Lusaka launches construction of Sh498 million office block

By Peter Ochieng

Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka has today launched the construction of Sh498 million County administration block within Milimani Estate, Bungoma town.

Upon completion, the 10-storey building will lessen the costs incurred by the County government on leased facilities scattered around the Central Business District (CBD).

Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony, Lusaka said that the new block is his brain child project, committing to ensure its completed on time.

Construction is expected to start immediately, with completion period being capped at three years.

"This is my legacy project. It will be a one stop shop for all our administrative operations and will subsequently consolidate our services to the residents," said Lusaka.

He added that its construction will create job opportunities for locals, urging the contractor to utilise efforts of area youth for manual and skilled labour force.

"I have instructed the contractor to use the locals during the construction process, as part of empowering our people."

The administration block will house County administration offices, all departments, service delivery unit and resident call centres among others.

Douglas Sasita, Bungoma County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Urban Planning and Municipalities said they will put all their best feet foward, to ensure construction is completed within a three year period.

"The idea of coming up with the building is that we save on the rental costs the county currently incurs every month. Public participation was done, and the community around is in agreement with construction of the office block here," stated the CECM.

If all goes to plan, construction will end in 2026, a year before Lusaka's term ends.