Kenneth Lusaka

Kenneth "Ken" Lusaka is a Kenyan politician. He is the governor of Bungoma County. He became the governor after winning the 2013 gubernatorial elections. In 2015, he caused public uproar when it was discovered that the county government of Bungoma purchased 10 wheelbarrows at a total cost of Kshs 1.09 million (about 10800 US dollars).

Early life

Ken Lusaka Was born on 18 September 1963 in Bungoma County. He attended Kamukuywa Primary School, then Kibabii High School for his 'O' Levels and later Chesamisi High School and Friends School Kamusinga for his 'A' levels. After high school, he went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Government and History. From the Institute of Social Studies in the Netherlands, he earned an MA in Public Policy and Administration, and was the President of Scholars for the student body.

Politics

In 2013, Ken Lusaka ran successfully for the position of Bungoma governor, alongside Alfred Khangati, Maurice Makhanu, Jack Tumwa and Wabwoba Walinywa. He is currently the governor of Bungoma County.

Controversy

In September 2015, the county government of Bungoma was audited and it was discovered that the county had spent Kshs 1,093,200 (approximately $10,881) on 10 wheelbarrows for the Bungoma slaughterhouse, suggesting that the wheelbarrows cost Kshs 109,320 ($1,088) each. In response to the outrage sparked by Kenyans over what appeared to be massive waste of taxpayer money by the government, Governor Lusaka said that, "The information that I am getting from the veterinary department is that these are not the ordinary wheelbarrows that we know. These are wheelbarrows that are made of stainless, non-carcinogenic material and are used in the food industry." However, he later said that he had begun investigations and ordered the tender and evaluation committees to justify the purchases.