Outcry in Vihiga as Labour Day Celebrations Expose Infrastructure Gaps

Vihiga County has come under sharp criticism following the decision to host this year’s national Labour Day celebrations at Chavakali High School, a move that has laid bare significant gaps in the county’s public infrastructure.

Speaking on the matter, presidential aspirant Dr. Reuben Kigame termed the decision “an embarrassment,” saying it reflects years of stalled development and misplaced priorities. He noted that relying on a secondary school to host a national event undermines both infrastructure planning and respect for public education.

“This is a clear indication that Vihiga County lacks a functional public facility capable of hosting a gathering of national importance,” Kigame said. “Our schools should remain spaces for learning, not substitutes for failed development.”

Kigame also questioned the status of the long-promised Kidundu Stadium, a 10,000-seater facility for which Kshs 900 million had reportedly been allocated. According to him, the project’s failure to materialize by Labour Day 2026 raises serious concerns about accountability and the management of public resources.

“How do we explain that such a significant allocation has not translated into a completed project?” he posed, calling on county leadership to provide answers.

The criticism extended to the health sector, where Kigame described the Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mbale as “a mockery of its classification.” He observed that despite its designation, the facility continues to operate at a Level 3 capacity, limiting its ability to serve residents effectively.

He further pointed to delays in establishing a fully operational Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in the county, terming it another example of unfulfilled promises that have hindered opportunities for local youth.

Residents have echoed similar frustrations, citing a pattern of stalled and incomplete projects across the county. Many are now demanding greater transparency and tangible progress from their leaders.

As the country marked Labour Day, Kigame urged leaders to shift focus from rhetoric to results, emphasizing the need for accountability and responsible governance.

“Labour Day should be a celebration of progress and dignity in work,” he said. “But for Vihiga, it has instead exposed the urgent need for leadership that delivers on its promises.”

The developments have intensified calls for reforms in project implementation and oversight, as residents push for meaningful change and better service delivery in the county.