Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya has assented to six bills passed by the county assembly to anchor in law various legislative and policy processes in the departments of public service and administration, water and environment, agriculture and social services.
Addressing members of the public at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony held at the county headquarters, the governor reiterated efforts to promote Kakamega town to city status in 2022.
He said city status would translate into better physical planning, infrastructure and utility services for residents as well as the attraction of more investors into the county.
On claims of the high cost of health services at Kakamega referral hospital, the governor said the facility should cater for referral cases only. Common and easily treatable ailments such as malaria and coughs should be handled by health facilities at sub-county level.
The governor who was responding to remarks by Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala on the cost of health services, said the cost of services at level 5 and 6 hospitals rates are pegged higher and determined by NHIF guidelines due to high level of expertise of consultants who serve in those facilities.
Kakamega Woman Representative, Hon. Elsie Muhanda decried high incidences of gender-based violence in the County and called for harsher punishment to sex offenders.
She has sent a stern warning to men perpetrating defilement cases among minors across the county.
She added that she is working around the clock to fight against child and women abuse that are on the increase especially in the western region of the country.
Muhanda said that her office is working towards curbing the alarming cases that have seen women and children undergo violence either physically or emotionally.
The Speaker of County Assembly, Hon. Morris Buluma, called upon the Salaries and Remuneration Commission(SRC) to allow the county assemblies across the country to facilitate public participation meetings.
Buluma said that it is quite unfair for a common Kenyan who may not be in a position to even afford a meal at his home to sacrifice his own transport and go minus lunch to give views towards bills that need to be passed.
He said that it contributes to a majority of the public not participating in coming up with bills that will affect their future since most of them see it as a waste of time and resources.
He said if allowed to facilitate the public’s movement, then public participation will be lively in all counties.
The governor also presented donations to the institutions and needy residents before lighting the Christmas tree to mark the festive Christmas season. Also present was the Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala, CEC members, members of the county assembly among other dignitaries.