GOVERNOR’S CHRISTMAS DONATION TO RESIDENTS AS HE ASSENTS TO SIX BILLS

H.E. Governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya today assented to six Kakamega County Assembly bills to anchor in law various legislative and policy processes in the departments of public service and administration, water and environment, agriculture and social services. He also presented donations to the institutions to mark the festive christmas season.

Addressing guests including county leaders, senior county officials and members of the public during the christmas tree lighting ceremony at county headquarters, the governor reiterated efforts to promote Kakamega town to city status in 2022. He said city status would translate into better physical planning, infrastructure and utility services for residents as well as attraction of more investors into the county. “Unplanned kiosks will be removed and small traders relocated to appropriate places”, he said.

On claims of high cost of health services at Kakamega referral hospital, the governor said the facility should cater for referral cases only and called on residents to refer common and easily treatable ailments such as malaria and coughs to health facilities at sub county level.

The governor who was responding to remarks by Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala on the cost of health services, said the cost of services at level 5 and 6 hospitals rates are determined by NHIF guidelines due to high level of expertise of consultants who serve in those facilities.

Kakamega Woman Representative, Hon. Elsie Muhanda decried high incidences of gender based violence in the county and called for harsher punishment for sex offenders.

Also present were the Deputy Governor, H.E. Philip Kutima, Speaker of County Assembly, Hon. Morris Buluma, CEC Members, the Chairperson of Kakamega County Public Service Board members led by Madam Rodah Masaviru and representatives from various institutions for disadvantaged members of the community among others.