Bungoma county government forges partnership with Chinese City

By Peter Ochieng

The County government of Bungoma County has forged a strategic partnership with a Chinese City, aimed at fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.

The collaboration with Fuzhou City, was cemented during a high-level meeting between Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka and Fuzhou City Deputy Mayor Xue Qiang.

During the meeting held on Friday, the two leaders explored potential areas of cooperation, including tourism, agriculture, urban development and renewable energy.

Governor Lusaka used the rare opportunity to highlight Bungoma's unique ecological attractions, such as Mt. Elgon's elephant maternity, and the county's commitment to environmental conservation. He also proposed a groundbreaking project to convert human waste into renewable energy.

On his part, Deputy Mayor Xue Qiang emphasised Fuzhou's rich cultural heritage, economic achievements, and its role as a key player in China's grain production and ecological preservation.

He expressed Fuzhou's commitment to strengthening ties with Bungoma County, and highlighted the city's successful industrial development and strategic location within several national economic zones.

Both leaders expressed optimism for a future of deepened cooperation, with mutual invitations for further visits and exchanges.

The partnership deal, comes three months after the County government of Bungoma and South Korea inked a deal to redefine, strengthen and expand Vocational Training Centres, through an exchange program that will drive innovation, research and growth of job opportunities.

The cooperation initiated via the signature of Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka and South Korea’s Jeollanam-Do Education Minister, Kim Dae Jung will enhance skill development, equipping young people both in Bungoma and Korea with essential skills in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), green technologies and sustainable construction practices.

“This partnership that we have secured will transform the learning experience of our young learners in Bungoma and our young men and women in our VTCs.

We are grateful,” said the governor, then. In addition, South Korea handed the Bungoma delegation 4,000 State-of-the-art Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) furniture that will boost the county’s efforts in providing a conducive environment for the young learners.