The Kakamega County Security Team has vowed to enhance security surveillance as the country gears towards December festivities.
Acting County Commissioner Ngalia Ndaya, who presided over the 60th Madaraka Day at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega town on Tuesday, said sufficient security arrangements have been put in place to ensure law and order are maintained over the Christmas and New Year festivities.
He called for enhanced collaboration between security agencies and members of the public, saying this was key to ensuring peace was maintained.
Mr. Ngalia also urged drivers to exercise caution on the roads during the festive season, adding that it was the responsibility of all road users to adhere to road safety regulations.
“Those travelling must adhere to road safety measures to curb accidents that can otherwise be avoided,” he added.
Speaking at the function, Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa hailed the county security team for ensuring peace prevailed, saying the county has not experienced any major insecurity occurrences.
Mr. Barasa maintained that he will continue working closely with President William Ruto, saying this was vital in ensuring the devolved unit achieves its agenda for the local people.
He announced that his government has doubled the bursary fund from Sh.120 million to Sh.240 million per year to ensure needy but bright students from vulnerable families and the disabled proceed with their secondary education.
He also revealed that the Ministry of Health has so far collected Sh.187 million this financial year under the Health Improvement Fund, to be invested back into the same facilities through the purchase of pharmaceuticals and infrastructure development.
According to the Governor, the County Health Services Fund 2023 has given financial autonomy to health facilities in the county to manage their funds to ensure effective, efficient, and sustainable health systems at all levels.
Barasa said the fund also seeks to address inherent delays in disbursement by the National Treasury that has always resulted in challenges, including shortages of essential medical commodities that affect health services.
The governor, however, sent out a stern warning to some county staff suspected of being involved in the misuse or theft of pharmaceutical drugs that they will be dealt with firmly.
Speaking at the venue, Deputy Governor Ayub Savula hailed President William Ruto for signing into law the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Amendment Act, which has increased the allocation for bursaries under the NG-CDF from 35 to 40 per cent.
“These funds, together with the allocation from county governments, will ensure all vulnerable students go to school,” he added.
By George Kaiga
