Madaraka Day: Kakamega Governor Under Scrutiny as Residents Question Development Promises

By Bellbut Strilus - Every year on June 1st, Kenyans across the country unite to mark. Madaraka Day a national holiday commemorating the momentous day in 1963 when Kenya attained internal self-rule from British colonial powers.

Derived from the Kiswahili word “Madaraka” meaning authority or self-governance, the day honors Kenya’s journey toward independence and the sacrifices made by its founding leaders and freedom fighters. 

Alongside Jamhuri Day (December 12) and Mashujaa Day (October 20), it is one of the three most important dates in the national calendar.

But beyond the parades and official speeches, Madaraka Day serves as a mirror for both citizens and leaders to reflect on governance, equity, and development.

This year’s celebrations in Kakamega County, held at Malava Primary Grounds, were presided over by Governor Fernandez Barasa, who is now halfway through his first term in office. He used the platform to defend his administration’s track record.

“I am proud that in every sub-county, we have ongoing development projects,” Governor Barasa told the crowd, listing several initiatives underway across Kakamega.

Among the flagship projects he highlighted were:

Malava Milk Dairy Plant: The contractor is reportedly back on-site, with equipment procurement in progress to boost dairy production.

Madala Tea Factory in Shinyalu: Land acquisition is ongoing.

Bukhungu Stadium (Phase IV): A collaborative project between county and national governments.

Kakamega Teaching & Referral Hospital (Level VI): Continued talks are ongoing to complete the facility.

Lugari Maize Mill: Scheduled for commissioning on June 20.

Industrial Aggregation Park: Touted to create economic change in Lugari and Likuyani.

Organic Manure Factory in Ematawa (Mumias West) and a Ksh 5.8 billion Gold Refinery in Ikolomani, projected to provide employment for local youth.

“We are committed to making Kakamega an economic powerhouse,” Barasa emphasized.

However, not all residents share the same optimism.

Shortly after the governor’s address, Story Spotlight spoke to locals in Malava and Butere Sub Counties, who voiced frustrations over unfulfilled promises.

 “The governor says Malava is now a municipality, yet it lacks basic infrastructure. There are no public toilets, the market lacks a proper security wall, and our road from Malava Market to Samitsi continues to cause accidents. We’ve waited for years for it to be tarmacked,” said Brude Muchende, a concerned resident of Malava.

In Butere, locals raised concerns about long-delayed projects.

“We thank the governor for his plans, but action is overdue. Our Butere Level IV hospital remains closed, and the bridge connecting Ibokolo and Indangalasia is in a dangerous state. We've lost too many lives it’s been eight months, and nothing has changed,” lamented Dickson Maindi, a resident of Ibokolo.

As the 2027 election edges closer, Governor Barasa faces growing pressure to demonstrate tangible results especially in regions feeling sidelined.

Many residents are drawing comparisons to the development track record of former governor Wycliffe Oparanya, vowing to vote based on visible impact, not promises.

For now, the Madaraka Day message is clear: self-rule is not just about sovereignty, it’s about service delivery, accountability, and making sure no community is left behind.