Uncertainty looms as regional bloc holds summit : The Standard

• Erick Abuga
• Posted on: 09th Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT +0300

The Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) holds its fourth summit in Kisii from tomorrow. The meeting comes at a time the bloc is racing against time to actualise some of its objectives that include formation of a commercial bank and several joint development projects. It also comes when some counties are reluctant to contribute their share of the Sh200 million needed for establishment of the bank. Some of the 14 member county assemblies have also not passed key legislation needed to endorse the bloc's operations. But LREB officials, who include Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (chairman) and Chief Executive Officer Abala Wanga, say they are on course with plans.

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The bloc wants to create access to a new and expanded market for commodities, consolidate available huge labour force in the region and create infrastructure for sharing of resources. The bloc’s 14 member counties further seek leverage on their varied economies of scale by engaging in joint trade ventures to uplift the lives of over 14 million people. Speaking to The Standard in his office, host Governor James Ongwae pledged his support to the formation of the LREB and said the county was ready for the summit. “Kisii County has ratified the legal instruments required to build the economic bloc through a legislation already processed by our County Assembly,” he said. According to Mr Ongwae, owning the integration process by member counties was one way of sensitising the population on the need to make the LREB initiative a success.

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Ongwae stated his conviction that the regional bloc presents alternatives that can augment achievements made by individual counties. The summit will bring together governors from Kakamega, Bungoma, Bomet, Kericho, Busia, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Migori, Nandi, Nyamira, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga and Kisii counties.

Related Topics

LREBFourth SummitKisii CountyGovernor Ongwae