Kakamega County government is aiming to transform Malava, Matunda, and Butere urban centers into Municipalities to unlock their economic potential.
The proposal was revealed during a public participation event in Butere Sub County before being approved by the county assembly as a bill.
If sanctioned, a resolution is drafted and forwarded to the County Governor requesting him to confer the concerned towns with the status of a municipality by granting a charter in the prescribed form.
County Secretary Lawrence Omuhaka announced the upgrading of infrastructure, along with significant developments in the area, including grants and funds from various development partners.
Mariam Barasa, the lands CECM, expressed gratitude to MCAs for their active participation in the Municipality conferment process.
The call for public views by the county assembly was to provide views on the county finance bill 2024/2025 and the proposed elevation of Butere, Matunda and Malava urban areas to municipalities.
However, Barasa said that such participation by the public will reflect the preferences, hopes and aspirations of the people.
Alternatively, the county finance bill 2024/25 is a legislative proposal that outlines the financial framework for the county government of Kakamega.
Critical public participation will ensure transparency and accountability reflecting the needs of the people and their priorities within their locality.
Other key members present in the meeting included the County Attorney Vivienne Mmbaka, Finance CECM Livingston Imbayi, Chief Officer Aden Shakir for Urban Areas and Physical Planning, Justin Mutobera for Lands and Committee Chair for County Assembly’s Lands Committee Timothy Wanzetse.
The county secretary said the growth of municipalities will not only bring services closer to the people but also create economic knobs that will create opportunities for many people.
By John Ochanda
