By WAKHUNGU ANADANJE
May 26, 2026| Leaders, professionals and senior government officials from Western Kenya have renewed calls for regional unity and coordinated development, saying the region risks lagging behind unless it speaks with one voice on economic and political priorities.
The message emerged during the first physical engagement of Team Kazi Western (TKW), a platform bringing together professionals, scholars, government officials and private sector players from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.
The forum comes at a time when Western Kenya has increasingly sought to consolidate its bargaining power nationally amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election. Historically regarded as a politically fragmented region despite its large voting bloc, leaders at the meeting emphasized the need to shift focus from divisive politics to long-term economic transformation.
Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Higher Education, described the gathering as a significant step toward building a professionally united and development-focused Western region.
“This collective symbolizes a shared vision of a region that is professionally united, purpose-driven and impact-focused,” she said.
According to Dr. Inyangala, the region possesses the human resource capacity, institutions and economic potential needed to accelerate development if leaders and professionals work together strategically.
She said the meeting brought together chairpersons and directors of state corporations, university leaders, scholars, senior executives and professionals to assess ongoing projects and discuss how to strengthen the region’s development agenda.
The high-profile meeting was attended by several senior government officials from the region, including Deborah Mulongo, Juma Mukhwana, Chiggai, Imbunya and Makokha among other dignitaries.
Dr. Inyangala noted that Western Kenya was undergoing significant infrastructure expansion under the Kenya Kwanza administration, citing roads, housing, industrial parks, healthcare projects and stadium construction as some of the ongoing investments.
Among the projects highlighted were the upgrading of Kakamega Level Six Hospital, expansion of the Kakamega airstrip, the planned Bungoma airstrip project, construction of Bukhungu, Kidundu and Kanduyi stadiums, and the establishment of Kenya Medical Training Colleges across the region.
She also pointed to national infrastructure plans including the proposed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Busia and the expansion of the Kenya-Uganda highway corridor to Malaba, projects expected to strengthen trade and regional connectivity.
“We are grateful for the continued support and investments being implemented within the region ranging from roads, water, housing and other social development projects,” she said.
The PS urged professionals and political leaders from Western Kenya to embrace what she termed “economic patriotism” by focusing on practical development issues rather than emotive politics.
She called on leaders to work together in advancing investment, industrialization, education and employment opportunities for the youth.
At the same time, speakers at the meeting linked the region’s development agenda to national political support, urging residents to back William Ruto for a second term, arguing that his administration had increased development allocations and government appointments in the region.
“I wish to stress the importance of coming together and speaking with one voice for a common goal,” Dr. Inyangala said.
The meeting reflects growing efforts by professionals and political leaders in Western Kenya to build regional cohesion and strengthen the region’s influence in national politics and economic planning.