The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, has initiated campaigns to motivate Bungoma residents to get registered as voters in preparation for the 2027 elections.

In what way will Wetang’ula boost voter registration numbers in Bungoma?

Wetang’ula has called upon local administrators to assist in rallying the community to acquire identification cards as part of the preparations for voter registration.

While meeting with political figures and chiefs in Bungma on Friday, Wetang’ula spoke at length about easing the ID application process for locals in Bungoma County. He encouraged administrators to simplify the requirements for obtaining National Identity Cards for residents.

He called upon politicians and leaders to encourage everyone with an identification document to sign up for voter registration, with the objective of boosting the count of registered voters from more than 600,000 to one million.

“Bungoma is the third biggest county in the nation, and there’s no excuse for us not reaching one million registered voters,” he stated additionally.

Wetang’ula’s statements followed President William Ruto’s orders issued in Northeastern Kenya earlier in the month, where he laid out the guidelines.

Wetang’ula instructed the chiefs and their aides to utilize their roles in encouraging qualified individuals, particularly young people, to obtain ID cards following the president’s actions to remove obstacles that previously prevented them from acquiring this crucial document.

He encouraged them to increase their efforts and make sure that all qualifying citizens receive the crucial documentation.

Moreover, the head of Ford Kenya cautioned the officials that the presidential directive was not solely intended for the North Eastern region.

“I endorse the president’s instruction regarding the elimination of identity verification checks for applicants. Let me make clear that this directive applies nationwide, not just to the Northeastern region,” he stated.

The Speaker pointed out that the order eliminated the colonial-era limitations that made obtaining an ID difficult.

“Many young people avoid getting ID cards due to the burdensome restrictions they face. I’ve encountered Kenyans over 60 who lack these documents as they don’t fulfill the necessary criteria,” he stated.

He stated that the administration plans to distribute ID issuance offices more widely to expedite the acquisition of these documents.

“He mentioned that they met with the president, who concurred that the government would decentralize more ID-related services, excluding printing, to expedite the process and ensure applicants receive their documents promptly,” he said.

The Speaker encouraged Members of Parliament and Members of County Assemblies present to assist with boosting voter registration by making sure additional residents acquire identification cards.

Concerning the halted road initiatives within the county, the Speaker conveyed to the assembly that the administration has set aside Sh1.5 billion in the additional budget for finishing these projects.

“Critics have been voicing concerns about the delayed infrastructure initiatives that the president initiated during his regional visit. However, the positive development is that funds have been allocated for these projects, and within the upcoming three weeks, they will commence operations,” declared Wetang’ula.

Is the Nzoia Sugar Company going to be leased?

Concerning the economically struggling Nzoia Sugar Factory, Wetang’ula mentioned that the government has pinpointed a possible company to lease it.

Concerning the economically struggling Nzoia Sugar Factory, Wetang’ula mentioned that the government has pinpointed a possible company to lease it.

I encourage those farmers who depended on the sugar mill for income to disregard the criticisms from opponents of the plan and remember that local leaders in the Nyanza area have supported leasing out Sony, Miwani, Muhoroni, and Chemelil sugar mills.

He stated that the lease agreement mandates the new investor to clear all debts owed to both farmers and employees, procure a brand-new crushing machine, and set aside six percent of the farmers’ income as incentives.

He further stated that the incentive programs initiated by the president for the farmers ought to be adopted by the new investor for the benefit of the farming community.

He encouraged farmers to look into coffee cultivation, pointing out the rise in prices from KSh 50 per kilogram to KSh 114.

Once more, he urged the leaders to intensify their efforts in promoting the registration for the new healthcare program, SHA, so that most community members could enroll and enjoy benefits when receiving medical care.

Governor Kenneth Luska guided Members of Parliament in endorsing the lease agreement for the Nzoia Sugar mill, emphasizing that this move was crucial to resolving its economic challenges.

“The leasing of the factory is a positive concept that farmers connected with the mill should endorse,” stated the governor.

Supporting comments from Wetang’ula and Lusaka were echoed by Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, who stated that the government’s decision to allocate resources for finishing incomplete road projects was a step in the right direction.

“The finishing of the incomplete roads would connect the entire county and facilitate the transportation of individuals and commodities,” he mentioned additionally.

The politicians who supported the initiative to lease the factory included John Chikati from Tongaren, John Makali representing Kanduyi, Martin Pepela for Webuye East, and Didmus Barasa hailing from Kiminini.

The chairpersons of the MCAs at the gathering were County Assembly Speaker Emanuel Situma and Majority Leader Joseph Nyongesa.

Narrative by Tony Wafula, SANGGRALOKA.co.ke correspondent