Kakamega Partners with USAID to Bridge Sh40 Billion Funding Gap

Kakamega Partners with USAID to Bridge Sh40 Billion Funding Gap
Governor Barasa with the USAID officials

The Kakamega County government has partnered with USAID to address a Sh40 billion funding shortfall in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).

Governor Fernandes Barasa believes that strengthening teamwork and collaboration will facilitate the implementation of key development projects, ultimately helping Kakamega County achieve city status.

Speaking at the Golf Hotel during the USAID Partners Day, Barasa praised the county government’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with external organizations, asserting that this collaboration will help close the Sh40 billion funding gap in the CIDP.

"We are eager to strengthen our alliances. One of today’s key objectives is to enhance partnerships and cooperation between the county government and our partners to avoid duplication of efforts. This will help us address the Sh40 billion shortfall in our CIDP," he said.

The governor aims to transform Kakamega into a city within the next five years, emphasizing the need for significant investments in infrastructure, water, health, and sanitation. He has engaged USAID for support in this endeavor.

"There are several interventions needed in health, water, and sanitation. As we work to become the sixth city in Kenya, I have discussed with USAID the possibility of supporting our infrastructure needs. We will soon be commissioning three municipalities—Butere, Malava, and Matunda—and one key area of collaboration is improving our sewerage infrastructure. A city cannot function without proper sewerage systems, so we are grateful to USAID for their initiatives," he remarked.

USAID Kenya and East Africa Deputy Mission Director, Bert Ubamadu, noted that the U.S. has cooperated with Kenya for over sixty years and commended Kakamega County for its willingness to work with USAID in various sectors to reach local communities.

"We’ve been working to improve health, water, sanitation, and agriculture. We thank the county government, through Governor Barasa, for creating a conducive working environment for us," he said.

Ubamadu also highlighted USAID's focus on engaging local communities to achieve its goals. "USAID believes in cooperation and localization, which is why we work directly with the people."

USAID's efforts in Kenya focus on improving health outcomes, developing early-grade learning programs, enhancing water and sanitation services, and reducing malaria.