… Furthermore, Governor Fernandes Barasa's administration has set aside Sh171.9 million for medical drugs, Sh105 million for non-pharmaceutical supplies, and Sh128.5 million for implementation of community health strategies, while additional Sh127.5 million has been allocated to Co …
Audio By VocalizeKakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa joins county staff choir during Madaraka Day celebrations at Bomani grounds in Mumias West, on June 1, 2026. …
… She explained that the programme is part of Governor Fernandes Barasa’s broader agenda of creating a conducive business environment and promoting economic empowerment through accessible financial services. …
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. …
Kibera Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo has given Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa a final opportunity to provide financial records in a Ksh.250 million fraud case against former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa and co-accused Joseph Waswa, who have denied all charges.
Five health workers' unions have issued Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa a three-day ultimatum to resolve a dispute over a Recognition Agreement, threatening to withdraw services after a scheduled signing ceremony on Tuesday was derailed when the County Attorney and her legal team failed to attend.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale have urged the Luhya community to support President William Ruto's re-election bid, arguing that backing the incumbent would help western Kenya secure the presidency in 2032. Duale noted that more than 1.5 million people in the western region have not registered as voters.
President Ruto's allies, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, have accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of sponsoring emerging political leaders from Western Kenya to divide the region's voting bloc and weaken the President's re-election prospects ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Senior Kenya Kwanza leaders including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and President William Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet are expected in Likuyani Constituency, Kakamega County, on Friday for a boda boda empowerment drive aimed at supporting riders and engaging residents.
The Kakamega County Assembly has approved the Kakamega County Finance Bill, 2026, which introduces tax and revenue measures aimed at raising Sh2.2 billion in own-source revenue during the 2026/2027 financial year and establishes the legal framework for collecting county taxes, fees, charges and levies.
Democracy for the Citizens Party Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has written to the Inspector General of Police demanding the arrest and prosecution of Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, alleging the governor has ties to criminal gangs that have been deployed to intimidate residents and political opponents. Malala cited reported attacks on his supporters, including an incident in Harambee where several people were injured and robbed.
Democracy for the Citizens Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua is on a two-day tour of Western Kenya to back deputy party leader Cleophas Malala's campaign to become Kakamega Governor and unseat incumbent Fernandes Barasa in next year's polls. President William Ruto is meanwhile hosting leaders from Marsabit at State House, Nairobi.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is leading a delegation of national and county leaders to Butere Constituency for a socio-economic empowerment drive targeting women groups and boda boda operators, hosted by Butere MP Tindi Mwale under his #JeshiLaTutam banner.
Kakamega County has allocated Sh11.58 billion (over 80 per cent of the proposed 2026/2027 budget) to salaries and wages, leaving only Sh5.18 billion for development projects. Residents worry the bloated wage bill could undermine investment in road infrastructure, healthcare, job creation, and water.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has urged Western region leaders to support President William Ruto in 2027 rather than bargain for the Deputy President position, as the Luhya community should focus on winning the presidency in 2032. Barasa noted the community has already produced three deputy presidents and should now aim for the country's top seat.
Kakamega County Government has developed an electronic platform to streamline development approvals, allowing developers to submit applications, track approvals, and access services online. Governor Fernandes Barasa said the platform will simplify procedures, reduce processing timelines, and improve record management, with plans to integrate it with the Engineers Board of Kenya's Project Registration Portal.
The Kakamega County government is encouraging traders to access a revolving fund with an 11 per cent interest rate, described as one of the most affordable financing options available, to expand businesses and improve livelihoods. The county traders' loan programme is designed to provide affordable financing to entrepreneurs who face difficulties accessing credit from conventional financial institutions.
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."