Kakamega races to complete projects to boost jobs
Western
By
Mary Imenza
| Aug 01, 2025
Kakamega County is fast-tracking the completion of multi-sectoral development projects aimed at transforming livelihoods and creating employment opportunities across the county.
Governor Fernandes Barasa said the projects, spanning agriculture, manufacturing, health, and infrastructure, are being undertaken both independently and in collaboration with the national government, with a clear focus on food security, wealth creation, and improving residents’ incomes.
Speaking at the Mumias Cultural Centre, Governor Barasa announced that the Matawa Organic Factory in Mumias West is slated for launch this August.
He added that the county has partnered with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) to establish a training and research institute in Mumias, targeting youth empowerment through job creation and skills development.
“In Lugari Sub-County, we recently launched a maize milling plant that will serve as a ready market for our farmers while creating employment for the youth,” said Barasa.
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He further disclosed that construction of a County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Likuyani is underway through a national government partnership.
“We’ve instructed the contractor to complete this project within six months,” he said.
The county is also investing in the textile sector with plans to establish a textile factory in Likuyani Sub-County, as part of efforts to tap into the local labour force and expand Kakamega’s industrial base.
In the livestock sector, Barasa said the Tumbeni Milk Factory in Malava is nearing completion and will be launched within the next six months.
He stated that the project is expected to enhance dairy farming and generate new revenue streams for smallholder farmers.
In Lurambi, the Lutonyi Fish Factory is now fully operational, supplying fish across the entire Western region. Similarly, in Butere, the county commissioned the Butere Hatchery last year, which can hatch 10,000 chicks.
In a move to tap into the region’s mineral wealth, Governor Barasa revealed that Kakamega is working with the national government to construct a gold refinery in Ikolomani Sub-County, a project expected to create hundreds of jobs for artisanal miners and local youth.
Additionally, the county is partnering with the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) to build a tea factory in Shinyalu Sub-County, as part of plans to diversify agricultural processing within the region.
On sports and recreation, Barasa said construction of Bukhungu Stadium is ongoing and will be completed within eight to nine months.
Barasa said the project is aimed at enhancing sporting activities and nurturing local talent.
In the health sector, he noted that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have taken over the stalled construction of the Kakamega Level 6 Teaching and Referral Hospital, which is set to be completed within six months.
“These projects are a testament to our commitment to grassroots development. We are focused on ensuring that our people benefit directly from devolution through opportunities that improve their livelihoods,” said the governor.