Governor Barasa Launches Rapid Response Roads, Defends his Working Relationship with Govt

By Wakhungu Andaje

Kakamega county governor Fernandez Barasa lashes out at his critics following his close working relationship with the national government.

Governor Fernandes Barasa defended his administration’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s government, saying the partnership has helped attract and accelerate national development projects in Kakamega County.

Addressing the masses in Shinyalu while inspecting 10 county roads in Isukha East ward, as well as the ongoing maintenance of the 27-kilometre Kambi ya Mwanza–Kambiri–Chirovani–Rondo Road, which traverses Kabras East, Isukha North and Isukha East wards, Barasa said the project will complement the 25-kilometre Kakamega airstrip–Shinyalu–Rondo–Chepsonoi road being undertaken by the national government.

The governor hailed the input from the national government towards the implementation of various projects within the county aligning them with the good rapport he has with the government through President William Ruto. 

"These two projects demonstrate the high levels of benefits of cooperation between our two arms of government and I'm urging residents to reject politicians seeking to take credit for projects delivered through the partnership.

This is an initiative that we negotiated with the President for the Kakamega residents and it's surprising to see some politicians chest thumping that it's their project and yet her docket has no funds for road mantainance and I call on them to desist " he cautioned.

He further named the completion of both Bukhungu stadium and Kakamega level six referral as other mega projects which the national government was partnering with the county and which upon completion will transform the face of Kakamega county Businessman and main contractor of the Kambi ya Mwanza–Kambiri–Chirovani–Rondo Road, Cleophas Shimanyula, alias Toto said the cooperation between the two levels of government presents Kakamega residents with an opportunity to benefit from development initiatives at both levels.

"Under the initiative, maintenance of several county all-weather roads has begun in Shinyalu Sub-County. In Isukha East, 11 roads are being upgraded: Mukhuru–Hakuna Kulala; Mukhuru Polytechnic–Maluna Primary; Kisia Market–Mukhuru PEFA; Vikoshe–Khumpaka; Mutuli–Mulitsi; Shilongo–Chemneko; Ambeyi Ligabo–Chemneko; Mukomari–Isango; Vikutsa–Mukhuyu PEFA; Mukhuyu PEFA–Khumpaka; and Ikuywa–Musanyi"said Barasa.

The governor in hat addressing the locals on site

The works are expected to make everyday journeys easier, strengthen links between communities and markets, and improve access to schools, health facilities and other essential services.

He confirmed that upon completion,the road network initiative will further support mobility of farm produce and other goods, contributing to local economic growth.

Governor Barasa said the rapid response roads initiative will be rolled out across the county as part of his broader development agenda, with the County government continuing to invest in infrastructure that improves the lives and livelihoods of residents.

He later in the day also engaged residents at Chirobani market cin Shinyalu sub county where he highlighted ongoing development projects including water connectivity in Ivihiga and Chirobani and the construction of modern ECDE centres in Vikoshe, Irenji and other areas.