Politicians in Vihiga County have been asked to unite and support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Administration for the sake of stimulating economic growth and development in the area.
The Cabinet Secretaries (CS) Eugene Wamalwa (Devolution), James Macharia (Transport) and John Munyes for Petroleum and Mining, made the appeal on Monday when they launched construction of Gisambai-Shamakhokho road and a granite factory in Hamisi and Luanda Sub-counties respectively.
Addressing residents at Gisambai, Wamalwa reassured members of the public of President Kenyatta’s commitment to have all government projects countrywide, both ongoing and stalled, completed before the next General Election.
Wamalwa enumerated construction to bitumen standard of the 15-kilometre Gisambai-Shamakhoko road, building of granite factory in West Bunyore, completion of the Sh.1.8 billion Belgium funded Vihiga Cluster Water Project and chartering of Kaimosi Friends University College to a fully-fledged university status as some of the key projects earmarked by the National Government.
“These are crucial infrastructural projects that would open up Vihiga County and attract both local and foreign investors for sustainable economic growth and development,” noted Wamalwa, adding the projects will create more employment as well as boost living standards for the local residents.
The Devolution CS thanked area Governor, Dr. Wilber Ottichilo, with his counterparts, Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Sospeter Ojaamong’ (Busia) and Patrick Khaemba of Trans Nzoia for promising to work closely with President Kenyatta’s government.
“All five governors in the former western province are now working with President Uhuru toward realization of the ‘Big Four’ development agenda,” stated Wamalwa.
Speaking in Hamisi, Infrastructure CS Macharia disclosed that the National Treasury had allocated Sh.1billion toward the construction of the Gisambai-Shamakhokho road.
Macharia announced both skilled and unskilled local youth would be hired to work on the project.
“My Ministry will closely supervise and monitor progress of work to ensure the project was completed in record time,” he added.
The CS warned contractors implementing government projects against substandard work, saying they risk having the contract cancelled.
He further warned against embezzlement of tax payers funds by rogue contractors.
Mining CS Munyes thanked Governor Ottichilo’s Administration for purchasing the ten-acre piece of land where the proposed granite factory will sit on in West Bunyore.
Munyes revealed that the National Treasury had allocated Sh.51million to jumpstart work for the granite plant.
He exuded confidence that once completed the factory would take lead in the manufacture and production of tiles, especially for export, in the Eastern African region.
“This will greatly boost Vihiga County’s coffers,” noted Munyes as he urged the residents to embrace the ambitious initiative.
Governor Ottichilo, accompanied by his Deputy, Dr. Patrick Saisi and the County Commissioner, Ochillo Oyugi, thanked the three Cabinet Secretaries and assured them of his Administration’s determination to be part of Kenyatta’s government.
He noted the National Government’s development initiatives would help boost investor confidence for the County.
Also present included Hamisi Member of Parliament, Charles Gimose and former Kakamega Senator, Dr. Boni Khalwale.
By Maurice Aluda
