BUNGOMA, Kenya – National Assembly Speaker Dr. Moses Wetang’ula, accompanied by Japanese Ambassador to Kenya, Ken Okaniwa, conducted a tour of Bungoma County to explore potential collaborations in education, agriculture, and socio-economic sectors.
According to Kenya News Agency, during their meeting at the Bungoma County headquarters, Wetang’ula, along with Members of Parliament, Deputy Governor, and Governor Kenneth Lusaka, engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding future partnerships. Wetang’ula highlighted the county’s previous successful collaborations with Japan in the field of education and expressed eagerness to extend these partnerships into social and economic domains.
“Bungoma is a fertile and productive region, where strategic interventions from partners like Japan can significantly enhance production, value addition, and manufacturing,” Wetang’ula remarked, emphasizing the importance of the partnership for the county’s economic growth.
The visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of Kenya and Japan’s diplomatic relations, marking a historic moment for both nations. Wetang’ula acknowledged Bungoma’s receipt of Japanese investment in education and infrastructure development, among other sectors.
Governor Lusaka expressed gratitude towards Ambassador Okaniwa and committed to strengthening ties with Japan, especially in enhancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and adding value in industrial parks.
Ambassador Okaniwa reiterated Japan’s dedication to supporting Bungoma in elevating educational standards and promoting value addition in various sectors. Caro Khalayi, Bungoma’s Trade and Industrialization CECM, mentioned the establishment of an Industrial Park in Bungoma, envisioning that local farmer will soon process their products for the global market.
The meeting was also attended by Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, MPs John Makali and Majimbo Kalasinga, Bungoma County Assembly Speaker Emmanuel Situma, and County CECMs, underscoring the significant representation and support for this initiative.