NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ULTRA MODERN DEBATING CHAMBERS AND LAUNCH OF KONZA DIGITAL SKILLS LABORATORY IN BUNGOMA COUNTY ASSEMBLY
By County Assembly Communications Team
Today 29th of April, 2024 National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Dr Moses Masika Wetang’ula presided over the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of Debating Chambers and launched the Konza Digital Skills Laboratory at the County Assembly of Bungoma.
In his speech, Hon. Wetang’ula applauded the former Chairman of Elgon-Nyanza region Hon. Paskari Nabwana who built the first modern County Council from proceeds of coffee in 1956. He called upon the County Assembly to pass a law that will declare the current Debating Chambers a monument under the Ministry of Culture and Heritage which will facilitate its maintenance, refurbishment and preservation.
Hon. Wetang’ula stated that the President was passionate about supporting the County Assembly towards achieve its vision of providing digital platform for the community.
“The projects will be the progressive achievement of devolution cycle in bringing development to the people,” said Hon Wetang’ula.
He further stated that in 10 years Bungoma will be a super County pointing out that the ongoing construction of National Airport at Matulo that will be an equivalent of Kisumu and Eldoret Airports aimed at opening up the region.
Governor of Bungoma County H.E Kenneth Lusaka appreciated the visionary leaders that bore the vision of constructing the County Assembly administration block and saw it come into fruition.
Hon Lusaka affirmed the County Executive’s commitments towards ensuring funds are allocated in the ongoing budget for the construction of the facility to its completion. He also acknowledged that the County Assembly was in the right trajectory on technology matters.
He stated that preparations towards hosting of Madaraka Day celebrations in Bungoma were underway and that soon there will be a visible transformation in Bungoma town occasioned by the completion of State Lodge, completion of the Masinde Muliro stadium and installation streetlights from Musikoma to Kanduyi.
Senator of Bungoma County Hon David Wafula Wakoli assured the people present that he would ensure allocation of funds towards completion of the project being launched.
Member of Parliament for Kanduyi Constituency Hon John Makali recognized the County Assembly Service Board for the great milestones made so far towards fulfillment of infrastructure development.
Hon. Makali also lauded the County Assembly of Bungoma for being awarded among the best County Assemblies in public service during Huduma Awards.
The Permanent Secretary for Industrialization Dr. Juma Mukhwana called on the leaders present to ensure they impact positively and leave indelible mark in the lives of the people when they exit service.
Dr Mukhwana stated that the National Government was working in collaboration with the County Government to ensure execution of various projects such as the recently launched the County Aggregated Industrial Park in Sang’alo.
Dr Mukhwana added that Bungoma County was among the 5 Counties in Western region that will benefit from the Ksh. 2.5 Million project that will create job opportunities for the young people.
Member of Parliament for Kimilili Hon Didmus Barasa stated that County Assembly of Bungoma was one of the most progressive institutions in Kenya which he was proud of.
A representative from the Ministry of Information Communication and Digital Economy Mr. John Karanja revealed that the ministry under the Jitume programme aimed at equipping the youth with skills. They had deployed 270 in various Centres they had trained 13,348 individuals across the country while 1,429 individuals had earned income from the initiative. Through the national programme they had set up 47 centres of excellence and were anticipating to have a total of 100 centres by end of the year.
Speaker of the County Assembly of Bungoma Hon Emmanuel Situma stated that the County Assembly was grateful for the support they had received so far; having received 100 computers from national government has greatly enhanced their ability to address pressing needs and fulfill their mandate for legislation, representation and oversight.
Hon Situma stated that the debating chambers will have a public gallery, press gallery, offices for the leadership, pigeon hole for all Hon Members and the Speaker, Committee rooms, Board rooms, Recreational Lounge and Members’ lounge for Hon Members among other facilities. He requested to be supported to complete the project before end of the political term for the current members to benefit.
In his remarks, the Clerk of the County Assembly Mr. Charles Wafula stated that County Assembly had passed many pieces of legislation and fulfilled a number of development projects because of the cordial relationship they enjoy with County Executive and that they would soon kick off the construction of Speaker’s residence.
Mr. Wafula said the County Assembly of Bungoma will still seek support in accessing the budget towards completion of the project that will take a spun of 2 years. He took the chance to assure the people present of quality service delivery and development for the people of Bungoma County. Adding that after the launch the ICT Digital Laboratory will be open to Members of County Assembly, staff of the County Assembly, students of Kibabii University following the signed Memorandum of Understanding.
Speaker of Kakamega County Assembly Hon James Namatsi who was accompanied by a team of MCAs, lauded Bungoma County Assembly for leading the way in infrastructure adding that Kakamega will follow suit.
Also present at the event was the Hon MCAs of County Assembly of Bungoma, member of staff, invited guests and members of the public. ENDs.