‘INVEST IN YOUR SOCIETY BACK HOME’ ~ WESTERN KENYA PROFESSIONALS URGED
The inaugural annual Western Jurists Forum (WJF) organized by legal professionals with roots from Western Kenya counties of Bungoma, Vihiga, Trans Nzoia, Busia and Kakamega has today officially launched “Wakili Nyumbani” initiative to assist the Western residents access justice. The initiative launched at Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology (MMUST), Kakamega, also seeks to awaken the socio-economic potential of Western Kenyay through industrial, technological and financial planning.
Kakamega Governor H.E. FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya who was represented by County Assembly speaker Hon. Morris Indakwa Buluma thanked the WJF as well as the Western Professional Caucus for the collaboration terming it a good gesture towards realization of development in the region.
“We all agree no one chooses their place of birth but with good education, hardwork and commitment we can for sure change for the better and in the process transform society,” he said.
The governor lauded the jurists for their spirit to empower the community through the forum and called upon other professionals from the region to join in the course. “My understanding that the WJF has established a SACCO with an aim of growing it into a Microfinance Institution is very much welcome as it will improve the economic welfare of jurists from this region and further more positively impact to the economic well-being of our people,” he added.
He encouraged the WJF to stay longer in the region and moreso Kakamega County to ensure residents learn of their basic constitutional rights.
Vihiga County governor H.E. Dr. Wilbur Ottichilo said governors under the former Western Province belt of Kakamega, Vihiga,Bungoma,Busia and Trans Nzoia have agreed to support the cause as a way of bringing back professionals to invest in the region. He challenged youths to change their mindset by shifting away from over reliance on white collar employment to venturing into self employment.
The WTF leadership later donated books to Mahiakalo Primary school as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility activity and to rid the society of illiteracy.
The event was also attended by Bungoma County deputy governor H.E. Prof. Charles Ngome, MMUST Ag. Vice Chancellor Prof. Asenath Sigot, Vice President of the Law Society of Kenya and convener Harriet Chigai, Kenya Industrial Estates CEO Dr. Permain Ole Narikae, Nzoia Sugar Company CEO CPA Makokha Wanjala, CEO Metropol East Africa Ltd Sam Omukoko, renown scholar Prof. Dr. Moni Wekesa and celebrated lawyer Nelson Havi among others.