National Assembly Speaker Dr. Moses Wetang’ula led the Japanese ambassador to Kenya, Ken Okaniwa, on a tour of Bungoma County this week in pursuit of education, agriculture, and socio-economic partnerships.
Speaking at Bungoma County headquarters, Wetang’ula, together with Members of Parliament (MPs), the Deputy Governor and Governor Kenneth Lusaka held a candid discussion on areas of partnership.
“We have had fruitful discussions with Japan’s ambassador and Governor Lusaka on the areas of partnerships in the future; we have had partnerships with them before in education,” Wetang’ula said.
Wetang’ula stated, “We want to do more partnerships with Japan in making social and economic interventions to help our people.”
The Ford Kenya leader said that Bungoma is a 100 percent green and productive country, saying that what is needed are interventions from partners to maximise production, value addition, and manufacturing for our goods to leave here ready for international markets.
“Our engagement with Japan is very important,” Wetang’ula noted.
Wetang’ula noted that the visit to Bungoma County is historic as the two countries, Kenya and Japan, celebrate 60 years of long-standing bilateral relationships.
Wetang’ula added that Bungoma is among the border counties that have directly benefited from Japan’s pool of investments in education and infrastructural development, among others.
Governor Lusaka expressed his gratitude to the visiting ambassador, affirming his total commitment to solidifying and expanding partnership slots with Japan in elevating and equipping TVETs and value addition in industrial parks.
“This visit by the Ambassador is historic to our country as we celebrate our long-standing ties with Japan. We look forward to tapping into their great pool of networks for the common good of our people,” he said.
The Ambassador affirmed his commitment to partnering with Bungoma to improve education standards and value addition.
Bungoma Trade and Industrialization CECM Caro Khalayi said that with the launch of the Industrial Park in Bungoma, farmers will process their products for international markets.
“This partnership is timely as it will see local farmers process their goods here in Bungoma and pack them for international markets,” she said.
She added, “If an investor comes, it will be a huge relief for coffee farmers in the region.”
Also present were Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, MPs John Makali (Kanduyi), Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Bungoma County Assembly Speaker Emmanuel Situma, and County CECMs, among others.
By Roseland Lumwamu
