Jessica Weku Wesonga -JWW

17/06/2025

𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐊𝐒𝐡 𝟏 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐌𝐅𝐑𝐈 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟔 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Kakamega Governor FCPA Fernandes Barasa has expressed strong support for the establishment of a Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) Research and Training Centre in the county, saying the project aligns with his administration’s agenda on food security, youth empowerment, and wealth creation.

The Governor met KMFRI officials, led by Director of Socioeconomics Research Dr. Jacob Ochiewo, this afternoon at his office in Kakamega, shortly after the completion of a public participation forum where residents overwhelmingly backed the proposed initiative.

Governor Barasa said the project presents a transformative opportunity to advance aquaculture in Kakamega by equipping farmers with modern skills, improving fish production, and promoting value addition.

“This initiative fits squarely within our county’s development priorities, creating employment for our youth, boosting household incomes, and securing sustainable food systems,” said the Governor.

Estimated at KSh 1 billion, the project is expected to significantly improve access to quality fingerlings and feeds, strengthen the capacity of local fish farmers, support the restocking of depleted river species, and scale up aquaculture across all sub-counties.

The KMFRI centre will also serve as a hub for innovation, research, and technical training, contributing to national and global development goals, including Vision 2030, the Blue Economy Strategy, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Governor Barasa assured the KMFRI team of his administration’s full support, confirming that the groundbreaking ceremony for the project is planned before the end of this year.

Present were MCA Hon.Victoria Zillah ,CECM for Agriculture Mophat Mandela,
Chief Officers: Ms. Jessica Wesonga and Dr. Barack Otieno.

15/06/2025

The western Chapter Agricultural Show of Kenya. Previllaged to have Cabinet secretary Agriculture and Livestock Mutahi kagwe as the guest of honour and Patron FCPA Fernandes Barasa OGW. Cut cake to celebrate food security in the country.

08/06/2025

What a beautiful Sunday. Joined the county President,A Patron and a committed member of the Catholic Men’s Association of Kenya (CMAK), Kakamega Governor FCPA Fernandes Barasa today fellowship with the faithful of Holy Spirit Bulimbo Catholic Church in Matungu Constituency as they celebrated the graduation of CMAK members during a solemn and spirit-filled Holy Mass.

Addressing the jubilant congregation, Governor Barasa congratulated the graduates for their deep commitment to faith, strong family values, and living by the teachings of the Word of God. He praised their dedication to personal growth and their meaningful contributions within the Church and the broader community.

“As CMAK members, we are called to lead by example — in faith, in service, and in building strong families and communities,” he affirmed.

*"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."*— *1 Corinthians 16:13*

01/06/2025

The preservation of our Nation's independence demands a distinct commitment compared to the efforts required for its continued progress. To safeguard and nurture our cherished liberty, we are called to uphold a profound responsibility as diligent stewards of the legacy bestowed upon us by our Founding Fathers.

Today I had the honor of joining His Excellency Governor Fernandes Barasa in commemorating the 62nd Madaraka Day in Malava Sub-County, Kakamega, celebrating our shared dedication to the advancement of our Nation Kenya.

01/06/2025

Wishing you all a happy Madaraka day 2025!

31/05/2025

Today, with a heavy heart, I joined Governor Fernandes Barasa at the burial service of Mama Wilbroda Atsieno Omwanda in Kholera Ward, Matungu Sub-county. Mama Wilbroda, a deeply devoted Catholic, touched countless lives with her unwavering faith and boundless love, leaving an enduring legacy through her sons, Father Christopher Wakhungu and Father Stephen Wayoyi, who carry on her spirit as priests. As we mourn her loss, we hold dear the warmth of her memory and the light she shared with us all. May her soul find eternal peace and rest in God’s loving embrace.

22/05/2025

20/05/2025

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REAFFIRMS DEDICATION TO ENHANCING SMART FARMS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives, today convened a productive engagement with the County Assembly’s Monitoring and Implementation Committee to address critical sustainability challenges facing the Kakamega Dairy Development Corporation (KDDC).

We underscored the Department’s unwavering commitment to executing a comprehensive turnaround strategy, prioritising operational efficiency and accountability across all Smart Farms. This strategic focus ensures that public resources are optimally utilised, delivering measurable benefits to farmers and the County at large.

The Department assured the Committee that these targeted interventions are projected to enable KDDC to achieve financial self-sufficiency within the forthcoming fiscal year.
The Department remains resolute in its mission to revitalise KDDC and bolster Smart Farms as cornerstone contributors to the agricultural advancement of Kakamega County.

19/04/2025

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting Team 40 Women, Matungu Chapter, where we shared ideas on empowering our women and strengthening support for H.E. FCPA Fernandes Barasa’s transformative agenda. His leadership continues to champion widows and vulnerable women across Kakamega.

16/04/2025

We’re very proud of our farmers for embracing fish farming as a way to enhance food security, in line with Governor Barasa’s manifesto goals. Bishop Sulumeti Girls has also joined the initiative, and the students will now have a fish diet included in their menu

10/03/2025

𝐑𝐊-𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐀 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a global organisation dedicated to transforming agriculture rural economies, and food systems has been key in supporting Governor Barasa’s food security and wealth creation agenda.

Today, the department led an IFAD/GOK joint supervision mission for the Rural Kenya Financial Facility (RK-FINFA) project, bringing stakeholders together to review its progress.

Implemented through ADS Western and Cordaid, the project aims to reduce poverty, enhance climate resilience, and strengthen SACCOs and cooperatives by addressing agricultural financing gaps.

Expressed gratitude to IFAD for highlighting Kakamega in aquaculture initiatives. She affirmed that the department is committed to ensuring the project fully benefits smallholder farmers.

The team later visited Majengo Warehouse in Lugari, which received an IFAD-funded milling machine, benefiting the local community.

Key officials present included IFAD Kenya mission lead Ronald Ajengo and Treasury Director Ronald Inyangala.