Joshua (Odhiambo) Oduor 
Ikolomani, Kenya- 7th September, 2024- Kakamega County leaders have urged Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to prioritize the completion of long-delayed development projects in the region, which they say are crucial to the county’s growth.
The leaders made the call during an event at the Ikolomani NG-CDF Hall, where Oparanya distributed Uwezo Fund cheques to beneficiaries. Present at the event were Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, Lurambi MP Titus Khamala, Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali, Malava MP Malulu Injendi, and Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda.
Among the projects the leaders want completed are the Jamindas-Akatsa road, Lurambi-Nanbacha-Musikoma road, a gold refinery, Bukhungu Stadium, and the Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital. These projects, initiated during Oparanya’s tenure as Kakamega’s first governor, have remained incomplete, prompting frustration among local residents and leaders.
Lurambi MP Titus Khamala praised Oparanya as a vital link between Kakamega and the national government. He thanked President William Ruto for appointing Oparanya to the Cabinet, expressing optimism that the county would now see the completion of the stalled projects.
“We thank President William Ruto for appointing him to the Cabinet. Kakamega has been in darkness but now we have Oparanya to show us the way,” Khamala said.
Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali emphasized that Oparanya’s leadership would be key to reversing the historical underdevelopment of Western Kenya. He said that development in the region had been slow since independence and urged Oparanya to convene a meeting of all elected leaders to discuss the county’s future.
“I want to tell you without fear of contradiction that we are inside this government and there’s no going back. We shall demand our share,” Shinali asserted.
Deputy Governor Ayub Savula reiterated the importance of Oparanya’s role in ensuring that Western Kenya receives its share of development. He praised Oparanya for choosing to hold his first official event in the county, saying it was a reflection of his commitment to the region.
“The seat you occupy belongs to the people of Western. I appreciate that you have decided to have your first official function in Western because charity begins at home,” Savula said.
Malulu Injendi, the MP for Malava, highlighted Oparanya’s reputation as a seasoned leader, recalling his tenure as Butere MP, a Cabinet Minister in the grand coalition government, and Kakamega governor.
During the event, Oparanya pledged to support women, youth, and persons with disabilities by facilitating their access to Ksh 72 million from the Uwezo Fund. The funds are expected to uplift small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the county and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable groups.
