GOVERNOR JAMES ONGWAE ELECTED LREB VICE CHAIR

Kisii County Governor H.E. James Ongwae has been elected the vice chairperson of the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) taking over from former Bomet Governor Dr. Joyce Laboso. Governor Ongwae will now deputise Kakamega governor and chair Council of Governors (CoG) H.E. FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya at the five year old bloc.

Speaking during 5th LREB Summit meeting held at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) grounds, Siaya county, Governor Oparanya congratulated Governor Ongwae saying his vast experience will be an asset to the LREB fraternity. “As a bloc we have initiated key flagship projects that will go along way in empowering our people socially and and economically as we leverage on our shared cross border resources,” he said.

The LREB chair noted that the formation of a Regional bank, for instance, will improve businesses due to its favourable lending interests. He added that the bloc was working closely with the national government to revive the troubled sugar sector, that was once an economic backbone of the region.

Also present were nine governors; Hon. Cornell Rasanga (host), Hon. Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Dr. Wilbur Otichillo (Vihiga), Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), Dr. Hillary Barchok (Bomet), Hon. Sospeter Ojaamong’
(Busia), Hon. James Ongwae (Kisii) and Hon. Cyprian Awiti (Homabay); deputy governors from 13 member counties, Speakers of member County Assemblies, CECMs, County Secretaries as well as the outgoing and incoming CEOs of the LREB Mr. Abala Wanga and Kodek Migiro respectively.

N/B: Resolutions passed during the 5th LREB Summit to appear in our upcoming post.