Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. [File, Standard] Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has renewed calls for reforms in the county’s mining sector, urging greater support for artisanal miners and cautioning large-scale investors to prioritise community interests amid growing con …
… otest. “If any leader wishes to remove another from office, the proper avenue is through the ballot and not violence in the streets," he said.The condemnation comes after youths clashed with police following the national celebrations attended by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa …
… ounty Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance, Planning, ICT, e-Government and Communication, Benjamin Andama, revealed that the draft bill is undergoing further refinement and is expected to be finalised by September 2026 before being forwarded to Governor Fernandes Barasa …
… Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa said the signing of the pact signals an ongoing effort to listen to farmers and consult with development partners to help alleviate the issues facing the agricultural sector. …
Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa and businessman Joseph Hendrix Waswa have filed an application to block a prayer by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to withdraw a Sh240 million extortion case pitting the two against Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. …
Governor Fernandes Barasa receives President William Ruto at Kakamega Airstrip. [File, Standard] President William Ruto is increasingly facing political headwinds in Western Kenya, a region once viewed as a critical pillar in his re-election strategy. …
… out a signed intergovernmental agreement, which must be approved by the Controller of Budget (COB).While presenting a Memorandum to the Senate Finance and Budget committee in a session chaired by Vice Chairperson Tabitha Mutinda, CoG Finance Committee Chairperson Fernandes Barasa …
Audio By VocalizeKakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa addresses faithful during Easter mass at Holy Spirit Bulimbo Catholic church in Matungu, on April 5, 2026. …
… Leaders already present in the chilly, drizzling morning include Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, Cooperative CS Wycliffe Oparanya, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, Governors Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), Wilber Ottichilo (Vihiga), and Kakamega's Fernandes Barasa. …
Governor Fernandes Barasa has renewed calls for reforms in Kakamega's mining sector, urging greater support for artisanal miners and cautioning large-scale investors to prioritise community interests amid controversy over the proposed Sh687 billion gold mining project by Shanta Gold Limited.
Governor Fernandes Barasa has renewed calls for reforms in Kakamega's mining sector, urging greater support for artisanal miners and cautioning large-scale investors to prioritise community interests amid controversy over the proposed Sh687 billion gold mining project by Shanta Gold Limited.
Religious leaders in Mumias West Constituency have condemned violence that erupted after Madaraka Day celebrations at Bomani Grounds, which left several people injured and damaged property. The unrest began as crowds dispersed from the event, with youths chanting "One Term" slogans against Governor Barasa and President Ruto, subsequently blocking roads, lighting fires, and damaging vehicles.
Kakamega County has unveiled a revised Finance Bill aiming to raise Sh2.2 billion in own-source revenue for the 2026/2027 financial year. County officials say the legislation will strengthen revenue administration, improve compliance, and reduce reliance on national government allocations.
Leaders from Western Kenya, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and governors, have intensified calls for the region to secure the Deputy President position in President Ruto's 2027 re-election campaign. The demand emerged during a consultative meeting in Naivasha, with the leaders arguing that Western Kenya's large voting bloc and consistent political support warrant greater representation in top national leadership.
Kakamega County Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation to improve farming, employment, and clean energy use in the county. Governor Fernandes Barasa said the partnership aims to increase agricultural production, improve farmers' incomes, and support sustainable farming practices while creating jobs and supporting women, youth, and small-scale farmers.
President William Ruto is experiencing growing political headwinds in Western Kenya, a region previously considered a key pillar of his re-election strategy.
The Council of Governors has asked Parliament to amend the Public Finance Management Act to allow counties immediate access to Sh75.7 billion in conditional allocations once the County Government Additional Allocation Bill, 2026, is enacted, arguing that current requirements for signed intergovernmental agreements interfere with the budget cycle.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has welcomed a recent truce between the Senate and the Council of Governors over county oversight and accountability, saying the agreement signals a new chapter in relations and will enhance devolution's effectiveness. Barasa stated that governors are ready to appear before Senate committees, but called for the process to be conducted with mutual respect and decorum.
Kenya's 61st Labour Day celebrations are being held at Friends School Chavakali High in Vihiga County, marking the first time the event has been hosted outside Nairobi. The gathering includes senior government officials and is organised around the theme "Strengthening Local Production and Protecting Workers' Rights."