GOVERNOR BARASA: MAKE MONEY OUT OF BULL FIGHTS.

Governor Fernandes Barasa has set his sights on transforming Kakamega County’s celebrated bullfighting tradition into a cornerstone of economic growth, a unique tourism attraction, and a lasting symbol of cultural identity. Far from being treated as a mere spectacle, bullfighting is now being reimagined under his leadership as an engine for prosperity, community empowerment, and cultural pride.

At the third edition of the Governor’s Bullfighting Extravaganza, held at the Shinyalu Bar grounds in Lurambi Sub County, the Governor demonstrated his administration’s resolve to elevate the sport into a world-class cultural festival. The event drew an impressive crowd of participants, spectators, and enthusiasts, all of whom bore witness to the unifying and celebratory power of a tradition that has been practised for generations.

Bullfighting has long been a cherished custom in Kakamega, deeply woven into the fabric of the Luhya community. It has offered entertainment, fostered unity, and embodied a sense of identity and heritage. Yet, under Governor Barasa’s stewardship, this cultural practice is being harnessed as more than a communal pastime. His vision seeks to monetise the sport, ensuring that bull owners, handlers, and local enterprises directly benefit from their involvement. By introducing structured prize systems, professional sponsorship opportunities, and well-coordinated events, the Governor is creating pathways for locals to earn an income while celebrating their traditions with pride.

Equally, Governor Barasa recognises the immense potential of bullfighting as a tourism driver. With its colour, vibrancy, and authenticity, the tradition stands poised to attract both domestic and international visitors. Cultural festivals such as the Bullfighting Extravaganza provide tourists with an immersive experience of Kakamega, blending thrilling competition with music, dance, and traditional cuisine. This, in turn, stimulates growth in the hospitality, transport, and service sectors, circulating revenue throughout the local economy and empowering small-scale traders, farmers, artisans, and youth-led businesses.

Beyond the economic gains, the Governor has placed a strong emphasis on cultural preservation. In a fast-changing world where traditional practices risk being overshadowed by modern influences, Barasa is determined to safeguard this heritage for future generations. By institutionalising bullfighting through county-backed events, his administration is embedding it firmly within the cultural calendar, ensuring that the practice is not only preserved but elevated in relevance and visibility.

The Governor’s Bullfighting Extravaganza is therefore far more than a sporting contest. It is a deliberate cultural renaissance, an economic stimulus, and a rallying point for county identity. Governor Barasa’s vision exemplifies a forward-looking approach in which tradition is not discarded but modernised and given new life as a driver of opportunity. His leadership demonstrates how culture, when strategically managed, can become both a badge of pride and a bridge to prosperity. By positioning bullfighting at the centre of Kakamega’s cultural and economic agenda, Barasa is securing the county’s reputation as a cultural capital and placing it firmly on Kenya’s tourism map.

Oracle of Teremi 
23rd August 2025

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