_{BY MICHAEL SIFUNA/TMG JOURNALIST}

Sharp divisions have emerged in Kakamega County over a proposal to construct official residences for certain county leaders, sparking heated debate during a public participation forum convened by the County Assembly.

The meeting, held at the Social Hall in Kakamega town, was organized by the Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee to deliberate on the County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP) and Departmental Management Strategy Paper for the 2026/2027 financial year. It brought together residents, ward representatives, and stakeholders to weigh in on the county’s financial priorities.

Several ward representatives strongly opposed the housing plan, arguing that limited resources should instead be directed toward urgent development projects that directly benefit residents. Critics insisted that investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure would have a more immediate impact on the community.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Gildon Opati Shioso, one of the organizers, emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping resource allocation and promoting transparency. He assured residents that a detailed report of the deliberations will be published on the county’s website to keep the public informed.

Despite the broader budget discussions, the proposal for official residences remained the most contentious issue, underscoring the tension between administrative priorities and grassroots development needs.The forum forms part of the County Assembly’s constitutional mandate to involve residents in decision-making on development planning and service delivery across Kakamega County.