By The Weekly Vision Reporter
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has warned his members of his cabinet against complacency as he pushes to deliver on his final-term in office. The veteran politician says he is determined to exit office with a clean record and a legacy defined by performance, not politics.
Speaking at the county headquarters during the signing of performance contracts by members of his cabinet, Governor Lusaka declared that public service in Bungoma must be guided by results, integrity, and accountability. “The people of Bungoma did not give us privileges or titles, they gave us problems to solve,” the governor said. “They expect clean water, better roads, quality education, accessible healthcare, and opportunities for our youth. We must deliver.”
Lusaka, who first served as Bungoma’s governor between 2013 and 2017 before losing to Wycliffe Wangamati, made a political comeback in 2022 after reconciling with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who backed his return to power under the Ford Kenya party.
Now, in what he calls his “last mile of service,” Lusaka has vowed to leave behind a credible development scorecard. He insists that the performance contracts signed by his County Executive Committee Members (CECs) and Chief Officers will form the benchmark for evaluation at the end of the financial year. “Performance contracts are not ceremonial. They are a mirror of our commitment and progress. When you sign that document, you are pledging to deliver and be accountable,” he told the assembled officials.
The governor cautioned members of his administration against engaging in “double chance politics” as campaigns for the next election quietly begin to take shape, saying divided loyalty would not be tolerated. “Believe me, when you are a good CEC or Chief Officer, you will always be retained. Look at PS Hinga and Monica Juma, they served under the previous government and were retained in the current one because of their performance,” he noted.
Reflecting on his earlier years as Principal Secretary for Livestock, Lusaka recalled transforming the ministry from the lowest-ranked department to one of the most improved through teamwork and focus. “I studied political science and history, yet I headed a technical ministry. What made the difference was goodwill and collaboration with professionals,” he said, drawing parallels with his current leadership approach in Bungoma.
County Secretary William Nasong’o also urged members of the cabinet to treat the signing exercise seriously, saying their performance will be measured against the targets set out in the contracts. “At the end of the financial year, your output will be judged against what you have signed today,” he reminded them.
As Lusaka’s administration enters the home stretch, political observers say his renewed emphasis on discipline and performance reflects a governor intent on cementing his place in Bungoma’s political history, and possibly preparing for a bigger national role after his term ends.
