Lusaka hosts Japanese ambassador, areas of partnership identified

By Peter Ochieng

Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka on Monday morning hosted Japanese ambassador to Kenya, Ken Okaniwa at the county headuarters, with areas of partnership between the county and the Asian nation being identified.

Okaniwa's visit to the county is historic, as Kenya and Japan celebrate 60 years of long standing bilateral relationships.

Bungoma is among border counties in the country that have directly benefited from Japan's pool of investments in education and infrastructural developments, among others.

Japan supported the development of One Border Stop (OBS) in Malaba, that serves both Kenya and Uganda.

Governor Lusaka expressed his uttermost gratitude to the visiting ambassador, affirming his total commitment, in solidifying and expanding partnerships with Japan.

Lusaka said elevating and equipping Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) centres and value addition at the Bungoma Industrial Park, are top of the list on his administration's partnership agreements with Japan.

"This visit by the ambassador is historic to our county, as we celebrate the long standing ties with Japan. We look forward to tapping into their great pool of network for the common good of our people," noted the county boss.

On his part, ambassador Okaniwa said Kenya is battling challenges on various fronts, adding that they can effectively be dealt with, through collaboration with his country.

"Kenya has some challenges that can be overcomed through collaboration with Japan."

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula who hails from Bungoma county, is among other leaders who attended the meeting with the ambassador.

He said Bungoma is an agricultural county, adding that their discussions centred around value addition and marketing of agricultural output.

"We have had some fruitful discussions in making some social and economic interventions aimed at helping our people," said the Speaker.

The ambassador is expected to visit Bomet county.