Western Kenya region to support the Government's Development Agenda
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on Western Kenya region to support the Government's development agenda.
On the first day of the 5-day Kenya Kwanza Western Kenya tour, Mudavadi urged the people of Western Kenya to reflect on the manifesto and promises made by President William Ruto for the benefit of the region.
“What you need to ask yourselves as a people is whether you are a county and region that attracts investments, development and job creation or if you are the most-risky county to invest in,” said Mudavadi.
Mudavadi who had accompanied President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, made the remarks while on a meet the people tour of Busia after launching a surgical ward wing at Busia Teaching and Referral hospital.
With the uptake of devolution, Mudavadi said counties remain a focus for economic transformation and urged the residents to hold their leaders to account before raising concerns on what the national government is doing to support development agenda at the grassroot levels.
“You the people of Busia if you focus and take your energy to protests, demonstrations and destruction of property, who will come to invest in your county?” he posed.
Adding: “The national government cannot be working so hard to build roads, markets and create opportunities for job creation then you decide to gang up and take us back to zero because of the political greed of one or two leaders.”
The Prime Cabinet Secretary was categorical that Busia as one of the border counties, is a main gateway for Kenyan business partnership with other East African countries, saying destabilizing the security and normalcy of operations in Busia affects growth domestic product of the country to a huge extent.
He added that Uganda being the main business partner in the East African region and Kenya being the economic hub for the region, Busia has to be above board as a county that will set pace for economic transformation of not only Kenya but the region and beyond.
“As the people of this region you need to ask yourself what percentage of what is collected in terms of revenue from the inter-transit trade remains here in Busia and Western Kenya. If you reflect on this issue then you will understand the significance of the geographical location of Busia and what needs to be done for us to gain economically,” stated Mudavadi.
Mudavadi also emphasized the need for Western Kenya to appreciate President Ruto’s political generosity saying he has extended an olive branch to the people in the region and wants them to be part of his government.
“When we say we want a united Kenya and call for national unity and inclusivity, President Ruto is the best example for this. We have seen the key appointments he has given to the sons and daughters of Mulembe nation. This does not mean that he has not done so for other regions, but it sends a message that the President has the interest of the people of Western at heart," said Mudavadi.
In Alupe University where the President opened a new library and promised to support the university to attain the standards like other universities across the country, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and called on policy makers in the education sector to prioritise the changing dynamics to fit into new education advancements in the country.
“We want to harness quality human capital from the students who graduate from our universities and that is why we are investing adequate resources to our institutions of higher learning," He said.