This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
As President Uhuru Kenyatta's term draws to a close, his government has announced plans to revive stalled multi-million shilling projects in Western Kenya. Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa revealed that the President is keen on reviving ailing sugar factories, upgrading roads, and rehabilitating airstrips in the region.
Speaking in Kakamega town, Mr. Wamalwa stated that the government would also help revive the cotton industry in the region, with a focus on promoting BT cotton. He noted that the President supports efforts to revive the stalled projects and has already requested a meeting between Transport CS and the five governors from the region to discuss the state of airports in the region.
Regarding the ailing sugar sector, Wamalwa stated that the Governor Wycliffe Oparanya-chaired sugar taskforce had already submitted a report to the President, who is still consulting on a proper plan to revive the sector. The taskforce's recommendations were discussed in detail in the cabinet, and the President is working on a plan to revive the sugar sector, particularly the ailing Mumias Sugar Company, which owes Kenya Revenue Authority Sh11 billion.
Wamalwa was accompanied by governors Oparanya, Wilbur Ottichilo (Vihiga), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), and Sospeter Ojaamong' (Busia). The region's leaders expressed their support for President Kenyatta and ODM party leader Raila Odinga's Building Bridges Initiative, urging all leaders to unite ahead of the 2022 elections.
