Joshua (Odhiambo) Oduor 
Kakamega, Kenya -11th September, 2024 – Kakamega County Governor, H.E. FCPA Fernandes Barasa presided over the graduation ceremony of 200 newly trained County Marshals at the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Showground in Lurambi Sub-county . The ceremony marked the completion of an intensive training program for the officers, aimed at preparing them for crucial roles in the county’s governance and revenue collection efforts.
During the event, the officers took their oath of service, which was administered by County Attorney CS Viviane Mmbaka. The newly graduated officers have been tasked with multiple responsibilities, including maintaining order in parking areas, managing traffic, responding to safety and emergency situations, and supporting the county enforcement unit in revenue collection.
In his address, Governor Barasa commended the officers for their dedication to the rigorous training process, underscoring the significance of their role in the county’s broader governance strategy. He emphasized the county’s potential to enhance its Own-Source Revenue (OSR) collection, projecting that Kakamega County could generate Ksh. 5 billion annually.
He directed the newly trained marshals, many of whom will be deployed to the revenue department, to focus on meeting this year’s target of Ksh. 2.2 billion.
“The officers who are joining the revenue collection unit are expected to play a critical role in ensuring we meet our revenue targets,” said Governor Barasa. “This will help fund key projects under my administration’s six-point agenda and enable the completion of stalled projects across the county.”
Governor Barasa’s six-point agenda includes initiatives that aim to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment in Kakamega County. He also announced an increase in the number of beneficiary groups under the county grants program, raising the number from 15 to 20 per ward.
Additionally, the Governor extended the contracts of service members under the County Youth Service and Women Empowerment Program (CYSWEP), commonly referred to as “Kazi Mashinani,” for another year, a decision that was met with widespread applause from the attendees.
The Governor further highlighted the positive outcomes of his collaboration with the National Government, particularly regarding the completion of legacy projects initiated by the previous administration.
Notably, he mentioned the Bukhungu International Stadium and the Kakamega Level-6 Hospital, both of which are now set to be completed and operationalized.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the First Lady, Prof. Janet Kassilly Barasa, Majority Leader Hon. Philip Maina, and several county officials, alongside the families and friends of the graduating officers.
The graduation of the County Marshals marks a critical step in Kakamega County’s efforts to enhance governance and revenue collection capacity while empowering local communities through job creation and service programs.
