Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has issued a stern warning against ongoing political squabbles surrounding the management of Misikhu market.
Lusaka urged traders to abandon their petty politicking and embrace clear management structures for the market’s long-term benefit noting that disruption will not be tolerated.
“Refrain from destabilising our marketplaces with trivial political gamesmanship,” he read the riots act.
“Instead, work together to establish transparent and inclusive management systems that serve the best interests of all stakeholders,” urged Lusaka.
The Governor acknowledged the importance of an all-encompassing market structure that caters to the needs of surrounding communities.
He made these remarks during the official opening of the Misikhu Modern Market Livestock Auction Ring on February 22, a project spearheaded by the County government’s Department of Finance and Economic Planning.
The County administration committed KSh 1.2 million towards acquiring land for the Misikhu auction ring, with plans to establish similar facilities across the County to bolster revenue collection.
The ceremony was graced by Milly Masungo (Misikhu Ward), Wafula Waiti (Naitiri/Kabuyefwe Ward), Barasa Mukhongo (Chwele/Kabuchai Ward), Dr. David Wamamili (CECM for Education), and other senior County officials.
Elsewhere, earlier, in the week, Lusaka called on Kenyan farmers to embrace diverse crop farming, emphasising its potential to boost food production and enhance national food security.
Lusaka, who chairs the Council of Governors’ Agriculture Committee, highlighted the importance of a multi-agricultural approach, believing it’s crucial for driving value addition and increasing food output.
He encouraged farmers to incorporate “orphan crops” – underutilised but nutritious crops – into their farming systems.
Recognising recent hunger challenges in parts of the country, Lusaka urged the national government to increase funding for food security initiatives.
He also advocated for both national and county-level agricultural incentives to attract young people to farming and promote the use of technology in agricultural practices.
These remarks came during a multi-sectoral meeting in Nairobi organised by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
The gathering discussed the progress of the Nutrition in the City Ecosystems (NICHE) Project, implemented in Bungoma and Busia Counties.