Bungoma: Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa has intensified his campaign for the Bungoma governorship with a pledge to establish a county-wide empowerment fund for women and youth if elected in the 2027 General Election. According to Kenya News Agency, Barasa made the remarks at his Nasianda home in Kimilili Constituency after disbursing Sh5 million to 30 women groups under an empowerment programme aimed at helping them expand their businesses and cushion them against prevailing economic hardships.
The legislator stated that supporting women-led enterprises would strengthen their resilience and improve household incomes, with plans to expand the programme to reach more beneficiaries across the county if he secures the governorship. Barasa emphasized the importance of equipping beneficiaries with entrepreneurial skills to sustainably run their businesses, alongside financial assistance.
Barasa also pledged to enhance trade and infrastructure by improving village markets and trading centers throughout Bungoma. This would involve upgrading markets with proper sheds, lighting, paved surfaces, and internet connectivity to create a conducive environment for small-scale traders.
In terms of healthcare, Barasa promised to introduce a comprehensive maternal care programme where the county government would cover the cost of services for expectant mothers from antenatal care through delivery and postnatal care. He highlighted that the programme aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes by providing specialized care and supplements from pregnancy confirmation to six months post-delivery.
Addressing infrastructure challenges, Barasa cited poor road conditions as a major issue in several sub-counties and pledged to procure road maintenance equipment for regular upkeep, ensuring roads remain passable throughout the year.
For the education sector, Barasa proposed introducing a free milk programme for learners from Early Childhood Development Education to Grade Eight to boost school retention and transition to senior school. Additionally, he vowed to modernize all Vocational Training Centres in the county and eliminate training fees to attract learners who miss out on university placement.
Barasa, aiming to succeed the current county leadership, faces competition from Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi, former Bungoma governor Wycliffe Wangamati, and other aspirants. He urged voters to scrutinize candidates’ track records and development credentials rather than being influenced by political alliances or financial inducements.
Barasa argued that his development record in Kimilili gives him an advantage over his competitors, citing successful modernization of local schools as an example of his commitment to development. He expressed a desire to extend similar initiatives to the rest of Bungoma, combining economic empowerment, healthcare improvements, infrastructure development, and educational investment as part of his agenda.
