By Faith Anene, Kakamega
Shinyalu Member of Parliament Fred Ikana on Friday handed over a brand-new school bus to St. Monica Secondary School, fulfilling a long-standing promise to the institution’s students and teachers.
Ikana used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to transforming education and infrastructure in the constituency, describing them as key pillars of sustainable development.
“We still keep making investments in education and infrastructure to bring development to our people in Shinyalu,” he said. “Our children deserve reliable transport, and our schools must be equipped to give every learner a fair chance.”
He also disclosed that his office is working with the national government to extend electricity to the remaining off-grid villages, a move he said would unlock economic opportunities and uplift living standards across rural communities.
The MP also lauded the progress made under the Uwezo Fund in Shinyalu, highlighting its role in boosting grassroots economic empowerment. Since the fund’s inception, Shinyalu Constituency has received KSh26.3 million in allocations, with KSh22.75 million already approved for disbursement.
A total of 157 groups that comprise of 102 women groups, 53 youth groups, and two for persons with disabilities have so far benefited, reaching 1,761 individuals.
Ikana noted that the constituency has recorded KSh7.7 million in repayments, representing a 34.1 percent repayment rate. This amount is now available for redistribution under the fund’s revolving model, ensuring new eligible applicants continue to benefit.
With the current maximum lending threshold at KSh2.63 million, the MP encouraged groups to apply for either Wezesha (first-time loans) or Endeleza (refinancing) through the Constituency Uwezo Fund Management Committee.
“The Uwezo Fund is a powerful tool for building economic resilience and self-reliance in our communities,” he said.
Ikana also echoed recent sentiments by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula that no one was planning to steal next elections.
However, he made it clear that President William Ruto’s second term must be secured through transparent means and not through electoral manipulation.
“I want to reiterate what our speaker Moses Wetang’ula has said that President Ruto will triumph in a second term by democracy and not any other devious means,” he stated. “If there is anybody who is determined to steal votes, let him stand alone. Do not involve the President in such odious actions.”
Ikana challenged fellow leaders to focus on tangible service delivery, cautioning that political success hinges on performance—not propaganda.
“At the end of five years, Kenyans will evaluate us based on our delivery. That is what will win us a second term—not stolen votes,” he concluded.
