Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka.
By IP reporter.
BUNGOMA, Kenya — Thirteen years after devolution reshaped Kenya’s governance, Bungoma County stands at a crossroads — celebrating progress, confronting shortcomings and seeking to transform its heritage into the backbone of its prosperity.
Blessed with fertile soils, a vibrant cultural identity and a strategic location on the western corridor, Bungoma has long been rich in potential.
Devolution brought decision-making closer to the people allowing the county to pursue development that reflects its strengths from agriculture,infrastructure education and inclusive governance.
Agriculture: From subsistence to surplus
Agriculture remains the county’s economic pillar.
Efforts toward food security have included irrigation projects, drought-resistant crops and the promotion of high-value exports such as avocado, macadamia and sunflower.
The county is now eyeing value addition by building agro-processing hubs to turn raw produce into branded products for domestic and export markets.
Plans for cooperative-run milling plants and cold storage facilities could stabilize farmer incomes and protect the economy from market shocks.
Health: Expanding access, improving dignity:
Bungoma has expanded health infrastructure, upgrading sub-county hospitals, opening new dispensaries and deploying specialized maternal care units.
These steps have lowered maternal and infant mortality rates bolstered by community health outreach.
Still gaps persist from delayed funding to drug shortages and the need for specialized medical equipment to reduce costly referrals outside the county.
Water and sanitation:
Essential but uneven borehole drilling, rural water point rehabilitation and sewerage upgrades in Bungoma Town have improved public health.
Yet some rural communities still depend on unsafe water sources highlighting the need for broader coverage.
Inclusivity:
Governance for all within the county has increased opportunities for women, youth and persons with disabilities.
Vocational training centers are equipping young people with employable skills while microfinance programs support small traders.
However bridging the gap between training and actual job creation remains a pressing challenge.
Education:
Building the future modernized Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) facilities and feeding programs have boosted rural school attendance.
Vocational institutes are aligning courses with market needs but stronger funding and industry partnerships are essential to link training with employment.
Industrialization and infrastructure are foundations for growth.
Upgraded roads are connecting farms to markets and towns reducing post-harvest losses and improving trade.
Modernized markets and improved fire safety systems are safeguarding livelihoods while new land-use plans aim for orderly and sustainable growth.
The next chapter:
Bungoma’s record shows meaningful gains but the next decade will require moving from building infrastructure to implementing high impact programs that directly raise household incomes.
For Bungoma devolution’s promise is clear; heritage is not just history it is wealth and that wealth must work for the people.
Bungoma at 13 — Key Devolution Milestones
Population: 1.67 million (2023 census)
Agriculture: 80% of households engaged in farming; new cash crops include avocado, macadamia, sunflower
Healthcare: 11 upgraded sub-county hospitals, 54 new dispensaries, maternal mortality reduced by 28% since 2013
Water Access: 67% coverage in urban areas; 52% in rural areas
Education: Over 320 modernized ECDE classrooms; free school feeding program in 75% of rural wards
Infrastructure: 1,200 km of rural roads upgraded; 14 modernized markets completed.
Youth Programs: 18 vocational training centers; 3,500 trainees graduated in 2024
Flagship Projects: Cooperative-run milling plant (under construction), Bungoma Industrial Park (planned)
Ends.
