Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka faced intense scrutiny from local youth over the allocation of Ksh25 million spent on flowers for the Madaraka Day celebrations held on June 1, 2024, presided over by President William Ruto.
In a detailed response to the public outcry, Lusaka defended the expenditure, explaining that the Ksh25 million was allocated for urban beautification efforts, which included the elaborate floral arrangements.
He emphasized that the funds were approved by the County Assembly and were used as part of a broader budget for various developmental and administrative needs.
The governor provided a comprehensive breakdown of the Ksh148 million spent during the celebrations:
- Education: Ksh1 million Renovations: Ksh1 million
- Roads and Public Works: Ksh24.8 million
- Infrastructure: Ksh6.8 million
- Billboards and Aluminum Signage: Ksh18 million
- Trade, Energy, and Industrialization: Ksh13 million
- Electricity Bills: Ksh13 million
- Land and Urban Planning: Ksh25 million
- Urban Beautification (Flowers): Ksh25 million
- Gender and Culture Preparations: Ksh5 million
- County Handbook Preparation: Ksh5 million
- Renovation of Masinde Muliro Stadium: Ksh60 million
- Public Service Management Administration: Ksh12 million
- Catering Services, Water, and Juices: Ksh4 million
- Advertising and Media Mobilization: Ksh8 million
