Tim Wanyonyi Promises 24-Hour Economy for Bungoma, Lights Up Chebukwa Market

BUNGOMA, KENYA — AUGUST 20, 2026

Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi has stepped up his campaign to succeed Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, promising to introduce a broader 24-hour economy programme aimed at expanding business opportunities and improving security for traders across the county.

Wanyonyi said his vision for a 24-hour economy was already taking shape, pointing to the installation of new solar lights at Chebukwa Market in Kabuchai as an example of interventions he says can directly benefit local traders.

“Our 24-hour economy vision for Bungoma is taking shape,” Wanyonyi said.

“We are committed to making a difference both before and after the elections, should the people of Bungoma give us the opportunity to serve.”

The Westlands MP said the lighting project followed commitments he made during his engagements with residents as he seeks to build support for his bid to become the next Bungoma governor.

“During my engagements with the people, we committed to doing what is possible even before elections,” he said.

“I am therefore glad that Chebukwa Market today has a new lease of life, with new solar lights installed for the benefit of our traders.”

Tim Wanyonyi's 24-hour economy plan

Wanyonyi said the new solar lights would serve a purpose beyond illuminating the market, arguing that better lighting could improve security while allowing traders to operate later into the evening.

“The lights will do more than brighten the market,” he said.

“They will improve security and give our traders the confidence to continue with their businesses beyond 7:00 PM.”

The proposed 24-hour economy is emerging as a central theme in Wanyonyi's campaign for the Bungoma governor's seat, with the MP seeking to present his vision as one focused on practical economic opportunities for ordinary residents.

Wanyonyi has said his approach would include supporting traders and improving the environment in which small businesses operate.

“We will continue supporting where we can, even as we prepare to roll out a broader 24-hour economy programme across Bungoma,” he said.

“Our goal is to give our traders a safer and more conducive environment to do business at any hour.”

The Chebukwa Market intervention comes as Wanyonyi continues his grassroots engagements across Bungoma ahead of the 2027 General Election.

His latest message also places emphasis on taking action before the election rather than waiting until after voters have given him a mandate.

Wanyonyi seeks to succeed Ken Lusaka

Wanyonyi is positioning himself as a contender to succeed Governor Kenneth Lusaka in the 2027 Bungoma gubernatorial race.

His campaign has increasingly focused on economic transformation, infrastructure and opportunities for young people and traders, while his latest initiative gives particular attention to markets and small businesses.

The solar lighting project at Chebukwa Market also provides a tangible example around which he can frame his wider 24-hour economy agenda.

For traders, Wanyonyi argues, extending business hours will only be meaningful if markets are adequately lit and secure.

He said his team would continue supporting initiatives that can improve the operating environment for businesses across the county.

“We will continue supporting where we can,” Wanyonyi said.

He added that the broader objective was to create “a safer and more conducive environment” for traders to conduct business at any hour.

Wanyonyi's latest remarks come as political activity ahead of the 2027 Bungoma governor race gathers momentum, with candidates expected to increasingly use grassroots projects, economic programmes and development promises to appeal to voters.

For Wanyonyi, the message is clear: his proposed transformation of Bungoma should begin before he occupies the governor's office.

“Kazi inaendelea,” he said.

“#SiMimiNiSisi.”

The 24-hour economy proposal is therefore likely to remain a key feature of Wanyonyi's campaign as he seeks to convince Bungoma voters that extended trading hours, better security and improved market infrastructure can translate into more economic opportunities for residents.

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