National

Ruto announces key projects for Bungoma as county hosts Madaraka Day fete

President William Ruto and Bungoma County leaders are pictured during a meeting at the State Lodge on May 31, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

By Barack Oduor | Saturday, June 1, 2024

Madaraka Day is a commemoration of the day in 1963 when Kenya attained internal self-rule after being a British colony since 1920.

President William Ruto has announced several key development projects for Bungoma County, this year's host of the Madaraka Day celebration.

Madaraka Day, also referred to as Internal Self-Rule or Self-Governance Day, is a national holiday that is celebrated every June 1 in Kenya. It commemorates the day in 1963 when Kenya attained internal self-rule after being a British colony since 1920.

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Kenya only got partial independence on this day in 1963 and did not become a fully established republic until about a year and a half later, on December 12, 1964. In recognition of that milestone, the country also celebrates Jamhuri Day, or Republic Day, on December 12.

I thank leaders from Western Kenya for agreeing to work together irrespective of their political interests. That is the Kenya we all want.

Had a fruitful engagement with the leaders at the Bungoma State Lodge ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations. pic.twitter.com/9Rhaq4xASl
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) May 31, 2024

This year, the celebration—the 61st thus far—is taking place in Bungoma County, in western Kenya, and President Ruto has announced millions of shillings in projects to the benefit of the county's residents.

Ruto landed in Bungoma on Thursday for a four-day tour and will lead the Madaraka Day fete at the Masinde Muliro Stadium. Thus far, he has announced projects such as restoring the Agricultural Development Corporation's tractors at the Nzoia Sugar Company.

“This initiative helps maintain the nuclear estate in prime condition, thereby supporting agricultural productivity and efficiency,” he told a leaders' meeting at the Bungoma State Lodge on Thursday, adding that the Treasury has released Sh61 million to continue the construction of the Industrial Park at Sang'alo.

The President explained that the timely funding will expedite the park's development, which is poised to become a hub for industrial activities and job creation in the region.

In a landmark announcement on the area's infrastructure, Ruto further announced a two-year, Sh27 billion rural electrification programme, which will benefit some 600,000 residents. Bungoma will also benefit from the tarmacking of key roads.

Launch of tarmacking of Mayanja-Sirisia, Mukhweya-Musese and Mukhweya-Kimukung Roads, Kabuchai, Bungoma County. https://t.co/9ea9fF13Oz
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) May 31, 2024

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula lauded the president for his resolve to steer development and economic growth.

“The President has left his State House in Nairobi and decided to spend four days with us here. Isn't that genuine love for the people of Bungoma?” he said.