance must translate into tangible development and a better quality of life for the people.Governor Barasa lauded the success of the Governor’s Cup tournament, which has engaged over 96,000 young people, and called upon residents to uphold unity, peace, and collective responsibility in advancing development.

Also present were Kakamega First Lady Prof. Janet Kassilly Barasa, Deputy Governor Hon. Ayub Savula, Members of the County Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Speaker James Namatsi, the Executive religious leaders, Council of Elders, other leaders and members of the public