By Rodgers Omondi, Busia
Leaders led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula have urged residents of the Western region to continue supporting President William Ruto’s government, citing ongoing development projects across the region.
Speaking during a boda boda empowerment programme at NYS Achiya Echakara Institute in Teso North, Wetang’ula said the government had allocated KSh7 billion for the first phase of the Malaba-Bungoma-Eldoret dual carriageway.
“The dual carriageway will start from Malaba Border through Bungoma to Eldoret, connecting with the ongoing Rironi road. The government has allocated KSh7 billion for the first phase,” he said.
He added that infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway extension to Malaba and the upgrading of Matulo Airstrip into an international airport would create employment and expand market opportunities.
“From October this year, Matulo Airstrip will be ready for international flights, while the SGR will also extend to Malaba to improve transport and trade,” he said.
Presidential aide Farouk Kibet called on leaders and residents to support the establishment of quarantine and isolation centres as part of Ebola preparedness measures.
“The quarantine centres are meant to protect Kenyans. We need to support these interventions so that we are ready in case an Ebola case is detected,” he said.
He also challenged boda boda operators to invest wisely and improve their livelihoods through the empowerment programme.
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma praised the initiative, saying it would help transform the lives of young people while strengthening collaboration between the county and national governments.
“Our youth need support, and we are working closely with the national government to create opportunities that will improve their lives,” he said.
Otuoma also commended national government investments in agriculture, affordable housing, the CAIP programme and the Export Processing Zone at Nasewa, saying Busia had greatly benefited from the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya lauded the government’s efforts in improving the NYS Achiya Echakara Institute but appealed for the construction of more student hostels.
“The institute already has learners, but hostel facilities remain inadequate. We urge the government to support hostel construction to accommodate more students,” he said.
Teso South MP Mary Emase reiterated her call for Ebola quarantine centres to be established away from hospitals that provide routine healthcare services.
“The Ministry of Health should establish quarantine centres away from facilities used by local residents seeking medical services,” she said.
Emase added that Busia leaders remain committed to working with the national government to support development projects, noting that the county has witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure, markets and public institutions under the current administration.
