Greater Bungoma with a total area of 2,060 square km is now administratively divided into four districts: Bungoma West-politically Sirisia Constituency- with its headquarters at Chwele-the second largest open air market with trade in agro-produce and livestock valued at more than Ksh10 million on peak days. Bungoma North-Kimilili Constituency- with its headquarters being constructed at Mukuyuni while Kimilili remains the major urban centre, Bungoma East-Webuye Constituency with headquarters at Webuye-home to the biggest pulp and paper factory as well as the famed Nabuyole Falls whereas Bungoma Town is home to Bungoma South district made up of Bumula and Kanduyi constituencies.
Besides Chwele, Malakisi, Myanga, Bukembe on the Great North Road near Nzoia Sugar factory, Kimilili, Tongaren, Mayanja, Sirisia, Lwakhakha along the Kenya-Uganda border, Misikhu and Kamukuywa record booming business too. Rare rock formations are notable at Sang'alo, Kabuchai and Musikoma hills near Bungoma Town, Mulia footprint, Buteyo Miti Park are some of the key attractions plus the traditional circumcision ceremony in August of every year of the local Bukusu and Saboat people in neighbouring Mt Elgon which was hived off Bungoma in 1993 which are a must watch for visitors. Elephants, Buffaloes, antelopes, the rich birdlife here as well as the caves where elephants and other small animals mine salt in Mt Elgon National Park are worth visiting.
Administration and Political Set Up of Bungoma
The Municipal Council of Bungoma, like all other local authorities in Kenya, is established under the Local Government Act Cap 265 of the Laws of Kenya. It executes three key functions: local services, local governance and local development through strategic leadership.
Other laws governing operations of the local authorities in the country include: Local Government Loan Act Cap 303, Trade Licensing Act Cap 497, Rating Act Cap 267, Valuation for Rating Act Cap 255 and the Agriculture Act Cap 218. All these laws are administered by the minister of local government.
The organization and management of the Municipal Council of Bungoma is structured into two arms-the policy formulation arm headed by His Worship the Mayor and comprising of eight elected councilors and the executive arm with the Town Clerk at the apex that implements policy decisions made by the former.
Committees that exist under the policy formulation arm include:
• Finance, Staff and General Purposes Committee
• Town Planning and Works Committee
• Education, Housing and Social Services Committee
• Public Health Committee
• Environment Committee
• HIV Aids Committee
Past Mayors of the Municipal Council of Bungoma
Thomas Makhaso
John Nalianya
Boniface Murambi
Henry Ngichabe
Augustine Tela
Patrick Juma Webo
Christopher Kalabayi
Cosmas Wandabwa
Thadeus Simiyu Matibila
Henry Majimbo Okumu
