Humanitarian activities mounted in Kakamega County by Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) CEO Fernandes Barasa have shaken political class in the region.
Word is rife on the ground that Barasa is positioning to succeed incumbent Wycliffe Oparanya, council of Governors chairperson serving his second and final term in the gubernatorial seat.
Despite mixed signals, Barasa has left many in guesswork after repeatedly calling on his potential rivals and anxious voters to delink his humanitarian gesture with 2022 politics.
In the event he bows to sustained pressure from voters and ventures into politics, he’s likely to face Deputy President William Ruto ally and former Senator Bonny Khalwale said to be eying Kakamega Gubernatorial position.
Other possible competitors are present Senator Cleophas Malala, Women Representative Elsie Muhanda, former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo and current Lugari legislature Ayub Savula.
Through his Barasa foundation, Ketraco CEO is celebrated across the county following flurry of activities, most recently when he chipped in to caution locals at the height of COVID 19 pandemic.
This came barely a month after he donated over 100 motorbikes to boda boda operators in Kakamega in line with his long term vision to empower youths across the county.
To ensure full sponsorship the beneficiaries are taken for driving lessons and issued with National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), cover.
The foundation chaired by the CEO’s wife Janet, has become synonymous with numerous sporting activities across the region.
Such events are aimed at helping the youth discover their full potential as well as keeping them busy and entertained.
For starters, Barasa in 2018 emerged among individuals honoured by President Uhuru Kenyatta with the coveted State commendation, the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya.
His tenure at Ketraco saw an innovative collaboration between the State Corporation and Stratemore University towards research and development activities with regard to electricity transmission matters.
Barasa after finishing 2019 beyond zero 21km marathon
Surprisingly the officer has maintained down to earth lifestyle despite the colourful achievements and this explains why all his kids schooled at public institutions while at primary school level.
According to the CEO, ‘’Humility goes a long way in building character, the kind of character that is a solid foundation for great success’’.
At workplace, Barasa believes in building a strong culture where staff are comfortable enough to share ideas, innovation and solutions through open communication in and out of the boardrooms.
