Bungoma Senator David Wafula Wakoli has sharply criticized Governor Kenneth Lusaka’s administration, accusing it of gross neglect and mismanagement in the education sector that borders on corruption and dereliction of duty.
In a series of recent visits to county-funded institutions, Senator Wakoli highlighted severe deficiencies that he described as unacceptable failures by the county government to deliver essential services.
During a visit to Burangasi Vocational Training Center in South Bukusu Ward, Bumula Constituency, the Senator expressed deep dismay at the institution’s dire state. Instructors have reportedly gone unpaid for over three years, while persistent delays in capitation funds have severely hampered operations.
The center suffers from a shortage of instructors, lack of proper workshops, dilapidated and insufficient classrooms, and a critical absence of tools and equipment.
“These are not just challenges—they are clear signs of neglect,” Senator Wakoli stated.
Mr. Wakoli emphasized that vocational training is designed to empower youth with practical skills and dignity, yet the current situation is frustrating both eager learners and dedicated instructors who have sacrificed without compensation.
“The County Government must wake up and take responsibility. Service delivery is not a favor—it is a constitutional duty. The people of Bungoma deserve action, dignity and results—not excuses,” he added.
In a separate visit that morning to Luuya Primary School in Luhya Bwake Ward, Kabuchai Constituency, Senator Wakoli was equally appalled by conditions in the Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) classes.
Young children face inadequate desks, no toilets, no staffroom, no playground, and very limited learning materials. The classrooms, intended to provide a safe start to education, are condemned as unsafe and dangerous.
Compounding the issue, the Senator pointed to an ECDE classroom construction project launched by the county in the 2023/2024 financial year. A contractor abandoned the site unfinished, despite the County Executive Committee being aware of the contractor’s whereabouts. The same contractor was awarded contracts for three additional classrooms in the same ward—totaling four—but none have commenced since 2023.
Additionally, the Uji Program (school feeding initiative) introduced by the county has never benefited the school.
“This is not just neglect; it is a failure of responsibility. ECDE is a right, not a favor. Our children deserve safety, dignity, and a strong foundation for their future,” Senator Wakoli declared.
The Senator’s pointed remarks target Governor Lusaka’s leadership, framing the persistent issues—unpaid salaries, stalled projects, abandoned contracts, and undelivered programs—as symptomatic of broader mismanagement and potential corruption in the handling of public funds and service delivery.
His outspoken critique aligns with ongoing tensions in Bungoma politics, where oversight of county devolved functions has frequently sparked debates about accountability. Senator Wakoli, who serves as Bungoma’s representative in the Senate and recently assumed the role of Senate Majority Whip, has positioned himself as a vocal advocate for improved governance and service delivery in the county.
The revelations have renewed calls for urgent intervention to address the crumbling infrastructure in education and vocational institutions, with residents and stakeholders demanding concrete action from the county government to restore dignity and opportunity for Bungoma’s youth and children.