Kakamega
Early Christmas for needy families as Oparanya lights Christmas tree
By GPS
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya today led County residents in a colourful Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega, and cautioned them against reckless behaviour during the festive season.
“Lighting of the County Christmas tree is one of our most valued traditions,” Oparanya said, adding that the occasion symbolized the spirit of giving and caring for the less fortunate members in the community.
Oparanya and his deputy Prof. Philip Kutima presented assorted foodstuffs to hundreds of needy individuals and representatives of orphanages from within Kakamega Municipality and market centres across the County.
The County Government thanked individuals, business enterprises and institutions for overwhelming response to the government’s request for the festive season’s donations for special schools, orphanages, People Living with Disabilities and the homeless.
On Christmas festivities he said, “Have fun responsibly and avoid driving recklessly. For those who drink, do so responsibly,” he cautioned.
The County boss said this year had presented daunting challenges to wananchi including deaths from torrential rains and landslides, as well as the cash crunch caused by disagreements between the Senate and the National Assembly on the Division of Revenue Bill 2019.
However, he said much gains were also made in revenue collection following introduction of the cashless revenue collection system by his Administration.
“By end of this Financial Year, we expect to collect over Sh.2 billion up from Sh500 million in previous years,” he said.
Governor Oparanya enumerated flagship projects initiated by the County government and were in their final stages of completion including the Teaching and Referral Hospital, Level 4 hospitals in Mumias and Shamakhubu and construction of Malava dairy processing plant which he said will transform the lives of the residents.
Oparanya who is also the Chairman of the Council of Governors, expressed optimism that wananchi will get an opportunity to discuss the recently released report by the BBI taskforce and come up with concrete recommendations towards building a strong, democratic and inclusive Kenya.
“In January 2020, leaders from western Kenya will meet to discuss the way forward and provide focused leadership to the community,” he said.
The governor congratulated students for improved KSCE examination performance
and encouraged parents to invest in educating their children. He added that in cases where by families were unable to raise school fees, the county government will make appropriate interventions.
Governor Oparanya wished Kakamega residents a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.
Present were CECMs led by CECM Public Service and Administration, Dr. Beatrice Sabana, chief officers, County Secretary and Head of Public Service Madam Jacinta Aluoch Odhiambo, Chairperson of Kakamega County Public Service Board, madam Catherine Omweno, deputy speaker of the County Assembly, Soita Kasaya, Chief of staff, Robert Sumbi and business leaders.
Ends
