Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka,the Kenya Kwanza western Kenya Cordinator ….Photo/IP
NAIROBI, Kenya
“I call upon the Bungoma County Government to urgently publish the SRC notice on salary increments for 3rd and 4th Cadre officers who have complied with the rules,” Bungoma Senator David Wakoli said, urging Governor Kenneth Lusaka to act swiftly.
“Timely action will boost morale, strengthen loyalty, and improve the well-being of families who depend on them,” Wakoli added, noting that counties such as Nyeri County, Kakamega County, Homa Bay County and even neighboring Migori County have already complied with the directive issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
The senator spoke after meeting county staff who sought clarity on the salary increment directive, which is to be backdated to 2024 for eligible officers.
A Familiar Script of Delay
In Senate Hansard records since 2023, Bungoma County has repeatedly surfaced over concerns ranging from delayed salaries and alleged malpractices in ECDE and vocational training to audit queries surrounding infrastructure projects.
Governor Lusaka’s administration has faced scrutiny over the redesign of the dual carriageway, particularly the removal of pedestrian footbridges, as well as delays in completing the Misikhu–Brigadier road.
Contractors have raised concerns over pending bills, while residents continue to question stalled projects including the Chwele chicken slaughterhouse, a milk processing plant in Webuye, a struggling fire station and an industrial park yet to be operational
Faulty street lights and rising youth unemployment have further fueled public frustration.
The controversy over the allocation of KSh24 million for flower planting ahead of Madaraka Day celebrations in Bungoma added to perceptions of misplaced priorities.
The debate revived memories of a 2019 allocation of KSh3.6 million for a Christmas tree under former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, a move that sparked criticism at the time.
The Political Irony
Observers say the most striking comparison is regional. Counties like Kakamega and Migori — often associated with opposition politics — have moved swiftly to implement the SRC directive and are widely perceived to be making steadier progress on development projects.
Bungoma, by contrast, is considered a stronghold of Ford Kenya, a key partner in the Kenya Kwanza coalition led by President William Ruto.
Governor Lusaka also plays a coordinating role for the coalition’s activities in Western Kenya.
Critics say that being “deep in government” has not translated into faster service delivery.
Voices From the Ground
Two residents who spoke on condition of anonymity said a leadership transition could mark a turning point for the county.
“The exit of Lusaka and Wangamati from the political scene would honestly be a blessing for Bungoma,” one resident said. “We need fresh leadership that treats development as urgency, not ceremony.”
Another added: “For years we have been told to be patient. But patience doesn’t fix roads or pay salaries. Maybe new faces will reset the county’s priorities.”
A third resident said public attention is already shifting toward alternative leaders with visible development records.
“People are now looking at Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, who has done significant infrastructure projects in his constituency,” the resident said. “Others are watching Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, whose development track record in Westlands — and ties to Bungoma — are being discussed seriously.”
Political analysts caution that such sentiments reflect growing impatience among voters, particularly young people grappling with unemployment and stalled county initiatives.
2027 in View
With the 2027 general election on the horizon, the delayed implementation of the SRC directive has taken on broader symbolic weight.
What began as a technical matter of salary harmonization is increasingly seen as a test of administrative responsiveness.
For now, Senator Wakoli’s call remains clear: publish the notice, implement the increments, and demonstrate that Bungoma can match its political prominence with effective governance.
