By Bob Waswani
BUNGOMA, July 3, 2025 — John Makali, Kanduyi’s MP since 2022 under Ford-Kenya, has been ranked first in Bungoma County, third in Western Kenya, and 19th nationally by Mizani Africa, a Pan-African research firm using AI and blockchain for transparent polling. Representing a constituency of over 229,701 residents across eight wards, Makali’s initiatives in education, agriculture, and infrastructure have driven significant development, earning him recognition for impactful leadership.
Makali has overseen the construction of 74 modern, tiled classrooms, including multi-storey facilities at Ranje, Moi D.E.B, Misanga Primary, and Central Baptist Girls schools, improving educational infrastructure. He secured Ksh 5 million for Bungoma D.E.B and Ksh 10 million for Moi and Namachanja High Schools to upgrade facilities. His advocacy facilitated hostels for 1,500 students at Bungoma National Polytechnic, KMTC, and Kibabii University, expanding access to technical and higher education. A Ksh 54 million NG-CDF bursary supports 8,000 students across eight wards, with Ksh 1.8 million for Kibabii University and Ksh 2.5 million for Bungoma Polytechnic, allocated through transparent vetting.
Kanduyi’s economy relies heavily on sugarcane and maize. Makali has supported Nzoia Sugar Company’s stabilization, backing its lease to address financial challenges and securing a Ksh 54 billion debt waiver, alongside Ksh 450 million in payments to farmers and workers. However, protests led by DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa against the lease to Jaswant Rai’s West Kenya Sugar Company reflect community concerns about the factory’s future. Makali also promotes crop diversification, encouraging coffee farming amid rising global prices.
Makali has advanced key infrastructure projects, initiating maintenance on the Musikoma-Navakholo-Kakamega road and tarmacking the Muteremuko-Ekitale road to enhance rural trade. He secured Ksh 380 million for a modern market in Bungoma Town (Soko Kubwa) and finalized the tender for Bukembe Market. Electrification efforts connected seven villages in Musikoma, Tuuti-Marakaru, West Sang’alo, and Bukembe West Wards to the grid. The Affordable Housing Project in Musikoma and the nearly completed Masinde Muliro Stadium further highlight his infrastructure focus.