Wetangula promises Sh1mn award to Bungoma chief with highest voter cards
Bungoma, Kenya — March 2025:
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has announced a Sh1 million cash reward for the chief who registers the highest number of new ID cards and voter registrations in Bungoma County by mid-2026.
Speaking to political leaders and local administrators in Bungoma, Wetangula urged them to move fast and take advantage of President William Ruto’s directive that removed vetting for National ID applicants. He said this will help speed up the registration process.
“I will start a competition among chiefs. By the middle of next year, the chief and assistant chief with the most new ID and voter registrations will get Sh1 million,” Wetangula said.
The Speaker also reminded leaders that the President’s order is not just for the North Eastern region but also applies to border counties and towns like Bungoma.
Bungoma’s Low Voter Numbers
Wetangula questioned why Bungoma, despite being the third most populous county in Kenya, had only about 600,000 registered voters in the 2022 General Election.
“Bungoma has a population of 1.6 million people. But during the last election, only 600,000 voters were registered. Meanwhile, counties like Kiambu and Nakuru have over 1 million voters. How will we be taken seriously if we don’t register?” he asked.
According to the 2019 Kenya Census, Bungoma County has a population of 1.6 million.
President Ruto’s Directive
In February 2025, President William Ruto signed a Presidential Proclamation to make it easier for people in border counties to get National ID cards. This removed the need for extra vetting, which had made the process slow, especially in areas like North Eastern Kenya.
Call to Register for Social Health Authority (SHA)
Wetangula also urged chiefs and leaders to encourage people to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA). This government program helps Kenyans access affordable medical care.
Wetangula promises Sh1mn award to Bungoma chief with highest voter cards
