MPs unveil plan to boost western Kenya economy
Leaders from Western Kenya at a past meeting to drum up support for increased voter registration last year. 34 MPs have now unveiled an economic revival plan. FILE
What you need to know:
- The meeting comes in the wake of an announcement by former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi that he will use the Amani National Congress (ANC) as his party of choice in his bid for the presidency at the next elections.
- Other leaders from the region appointed to the boards of various parastatals are Mr Musikari Kombo, a former Cabinet minister, who will head the Water Services Board. Also appointed was former Cabinet minister Soita Shitanda, who will head the Agricultural Development Corporation.
- Political leaders from the region have been involved in long-running talks to forge unity ahead of the 2017 General Election. However, the 34 MPs pushing the economic agenda yesterday distanced themselves from the political talks.
Thirty four MPs from western Kenya Monday unveiled a campaign to boost business, create jobs and improve the living conditions of families in the region.
Speaking after a retreat in Vihiga, the members of the National Assembly from Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia counties said they would first focus on improving the region’s economy and reviving collapsed factories, but would communicate their political agenda “when the right time comes”.
They were joined in their talks by Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi.
Led by Nambale MP John Bunyasi, the legislators, who included ODM Secretary-General Ababu Namwamba, denied that their new-found unity was driven by politics.
Mr Namwamba last month lost his seat as the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, whose members were named adversely in connection with corruption. He has come under increasing pressure in his party, with critics saying they would push for his removal as secretary-general.
PARTY OF CHOICE
The meeting comes in the wake of an announcement by former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi that he will use the Amani National Congress (ANC) as his party of choice in his bid for the presidency at the next elections.
There have been reports, which Mr Mudavadi has denied, that he had been approached by leaders in the governing Jubilee Alliance, to take up a Cabinet position.
Another political leader from western Kenya, Mr Eugene Wamalwa, was nominated by President Uhuru Kenyatta as the Cabinet Secretary for Water and Irrigation and is only awaiting approval by Parliament before he is formally appointed to the Cabinet.
Other leaders from the region appointed to the boards of various parastatals are Mr Musikari Kombo, a former Cabinet minister, who will head the Water Services Board. Also appointed was former Cabinet minister Soita Shitanda, who will head the Agricultural Development Corporation.
Another politician, Mr Joash Wamang’oli, was appointed to chair the board of directors of the Nzoia Sugar Company for three years, while a former assistant minister, Mr Raphael Wanjala, was appointed to the company’s board. Sugar is the backbone of western Kenya’s economy.
Political leaders from the region have been involved in long-running talks to forge unity ahead of the 2017 General Election. However, the 34 MPs pushing the economic agenda yesterday distanced themselves from the political talks.
“We are not after any individual political gains with this initiative. We will definitely share our plans with governors as well. Let us avoid politicising this good bid,” said Mr Bunyasi.
