The Governor maintained that the gathering brought together stakeholders from different sectors, including government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives, all focused on advancing Africa’s economic and development agenda.
He dismissed claims that the summit lacked relevance, insisting that such forums play a crucial role in shaping policy direction, fostering collaboration, and opening doors for trade and investment across the region.
Barasa called on leaders across the political divide to approach national development initiatives with unity of purpose, rather than using them as platforms for political competition.
He noted that Kenya continues to benefit from international engagement and should therefore support initiatives that enhance its global standing.
He further cautioned against what he described as the spread of misinformation about the outcomes of the summit, saying such narratives risk undermining confidence in important development programmes.
According to the Governor, the Africa Forward Summit provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue on economic transformation, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation.
He said the discussions held during the event aligned with Kenya’s broader development goals and Vision 2030 agenda.
Barasa also emphasized that counties stand to benefit directly from international engagements such as the summit through partnerships that can drive local development projects, create jobs, and improve service delivery.
He reiterated that Kakamega County supports initiatives that bring development closer to the people and encourage collaboration between different levels of government and development partners.