REPUBLIC OF KENYA

COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF UASIN GISHU

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STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS

BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR ON 9TH APRIL 2015

STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS

BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR ON 9TH APRIL 2015

Our vision

To serve and improve people’s livelihoods through good

leadership, innovative technology, and efficient infrastructure

Our mission

To be a prosperous and attractive county in Kenya and beyond

Our core values

Integrity

Teamwork

Innovation

Accountability

Our Slogan

The Champion

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SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. JACKSON K. ARAP

MANDAGO, GOVERNOR, UASIN GISHU COUNTY DURING

THE STATE OF THE COUNTY

ADDRESS AT COUNTY ASSEMBLY, ELDORET ON

THURSDAY, 9TH APRIL, 2015

Speaker of the County Assembly,

The Senator,

Honourable Members of Parliament present,

Honourable Members of the County Assembly,

County Executive Members,

The County Commissioner and National Government

Officials,

The Resident Judge and Members of the Judiciary

Present,

Members of the County Public Service Board

Chief Executives of State Corporations

Our Development Partners,

Invited Guests,

Fellow Residents of Uasin Gishu,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to address this special sitting in line

with my constitutional obligation to outline the state of the

county in my second year in office.

During my inauguration, I took an oath to serve you with

dedication. This commitment is still fresh in my mind as you

gave me the mandate to run the affairs of this great County.

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That time, we identified our main challenges and laid out

strategies that have defined our work on how to take this great

county to prosperity.

Hon. Speaker,

The message I bring to you today is one of hope,

determination, resilience, and purpose, with anticipatory

success. It gives voice to a vision of where we have been,

where we are, and where we must go, a vision that foresees a

community where everyone in our diverse population has true

and unfettered access to prosperity and self-sufficiency. We

have endeavoured in line with the Constitution to engage the

public in implementation of our development agenda.

Hon. Speaker, the benchmarking by other counties is an

indication that we are doing well as a County.

My Government is working very closely with the National

Government to ensure that there is adequate security and

harmony amongst all the communities residing in this County.

This has given us a conducive environment that has attracted

several investors. The county is now the host of many

universities, banks and upcoming industries.

Despite various challenges, we have endeavoured to create a

culture of efficiency and accountability. This calls for concerted

effort by all the stakeholders to ensure that we achieve this.

Indeed I want to sincerely take this opportunity to appreciate

the support you have all along given me in this journey.

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Hon. Speaker, allow me on the onset to thank the following:

Members of this House for their diligent contributions in

legislation, oversight and representation roles. So far this

House has passed 26 pieces of legislation. To all of you I

say a big thank you.

The invited guests, members of public present, and to

those who are watching or listening to us on various

media across this county and beyond; I say thank you for

joining us.

My staff for their commitment to working together to

deliver the vision of this Great County.

Hon. Speaker, allow me now to highlight the achievements we

have made in various sectors in the last two years.

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Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries

Hon. Speaker, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock

Development and Fisheries is a key area of focus in my

Government. The mandate of the Department is to improve the

livelihoods of the county residents through promotion of

commercial farming. We seek to realize these objectives

through appropriate policies and legal frameworks, effective

support service and natural resource management for

sustainable development.

Hon. Speaker, maize and wheat are major Cereals grown in

the County. This sector has witnessed a number of challenges

in the past right from planting to harvesting. My Government in

an effort to manage post-harvest losses procured two mobile

driers for our farmers and refurbished various cereal stores

such as Merewet, Moiben, Sosiani and farmer cooperative

stores to create more storage space for National Cereal and

Produce Board (NCPB) to buy more cereals from farmers. We

have also built two new stores in Simbi and Tugen Estate in

collaboration with the National government.

Hon. Speaker, in addition my Government has continued to

lobby National Government to allocate more money to NCPB

and Kenya Seed to allow the institutions to adequately

purchase produce from farmers and deliver farm inputs. This

year we held a leaders’ forum to draw a road map of resource

requirements to meet farmers’ needs. In the forum, we

established that for NCPB to be able to buy all the maize and

wheat produced in Kenya, it requires Ksh. 8 Billion. Kenya

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Seed requires Ksh. 3 Billion to subsidize seed while Kenya

Agricultural Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) requires

Ksh. 3 billion to manage emerging crop and animal diseases

such as Maize Lethal Necrotic Disease (MLND).

Hon. Speaker, the onus is now on the National Assembly to

allocate Ksh. 20 Billion as a means of assuring food security

in Kenya. My Government is currently engaging other counties

that experience drought with the view of establishing other

markets besides NCPD for farmers produce.

Hon. Speaker, my Government has identified Horticulture

and Dairy farming as key potential areas that will boost the

economy of this county. In the endeavour to actualize this

dream, my Government allocated KSh. 30 Million to the

Horticulture Business Strategy which identified seven priority

crops namely; tissue culture bananas, passion fruits, avocados,

potatoes, local vegetables, green beans and summer flowers.

The crops are grown in various parts of the county based on

ecological suitability. Market for the produce has been

identified through exporters such as; Equatorial Hortifresh,

Nuru Exporters, Kenya Fresh and Vegpro for passion fruit and

Avocado, Canken Exporters, East African Growers and Finlay for

French beans and snow peas and Wilmar Exporters for Summer

flowers.

In addition, my Government has established thirty fruit tree

nurseries, one in every ward, to ensure farmers have constant

supply of certified fruit tree seedlings. Youth and farmer groups

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that benefited from the project were trained at Chebororwa

ATC on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to ensure our produce

meet global standards. This financial year my Government has

allocated money for the construction of a multipurpose hall at

Chebororwa ATC to ensure improved training services.

Hon. Speaker, negotiations with prospective exporters are

underway to enable the county export horticulture produce

direct from Eldoret International Airport to Europe and the

Middle East. This shall not only ensure optimum use of the

airport but also provide employment opportunities for our

farmers and the youth.

In order to ensure precision farming, my Government carried

out soil analysis of 1,000 soil samples from across the county.

The results indicate an average pH of 4.6 which has informed

purchase of appropriate fertilizer to ensure optimum yields.

From the soil testing results, areas suitable for growing maize,

wheat, potatoes, cabbages and tomatoes have been mapped

out. In addition, my Government will purchase a stationary soil

testing laboratory for continuous analysis. Furthermore, KSh 10

million has been allocated to Agricultural Mechanization

Services (AMS) to purchase assorted machinery which is

anticipated to lower the cost of production for farmers.

Hon. Speaker, my Government has noted the challenges in

field extension services and to address this, we have

committed funds for the purchase of vehicles and motor cycles

in a move to revamp extension services in the County.

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Hon. Speaker, there has been a decline in dairy production

over the last two decades in the Livestock sector. This is

attributed to poor genetics which is as a result of use of bulls

that has led to inbreeding. To address this, my Government

allocated KSh. 13 million for purchase of both conventional and

sexed semen which are being distributed through Farmer

Cooperative Societies (FCS). We have subsidised the cost of

semen by 50% and so far 316 cows have been served through

this programme. I therefore urge our farmers to take advantage

of this subsidy to improve their dairy breeds.

Hon. Speaker, one of the major challenges in the livestock

sector is prevalence of diseases which has led to huge

economic losses. This has had adverse socio-economic impact

on our county because over 80% of our residents derive their

livelihood from the sector. It is for this reason that my

Government allocated Ksh.13 Million to purchase vaccines.

Through this programme we have vaccinated 150,000 (50% of

cattle population in the county) in the year 2014/15 up from

20,000 (6.7%) in the year 2013/14. Our target is to meet the

required 80% in the next financial year and in the long run

attain disease-free zone status.

Hon. Speaker, attaining disease-free status requires

cooperation with our neighbouring counties. Towards this, my

Government held consultative regional meeting from which

action plans were drawn to ensure disease control through

synchronized regional surveillance and vaccination. Further, a

total of 166 cattle dips were rehabilitated in 2013/14 financial

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year and another 159 are being rehabilitated this financial year

at a total cost of KSh. 54.6 million.

Hon. Speaker, my Government recognizes the role played by

women in the economy and allocated KSh.10 Million to

purchase and distribute 50,000 improved Kienyeji Chicken

through “Inua Mama Project”. This project targets 15 women

groups per ward, which totals to 450 groups and will benefit

10,000 women per year. This poultry project will empower our

women economically and improve nutritional needs of their

families thereby promoting a healthy population.

Hypothetically if 40,000 chicks survive to laying stage, our

women will be able to collect 40,000 eggs per day say for 20

days a month and sell at KSH 10 per egg will translate to KSH

96M per year. Moreover, the women will earn an additional

Ksh.9 Million from the sale of cockerels which may make up

30% of the 50,000 chicks. This will go a long way in alleviating

poverty and thus improving the living standards of over 10,000

households and contribute significantly to the economy of the

county.

Hon. Speaker, despite the huge potential in fish farming the

Fisheries sector has not received much attention due to

socio-cultural beliefs and our peoples’ resistance to new

ventures. To change this attitude and to reduce over reliance

on traditional food sources, my Government has embarked on

an aggressive campaign to diversify sources of food and

income. It is for this reason that we allocated KSh. 5 Million to

purchase 500,000 fingerlings to restock 408 fish ponds and 4

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dams namely Kesses, Ziwa, Kiboswa, and Strauburg. It is

expected that 90% of the 500,000 fingerlings will attain

300gms in the next 8 months and earn a total of KSh. 60 Million

for the farmers.

Hon. Speaker, to ensure reliable supply of fingerlings for fish

farmers, my Government allocated KSh. 10 Million to put up a

Fish Hatchery in collaboration with the University of Eldoret.

The fingerlings thereof shall be available to Uasin Gishu farmers

at a subsidized cost.

Hon. Speaker, allow me to acknowledge the complimentary

support of the National Government through establishment of

Liquid Nitrogen plant at the Veterinary Investigation Laboratory

Eldoret and for the donation of coolers and AI kits to five

Farmer Cooperative Societies. I also thank the Dutch

Government through SNV for their support in capacity building

programmes.

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Trade, Industrialization, Enterprise Development,

Tourism and Wildlife Management

Hon. Speaker, in Trade, Industrialization, Enterprise

Development, Tourism and Wildlife Management, my

Government has strengthened trade development by enhancing

interactions with business community through promotion of

entrepreneurship and innovation carried out in participatory

workshops and exhibitions.

One of the key priority areas in this sector is the regular mutual

interaction and engagement with the business community which

has enhanced an enabling environment possible for public-

private sector to grow and thrive. Our goal is to support

entrepreneurs in the county turn their ideas into great

opportunities. In this regard, we are in partnership with the local

chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and

Industry, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM),

Government agencies such as Export Promotion Council,

KenInvest to achieve this goal. We have signed an MoU with

Kenya Industrial Estates to carry out resource mapping and

investment opportunities in the County.

In addition, in the past one year, we have noted and appreciated

the potential of the Jua Kali sector in economic growth and we

supported the Jua Kali Association by facilitating three Jua

Kali/Nguvu Kazi exhibitions at the County, National and Regional

level in Kigali Rwanda. This is one of the long term ways of

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nurturing talent in the micro, small and medium enterprises in

order to accelerate industrial growth.

Hon. Speaker, due to stability and good environment for

business, more investors have set up businesses in our county

and we have seen more than twenty thousand businesses of

various categories engage in business in this county. In order to

support small businesses, my Government allocated KSh 110

million this financial year for retail markets, modern kiosks and

an additional floor at the hawkers market. This will enable us

renovate and secure 17 retail markets across the County to

provide a conducive environment for our small traders and a

one stop shop for revenue collection. It will also enable us to

build the first batch of 150 modern kiosks out of our long term

target of 1,000 to be placed in identified locations in a planned

and orderly manner in order to cater for the needs of small

traders in urban and peri-urban centres.

The newly constructed hawkers market has been handed over

to us by the National Government and we have completed the

preparation necessary to enable us allocate to the deserving

traders before end of the month. The additional floor will

provide additional space to accommodate the many micro and

small traders since the current space will not be enough to

accommodate the desired huge number of applicants received

so far. Hon. Speaker, so far we have disbursed KSh. 19.4 million

to 147 Micro and Small businesses through Joint Loans Board.

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Hon. Speaker, we recently passed Licensing Act and created

Directorate of Licensing and Compliance section that is charged

with ensuring compliance in our single business licensing. The

directorate embarked on business mapping in the county and

statistics showed inconsistencies in our fee and licensing

system due to incorrect coding of businesses. The business

mapping report showed that approximately 48% of the 20,000

businesses in the county did not have single business permits

while some of those with the permit underpaid.

In the past, my Government has faced challenges with some

professional firms in payment of business licenses. In this

regards, we intend to introduce a bill to this House to legislate

on the appropriate fee to be paid by such businesses in future.

Hon. Speaker, to ensure fair business practices and

compliance, we have strengthened Weights and Measures

section which is charged with Calibration of Machines,

Inspection of Standards and Prosecution in case of failure to

comply with set standards. In this pursuit, we have carried out

calibration of equipment and the compliance rate is over 90%.

In collaboration with our major institutions, we have managed

to woo investors who wish to partner with the county to

establish major projects in textile, solar energy at plateau and

agro-processing. Upcoming projects include a solar assembly

line at the RVTTI, a computer assembly line and Textiles at

Rivatex and a potato processing machine in Eldoret town.

Hon. Speaker, Cooperative movement is one of the key

drivers of economic growth at the grass root level. When I 14

came in, the County had 468 registered co-operative societies

out of which 122 were active. My Government has put in place

measures to continuously revive Cooperative Societies in the

county.

We have also done capacity building on governance and

compliance by conducting 42 workshops and 48 meetings. As a

result, 33 new cooperative societies have been registered and

six sub-county boda boda SACCOS.

In order to strengthen the cooperative movement, my

Government has allocated KSh 20 million to Cooperative

Enterprise Fund as a revolving fund to provide low interest

credit to cooperative societies after embarking on capacity

building of over 50 and auditing of 133 cooperative Societies in

order to comply with the law. In addition, we are working with

the National Government and other development partners to

provide milk coolers to cooperative societies and we have given

out 2 coolers to Kaptagat and Chepkatet farmers’ cooperative

societies.

Hon. Speaker, in the tourism sector, my Government

allocated KSh 6 million for initial construction of Chagaiya High

Altitude Training Camp for sports tourism and KSh 10 million for

River Sosiani Nature and Recreation Park. We have also

identified Kesses Dam, Sirikwa Caves and the Koromosho

Waterfalls as community-based tourist sites. We are also in the

process of developing Chebororwa Wildlife Conservancy in

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conjunction with Kenya Wildlife Services, and currently a

feasibility study is on-going.

My Government in collaboration with neighbouring counties in

the North Rift has established a tourism information centre in

Eldoret to promote North Rift region as a tourist destination

hub. In addition, my Government has promoted Meetings,

Investments, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) resulting in

increased bed capacity in our hotels.

Lands, Housing and Physical Planning

Hon. Speaker, the department of Lands, Housing and Physical

Planning is mandated to carry out land survey and mapping,

maintanance of boundaries and fences, spatial planning and

development control, housing research, development and

management, land administration and valuation and

management of urban areas.

My Governemnt in collaboration with National Land Commission

(NLC) and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is in

the process of repossesing a good number of public utility lands

that include; part of Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Langas-

Racecourse Health Centre land and cattle holding ground

opposite the Veterinay Investigation Laboratory. We have

fowarded over 50 cases to NLC, among them are; Moiben

township, Arts theatre, Kiplombe dispensary, Kapsoya gardens

among others.

Hon. Speaker, in our programme for land banking, we have

facilitated expansion of existing and proposed public facilities

covering sectors of education, health, water and roads. This

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has been achieved through purchase of lands for the following

projects; expansion of Kosirai North ECDE, expansion of

Chukura dispensary, proposed Langas Youth Polytechnic,

proposed Chagaiya High Altitude Training Centre, Chebarus

Water Pan,Tuigoin-Murgor link road, Sinonin dispensary, and

expansion of Kaptoro Bridge among others. All these projects

have costed over KSh. 15 million.

My Government recognises the importance of land use planning

in ensuring proper infrastructure and preservation of

agricultural land. Through Spatial Planning and Development

Control Programme, we have developed land use standards

and Regulations (2014-2017) for both Eldoret Municipality and

rural areas which are now in force. I urge all citizens to

familiarise themselves with the requirements of these

regulations. We have also completed preparation of Local

Physical Development Plans for Tumoge Trading Centre in

Tulwet/Chuiyat ward, Karandili Trading Centre in Karuna

Meibeki/Ward and Ziwa market in Ziwa ward. Many others are

in the process of preparation.

In collaboration with the National Ministry of Land, Housing and

Urban Development, the county has secured funding for

Intergated Strategic Urban Development Plan for Eldoret town

and procurement of a planning consultant is underway. In

support of proper planning for our health and education

facilities, we have prepared site layout advisory plans for Burnt

Forest, Ziwa and Turbo sub county hospitals and for several

schools.

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Hon. Speaker, to increase the housing stock, my

Government has entered into partnerships with NSSF, NHC,

Wiehai International Economic and Technical Corporation of

China through signing of MOUs under PPP financing framework

for redevelopment of old county houses and construction of

new and modern highrise housing estates to increase housing

stock. The estates targetted for redevelopment include Kidiwa,

Macharia, Uhuru, Kapsuswo, Tom Mboya, Mayabi, Pioneer while

Saroiyot and Elgon View have been identified for new

developments. In addtion, my Government has formulated the

County Housing Corporation and the Housing policy to guide

the housing sector. A number of Government housing estates

have undergone repairs in the current financial year.

In addressing the rampant road encroachment which has led

to narrow roads in our county, my Government in collaboration

with Survey of Kenya successfully carried out survey and

beaconing of county roads covering a total of 109 Km in Kuinet/

Kapsuswa, Kimumu, Kapseret/simat and Tulwet/Chuiyat wards.

This exercise has led to successful restoration of our roads to

the required standards of 9-12-15. In this financial year, I

further allocated KSh. 10 million for phase two of this project

that will cover another 200 km.

Hon. Speaker, in order to fast-track land survey service and

improve on resource mapping and maintanance of property

boundaries , we have purchased modern survey equipment

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which include GPS (Real Time Kinematic model) and a plotter at

a cost of KSh. 5.7 million.

Hon. Speaker, in our efforts to improve service delivery in our

fast growing towns, we have embarked on enhancing revenue

generation from land rates for ratable properties. Towards this,

we have finalised valuation roll for Moi’s Bridge town at a cost

of KSh. 5.8 million. We have also commenced procurement

process for preparation of a new valuation roll for Eldoret

Municipality which we intend to complete in the Financial Year

2015/2016. At the same time, we are cleaning land records

and capturing lands that have not been registered in the rates

system. This will eliminate duplication and bring in all ratable

properties.

Hon. Speaker, in an effort to fast-track titling of land in the

county, my Government is facilitating settling of land disputes

in the following farms: Kesses/Keljin, Chemalal/Nyakinyua,

Bayete Wendani farms among others. My Government in

collaboration with National Land Commission sucessfully

recruited County Land Management Board members and

facilitated operationalisation of their offices. This has assisted

the county in settling land disputes and safequarding of public

land.

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Roads, Transport and Public Works

Hon. Speaker, the Department of Roads, Transport and Public

works is vested with the responsibility of providing holistic and

integrated transport system within the county as well as

operating and maintaining an efficient, safe and cost effective

transport system. When I took over, majority of the roads were

impassable and the traffic congestion in Eldoret town was high.

The confusion on which roads to be managed by the county,

KERRA, KURA and KENHA took a toll on us. However, although

the matter is still pending in court, as a county we have been

able to closely work together with the regional heads of these

agencies. My Government has set standards of workmanship

for all road works within the county regardless of the agency

implementing.

In an effort to address the challenges, my Government

embarked on a serious management of traffic flow in Eldoret

town by opening up new roads such as

Kipchoge-Dola- Moi Girls by-pass,

Lands-KEMSA –Iten road,

Construction of 64, Kago at KSh. and Muliro Streets to

bitumen standard

Rehabilitation of Kimathi Street,

Opening up of Eldoret-Iten road and

Development of foot paths along Eldoret-Iten road and

Kisumu Road to Langas.

Widening of Kiplombe-Soy Road

Re-carpeting of Fims Road,

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Construction of the bridge across River Sosiani to link Fims

Road to Panvila-Pioneer Health Centre, which is also being

tarmacked.

In rural areas my Government has constructed eight major

bridges and one box culvert at a cost of KSh. 182.2 million

which are at various levels of implementation. These bridges

are Megun-Songoliet in Megun ward; with an aim of opening up

access to Moi University and Ongata Megun Health centre,

Kaptoro Bridge connecting Kipkenyo and Kapsaos wards with

an aim of opening up a by-pass to Kisumu Road for people

heading to Eldoret airport, Lower Sosiani Bridge in Kamagut

ward, St Georges-St James Bridge in Kapseret ward, Kaaboi

Bridge connecting Kiplombe and Soy wards, Kapnyangi Bridge

connecting Kuinet/Kapsuswa and Sergoit wards, Soy-Kipsomba

Bridge connecting Soy and Kipsomba wards and Oldonyo

Lessos Bridge connecting Huruma and Kipkenyo wards and

Kaptait-Mogoiywet Box Culvert in Soy ward.

Hon. Speaker, during the FY 2013/2014, my Government

allocated KSh 600 million to the department for development

projects. Of this amount, 30% was given to registered groups

and contractors of Youth, Women and Persons with Disabilities

(PWD) through contracts. A total of 90 contracts were awarded

at a cost KSh. 1 million per ward totalling to KSh. 30 million.

These contracts involved drainage cleaning and bush clearing

works. In addition, 60 contracts were awarded to contractors at

a cost of KSh. 150 million to construct 480 culverts and back fill

the same at a cost of KSh 5 million per ward.

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Hon. Speaker, we have also upgraded the following streets to

bitumen standard; 64, Kago, and Muliro streets and

rehabilitated Kimathi Street at a cost of KSh. 176.3 million. This

has enhanced free flow of traffic in the CBD.

Hon. Speaker, when I took over, there was inadequate

capacity in terms of roads construction equipment, personnel

to manage and supervise the works and inadequate

procurement staff. My Government adopted Government-to-

Government procurement to hasten this process hence

enabling us to hire equipment from the National Youth Service

(NYS) and Mechanical Transport Fund (MTF). This enabled us in

the Financial Year 2013/2014 to grade a total of 840km (28km

per ward) and gravel a total of 45km.

To increase efficiency and reliability in road construction and

maintenance, my Government in the last financial year

purchased equipment worth 625 million. These machines are:

o 9 Graders,

o 9 Tippers,

o 3 water bowsers

o 3 Rollers,

o 3 Back hoe loaders (Drainage excavation and

loading),

o 3 Excavators, one complete with hammer breaker

o 1 Prime mover and a low bed (Transportation of

heavy road machinery),

o 1 dozer,

o 1 Wheel loader.

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o 2 canter trucks,

o 3 double cabin and one (1) single cabin pick-ups for

supervision and fuel distribution respectively,

o 12 culvert making balloons,

o 3 concrete mixers,

o 3 vibrators,

o 6 Generators with flood light mast.

Hon. Speaker, my Government has been responding to

various disaster and emergency rescue services in a timely

manner within the county and at times when called upon by

neighbouring counties.

In order to reduce the response time due to fire incidences in

high risk areas due to the presence of many fuel tankers as a

result of proximity to the Kenya Pipeline depot along the

Eldoret-Bungoma Highway, my Government is constructing a

Fire substation at Maili Nne at a cost of KSh. 26 million. In

collaboration with our partners, we intend to establish a

Disaster Management Training Centre in the county. We have

also procured a rapid response vehicle for the Fire section at a

cost of Ksh. 15.8 million.

Hon. Speaker, in order to improve security and promote a 24

hour economy in our county, my Government allocated KSh. 95

Million for solar and conventional street lighting. The solar

lighting will cover Eldoret Airport to CBD, all sub-county

headquarters (Moiben, Ziwa, Burnt Forest, Turbo, Wauniffer and

Kesses) and other upcoming shopping centres in the county

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while the conventional lighting will cover Kapsoya, Elgon View,

Hyrax-Pastoral, Kipkaren Estate, Railway- Coca cola road and

KPA areas.

Hon. Speaker, my Government in the current financial year

has allocated an additional KSh. 12 Million for street lighting

which will cover bus parks and markets which include Main

stage, Tagore, Turbo, Moi’s Bridge stages, Wholesale Market,

Retail Market and West Market, Hyrax-Pastoral and Sugunanga.

Hon. Speaker, in the FY 2014/2015, my Government allocated

KSh 632 million for road construction and maintenance,

bridges, culverts and drainage works. So far we have graded

1,120 Km out of a target of 1,200Km (40 Km per ward). Grading

in two wards, (Ziwa and Soy) are on-going. At the same time

120 km out of the targeted 360 km of road has been gravelled.

In addition, we are also constructing 1.5km of roads to bitumen

standard at a cost of KSh. 28 million at Iten Junction-Veterinary-

Coca-Cola Road and Oldonyo Lessos-Panvilla – Pioneer Health

centre.

We are also in the process of constructing bridges at Moi

University-Chesunet and Kipkorgot and three box culverts at

Emkwen-Chebolol, Kiluka-Cheptigit and Chelugui–Songich at a

cost of KSh. 50 million.

Hon. Speaker, my Government has enacted Uasin Gishu

County Transport Act No 23 of 2014, which seeks to

operationalize the County Roads Authority and County

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Mechanical and Transport Fund for management of machinery

and equipment. It will also help in the management of taxis,

Boda Bodas, trolleys and parking in our towns. In addition, my

Government has also enacted Uasin Gishu County Wayleaves

Act No 11 of 2014 which allows staff to access private and

public property to clean and cut mitre drainage in order to

protect our roads from storm water damage.

Hon. Speaker, in collaboration with the National Government

and the World Bank, my Government is implementing the

Kenya Municipal Programme (KMP) and Kenya Informal

Settlement Improvement Programme (KISIP) to improve the

infrastructure in Eldoret Town. Hon. Speaker, allow me to

briefly outline the main activities we have undertaken in each

of these programmes in the last two years.

KMP Programmes

Non-Motorized transport which involves construction of

pedestrian footpaths and walkways.

Solid waste management through construction of a

sanitary landfill in Kipkenyo ward.

Disaster Management which involves provision of an

additional fire engine, other fire-fighting equipment and

construction of fire substations.

Storm water drain improvement meant to provide a

drainage master plan for Eldoret municipality to address

perennial problem of storm water.

Traffic signals consultancy and automation of the

bus park to control traffic within the CBD.

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Installation of flood lights in informal settlements to

improve security and boost business environment.

Construction of Eldoret hawkers market and

improvement of Hawkers Market access road.

KISIP Programmes

We have done road works, sewerage works, street lighting,

Water supply and Storm water drainage and sanitation works in

Kamukunji, Huruma and Mwenderi, Munyaka, Hill School, Race

Course, Kambi Nairobi, Kimumu/Hawaii and Langas.

Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme (KENSUP)

Construction of multi-storey tuition and administration block at Huruma Primary School

Construction of Kimumu Market off Eldoret-Iten Road

Construction of Langas sewer line from Eldoret

Polytechnic to Cherunya Farm

Hon. Speaker, allow me to acknowledge the support from

World Bank, IFD (France), SIDA – Sweden and the Government

of Kenya in construction of Roads, foot bridges and bridges,

sanitation facilities, lighting installation and slum upgrading

programmes.

26

Environment, Water, Energy and Natural Resources

Hon. Speaker, environmental conservation is paramount in

my Government and we have undertaken various programmes

aimed at sustainably protecting and conserving our ecosystem.

To increase the forest cover in the county, my Government

procured and planted 200,000 tree seedlings of various species

in the last financial year. Eight (8) schools per ward were

involved in the programme and each was supplied with 800

tree seedlings.

In an effort to rehabilitate urban rivers and reduce pollution my

Government in partnership with the National Government

planted 120,000 assorted indigenous tree seedlings along River

Sosiani. In addition, my Government allocated a further KSh. 4

million for purchase of assorted seedlings in the current

financial year for distribution.

My Government has also allocated KSh. 7 million to rehabilitate

Nandi Park to serve as a recreation site and beautification of

the town.

Hon Speaker, Solid waste management over the years has

posed a challenge due to rapid population increase resulting

from rural-urban migration and the changing trends and

characteristics of waste. When I took over, the defunct Eldoret

Municipal Council and Wareng County Council had two

operational refuse trucks and two farm tractors for waste

management within the county. To improve this essential

27

service, my Government in 2013/14 financial year procured

five(5) refuse trucks, two(2) tractors, two (2) tractor operated

skip loaders, forty (40) skip containers and one hundred eco

litter bins at a cost KSh. 90 million. These have been distributed

across the county to centres such as Turbo, Ziwa, Moi’s Bridge,

Burntforest, Kesses and Moiben among others. The purchase of

these machinery has reduced the lead time in collection and

transportation of wastes to the damp site. Also, my

Government awarded a contract for supply of additional 40 skip

containers to be distributed across the county so as to meet the

ever increasing rate of waste generation.

Hon. Speaker, to inculcate the culture of clean environment

to members of public, my Government organised numerous

campaigns and clean up exercises in various markets,

townships and estates within the County.

Hon. Speaker, access to clean and portable water is a critical

necessity. As such, my Government started the process of

rehabilitating and maintaining our six (6) water supply points at

Moi’s Bridge, Turbo, Kipkabus, Burnt Forest, Sosiani and

Sambut. In 2013/14 financial year, my Government

rehabilitated Kipkabus dam and constructed a water treatment

plant at a cost of KSh 39.46 million which is expected to yield

4,000 cubic metres per day. This water supply is sustainable

and reliable for users downstream because distribution is

gravity-driven. In addition, we have also funded the de-silting of

the following dams: Chepchobit, Chepterit, Sosiani, Kapkures

28

and Kabenes as a way of conserving water for commercial and

domestic use.

Hon. Speaker, to further increase access to water by the

residents, my Government allocated KSh 1.5 million per ward

amounting to KSh. 45 million in the current financial year to

rehabilitate community water projects. This will go a long way

in improving the economy at the grass root level as farmers will

venture into horticulture. In addition, we are providing water

tanks to public institutions for use in rain water harvesting at a

cost KSh 3 million. I urge all institutions and individuals to

adopt this mode of storage to increase water availability.

In order to maintain and conserve our water catchment areas,

my Government in collaboration with the County Government

of Elgeyo Marakwet has declared Kaptagat forest a protected

water tower. This will mitigate the destruction of natural forests

and water catchment areas which has led to adverse shortage

of water; a current case scenario being the two rivers dam. My

Government calls upon the National Government and all

stakeholders to partner with us in conserving these water

towers for sustainable water supply. In the current financial

year, my Government allocated KSh. 3 million for purchase of

water friendly indigenous trees to be planted in these water

catchment areas and riparian strips.

Hon. Speaker, we are also in the process of expanding

ELDOWAS water production by designing and constructing two

other treatment plants at Elgarini and Kipkaren River. The two

29

treatment plants are being funded by the World Bank to the

tune of KSh 358 Million and KSh 700 Million respectively. This

expansion will give an additional 7,000 cubic metres and

17,000 cubic metres per day respectively which will bridge our

daily deficit of 13,000 cubic metres within Eldoret town and its

environs.

Hon. Speaker, to reform the water sector, we have recruited a

new Board of Directors comprising of professionals in different

fields in order to transform the county water corporation,

ELDOWAS. My Government is keen in the management of the

county corporation and I have instructed the board of directors

to ensure efficiency and accountability in the supply of water.

At this juncture, I wish to note that when the county

Government came into force, the corporation was making huge

losses and with these reforms, the losses have reduced from

KSh. 103 million to KSh. 71 million last year. My Government is

keen on transforming this corporation into a profit making

entity.

Hon. Speaker, green and clean energy in our homes and

institutions is paramount. My Government advocates for the

use of environmentally friendly sources of energy such as solar

and Biogas. My Government is partnering with Paul Boit Boys

Secondary School to set up a model biogas digester. This mode

of energy will reduce over dependency on firewood as a source

of energy, which consumes huge volume of forest trees leading

to environmental degradation. I urge all institutions to replicate

this in order to conserve our environment.

30

In line with this, my Government has created an enabling

environment for investment in this sector that has attracted

investors such as ALTEN Energy Solutions which is constructing

a 40 MW solar plant at Plateau.

Hon. Speaker, to increase access to electricity, my

Government has worked closely with both Rural Electrification

Authority (REA) and Kenya Power to connect public institutions

and informal settlements to the national grid. The informal

settlements that have benefitted from this include Munyaka,

Langas, Saroyot and Kipkaren estates.

ICT and e-Government

Hon. Speaker, Kenya’s Vision 2030 recognizes the central role

of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the

economic development of the country. It is widely accepted

that an ICT literate workforce is the foundation upon which

Kenya can acquire the status of a knowledge economy. It is in

this light that my Government has placed application of ICT in

the provision of all services as a priority and indeed the centre

of its vision for the development of the County.

With the realization that ICT is interwoven in every aspect of

our lives, whether in education, health, agriculture, commerce,

transport, roads and other sectors, my Government is striving

to ensure that ICT is integrated in every aspect of these

economic activities.

31

Hon. Speaker, over the last two years, my Government has

embraced these new technologies to ensure that we better the

lives of our people. The installation of closed circuit television

(CCTV) at the county headquarters at a cost of KSh. 8 million

has greatly enhanced security, reduced corruption and

minimized loss of files at the Central Registry. We have

allocated a further KSh. 5 million this financial year for the

installation of CCTV in key areas. Through this initiative, the

county aims at making commendable strides in the fight

against insecurity.

To enhance communication within and outside the county, we

have installed a communication system that includes a network

infrastructure, and a new telephone system and a

teleconferencing facility at a cost of KSh. 33.0 million.

Revenue collection and management are key to service

delivery. To enhance this, and to minimize corruption and other

forms of revenue leakages, my Government is in the process of

implementing a new revenue collection and management

system at a cost of KSh. 38.7 million. This will go a long way in

ensuring that we attain our revenue collection targets. The

system will also enable residents living in far flung areas of our

county make payments using mobile payment systems and

thus saving them time and cost of travelling to Eldoret.

Hon. Speaker, during the last financial year, my Government

undertook a baseline geographic survey to provide key

information about the county. The availability of this

32

information on an on-line portal has come in handy for planning

purposes.

Hon. Speaker, availability, safety and security of information

is key to any organization. To achieve this, my Government

developed a modern state of the art data centre at a cost of

KSh 13.7 million. This facility shall ensure that all Government

systems and information are available without disruption.

To promote efficiency, transparency and accountability in the

health sector, my Government allocated KSh 12.5 million in

automation of health facilities. Currently, work is on-going in

deployment of a Health Management Information System

(HMIS) at our sub-county hospitals at Ziwa, Huruma, Burnt

Forest and Turbo; and the Uasin Gishu District Hospital. This

shall be expanded to include Moi’s Bridge, Kapteldon and

Chepkanga health centres, among others.

Health Services

Hon. Speaker, on health services, my Government is

committed to providing equitable, affordable and quality health

care through appropriate policies and programmes.

For a long time, the public health sector has had its share of

challenges in terms of infrastructure, equipment and workforce

among others. In the initial years of the devolved system, the

health sector workers exhibited some resistance which was

characterised by industrial action in their effort to maintain

status-quo. In regard to this, my Government has addressed

the challenges through practical, realistic and workable

frameworks. This has been achieved through training of

33

personnel, development changes such as upgrading of existing

infrastructure and commodities so as to improve working

environment and enhance provision of high quality services.

In the Financial Year 2013/2014, KSh. 120 Million was allocated

towards upgrading of Levels 2 and 3 health facilities across the

county, where each of the 30 wards received KSh. 4 million. In

the current financial year, we have disbursed KSh. 2.6 million to

various dispensaries and health centres in every ward. To date,

each ward has received KSh. 6.6 million to fund prioritized

community health needs. To ensure prudent use of this money,

my Government trained health projects management

committees.

Hon. Speaker, my Government has begun an ambitious plan

to upgrade one Level 3 facility to Level 4 in each sub county.

The facilities shall be fully equipped and managed by

professionals to meet the medical needs of the people. These

facilities are earmarked to be referral centres for the ward

hospitals. The facilities are Turbo Health Centre in Turbo Sub

County, Kapteldon Health Centre in Kapseret Sub County,

Moiben Health Centre in Moiben Sub County, Kesses Health

Centre in Kesses Sub County, Ziwa-Sirikwa sub-county hospital

in Soy sub-county and Burnt Forest sub county hospital in

Ainabkoi Sub County. The initial phase of this upgrading has

already been tendered at a cost of KSh. 102.5 million, as part of

an aggressive effort towards transformation of health care

services in the county.

34

In the last 2 years, my Government adopted a comprehensive

approach to invest heavily in all aspects of health products and

technologies so as to maintain a reliable supply of these inputs

as well as the requisite management systems for ensuring that

they are affordable, effective, of good quality and appropriately

utilized.

The current levels of investments in health products &

technologies have gone a long way in curbing frequent stock-

outs, inappropriate prescription, the risk of substandard and

counterfeit products and the high out-of-pocket expenditures

on medical products previously witnessed in the sector. During

the same period, my Government procured and distributed

essential medicines, diagnostic reagents, vaccines and other

non-pharmaceutical supplies using the pool system to all health

facilities at a total cost of KSh. 140 Million.

Hon. Speaker, notwithstanding this commitment, occasional

delays in delivery of commodities by our suppliers remains a

challenge. Moving forward, our priorities will primarily target

the on-going reforms of supply system that will envisage

establishment of a devolved regional supply arrangement,

building of a County drugs store and automation of health

facilities in order to achieve effective management and

appropriate utilization of health commodities.

In order to improve the referral system, my Government has

strengthened ambulatory system by allocating KSh. 33 Million

for purchase of 4 modern ambulances at a cost of KSh. 8.3

35

million each. The World Health Organization (WHO) has

committed to donate to the county Government an additional 6

ambulances. The aim is to have adequate and reliable fleet of

ambulances that can respond to any emergency situation

within the shortest time possible at no direct cost to the

patient.

Hon. Speaker, in the last two years we have witnessed

successful implementation and scale up of a package of

interventions related to primary health care, towards achieving

local and International health targets. The interventions

include free medical camps and outreaches that have enabled

the residents to access HIV prevention services, screening for

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as various cancers,

Maternal and Child health services.

Hon. Speaker, with the support from stake holders including

the WHO, National Government, USAID and the sister city of

Minneapolis, we have successfully organized 78 free medical

camps in the last one year and decentralized cancer screening

to sub county level so as to increase access. In addition, three

cryotherapy machines have been received from the national

Government for management of cancer of the cervix.

Furthermore, we have procured diagnostic equipment and

reagents for diagnosis of cancer of the prostate that will go a

long way in the fight against the upsurge of cancer.

Hon. Speaker, the county recently received a donation of a

fully equipped mobile clinic by Her Excellency the First lady

36

of the Republic of Kenya Mrs Margret Kenyatta through

her Beyond Zero Initiative. This will boost medical

outreaches and transform maternal health care across the

county.

Hon. Speaker, one of the under-invested areas of all

specialized medical care in the country, is child health. The

paediatric (under 15) population has grown steadily and now

stands at 451,402 in the county and is projected to grow to

501,930 in the next 5 years. In view of this, my Government

has taken a bold initiative in collaboration with two key

stakeholders; the University of Arizona in United States and

University of Eldoret to roll out the construction of a world class

children and trauma centre. This facility, of its kind in the

region, will not only serve as a diagnostic, curative and

rehabilitative centre but also as a teaching and training facility

for medical and nursing students. In anticipation of this desired

facility, experts from the Scottsdale City have begun training

our nurses in various life support skills that will culminate in an

exchange program between the two sister institutions.

Hon. Speaker, the health sector aims to ease the burden of

communicable diseases by integrating comprehensive

provision of services, with an aim of providing access to all

interventions in a given service area. For instance, we have

established an Eye Facility within Huruma Hospital at a cost of

KSh. 8.3 Million. This initiative will create an opportunity for

patients with eye problems to undergo specialized treatment

for the first time in a public facility within our County.

37

Hon. Speaker, in order to address the shortage of staff in this

sector, my Government has allocated funds to employ

additional 360 health workers in this financial year. This has

been informed by staff rationalization, distribution and

workload analysis in our health facilities.

Hon. Speaker, allow me to acknowledge the support by the

National Government to equip two of our hospitals, Burnt Forest

and Ziwa Sirikwa Sub County hospitals, with modern diagnostic

and therapeutic equipment. We also received GeneXpert

machine from the National Government for more accurate

diagnosis of tuberculosis. My Government will leverage on this

support to improve management of patients in our County.

38

Education, sports, Culture and Social Services

Hon. Speaker, my Government is cognisant of the fact that

quality education is the engine that drives the success of any

economy. In line with this we have done the following to

provide quality education, increase access, retention and

completion in our institutions of learning.

We have employed two Early Childhood Education

Development (ECDE) teachers for each public primary school

totalling to 1,000 to improve the teaching and quality of

education at this level. This has reduced the financial burden

on the parents.

Hon. Speaker, in order to provide conducive learning

environment in our ECDE centres, we allocated KSh. 50 million

in the 2013/2014 financial year and an additional 45 million in

the current financial year to construct six ECDE classrooms in

every ward.

Further, to increase access to education by the poor and

vulnerable, my Government allocated bursary of KSh. 90 million

in the last financial year and a similar amount this financial

year, totalling KSh. 180 million. This translates to KSh. 6 million

per ward. In the financial year 2013/2014, a total of 11,426

applicants benefited from this bursary. In addition to this, and

in order to empower our youth in various technical skills for

self-employment, we have established a revolving fund of KSh.

30 million per year to train them in collaboration with the Rift

Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI). A total of 600

39

trainees (20 per ward) are currently undergoing the training at

a cost of KSh. 50,000 per student per year. We are also

currently negotiating with Eldoret Polytechnic to expand the

programme to provide other skilled courses.

Hon. Speaker, further to this, we allocated KSh. 30 million in

the 2013/2014 financial year and a further KSh. 24 Million in

the current year for development of infrastructure in twelve

(12) identified youth polytechnics i.e. 2 per sub-county. Our

strategic vision is to construct one youth polytechnic per ward.

Due to recorded low enrolment, inadequate facilities and low

staffing, my Government decided to develop twelve

polytechnics (two per sub-county). However, we are not losing

the ultimate vision of developing one polytechnic per ward as

per our CIDP. In future, it will be necessary to identify certain

polytechnics to specialize in specific courses in order to reduce

the cost of equipment and training materials.

Hon. Speaker, to further improve the quality of education in

primary and secondary schools, my Government in

collaboration with the National Government and the County

Education Board will continue to invest in quality assurance,

assessment and capacity building.

To ensure children with special needs access education, my

Government has set aside 10 acres to construct and equip a

special school.

40

As regards sports, my Government is keen on nurturing talents

in our youth, and to achieve this, we intend to upgrade one

playground per ward. The refurbishment of Kipchoge Keino

Stadium is on its final stages. The design work for 64 Stadium is

complete.

In the social services sector, the rehabilitation and repatriation

of street children at the Rescue Centre is on-going. This is an

expensive exercise that requires support from all people of

good will. We are in the process of constructing a boys’

dormitory at the Rescue Centre and the girls’ dormitory will be

done in future as a holding ground for counselling in

preparation for repatriation.

To ensure inclusion of all persons in Government tenders, my

Government regularly monitors to ensure persons with

disabilities are given their rightful share in tenders and job

opportunities. Currently the County has engaged the deaf in

cleaning services.

Hon. Speaker, through the culture sector, we promote talent

of our youth, through participation in music competition,

herbal, art exhibitions and workshops. We have also partnered

with the Chinese Government, Moi University, and Donghua

University, China and recently opened a Confucius Institute at

Rivatex to teach Chinese language and culture, in anticipation

of increasing the volume of trade between China and Kenya

and in particular Uasin Gishu county.

41

Finally, in this sector, we have also revived Home Craft Training

Centre and have allocated funds to construct additional

classrooms and a modern kitchen. We call upon our people to

take advantage of this facility to acquire skills that will enable

them start income generating projects.

42

Public Service Management

Hon. Speaker, in Public Service Management, we have carried

out programmes to enhance service delivery in the county. My

Government takes cognizance of the fact that the human

resource is very important and key in turning around all the

factors of production. As a result of this, we have taken our

staff through training and development programmes locally and

internationally so as to build their capacities for better

performance. This has helped in staff motivation, team building

and promotion of good corporate governance.

In line with modern management practices, performance

management tools were developed and consequently

performance contracts were signed to help in performance

improvement.

Hon. Speaker, on staff establishment and rationalization, my

Government in conjunction with the National Government

carried out Capacity Assessment and Rationalization of Public

Service (CARPS). The report from the consultants together with

the organogram recently approved will guide in strategic

placement of staff according to their skills and competencies.

We have also implemented the head count report and the

devolved payroll. To support this, we have engaged in policy

formulation to govern our HR procedures and processes so as

to mitigate the challenges of human resource management

which were encountered from the onset of devolution. These

challenges include resistance to change, organizational culture,

merging and integration of staff to create synergy. We are

43

currently working on HIV/Aids workplace policy to assist in

management of the pandemic.

Hon. Speaker, on payroll management, we have implemented

the Integrated Personnel Payroll Data (IPPD). We have also

continuously updated the payroll by removing those who exit

through natural attrition, transfers, secondments and

resignations and we are up to date in salary payment.

My Government has also made improvements in our Central

Registry by amalgamating records from the defunct local

authorities – the defunct Eldoret Municipal Council, Wareng

County Council and Burnt Forest Town Council. Bulk filers have

been installed to accommodate the many files. In order to fast

track the retrieval of records at the Central Registry, we have

computerized the filing system.

To enhance service delivery and customer service, we have

developed a customer service charter which is ready for

submission for the necessary adoption and implementation.

This has improved our customer experience.

Hon. Speaker, as part of our strategy for good governance,

and in the spirit of the new constitutional dispensation, we have

engaged our citizens in participatory decision making through

civic education meetings, print and electronic media. To take

services closer to the people, we have operationalized sub-

county and ward offices. In the current financial year my

Government allocated Ksh. 30 Million for construction of three

44

sub-county offices and in the next financial year we shall

allocate funds for construction of the remaining three.

Hon. Speaker, to foster inter-Governmental relations, we have

engaged in strategic partnerships with both the national and

international Governments as earlier highlighted for the sister

cities of Scottsdale Arizona and Minneapolis who have carried

out capacity building programmes for our employees.

On security, we have taken our enforcement team through a

very comprehensive and rigorous training thus effectively

enforcing the County laws.

Our enforcement team together with Alcoholic Drinks Control

Board and the county security team are working together to

curb brewing and consumption of illicit brew which is an enemy

of development.

Hon. Speaker, we have established a legal section to handle

litigation matters, representation, drafting of bills, agreements,

MoUs and provide advisory services to various departments. So

far, the county has enacted 26 pieces of legislation. The County

flag, Emblems, Names and titles bill recently passed will help to

create an identity that is unique for us as a county.

Hon. Speaker, to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in

service delivery, my Government will endeavour to

continuously improve the work environment. This can only be

achieved through deliberate efforts for continuous

improvement, capacity building and team building so that

together we build a strong and bold brand, Uasin Gishu.

45

Finance and Economic Planning

Hon. Speaker, the Department of Finance and Economic

Planning is mandated to monitor, evaluate, and oversee the

management of Public finances and economic affairs of the

Government. In this regard, we have ably coordinated the

implementation of both development projects and recurrent

activities in the county through transparent and accountable

procurement and financial management systems.

In compliance with the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the

Public Finance Management Act 2012, my Government has

observed fiscal responsibility principles in the management of

public funds and we have timely prepared the following policies

which are necessary to run the Government;

County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), 2013

Budget Estimates for the financial years 2013/14 and

2014/15

Finance Bill for 2014 and 2015

County Budget Review and Outlook Paper (CBROP), 2014,

and

County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP) 2014 and 2015

In addition, my Government has developed the following

policies to address specific needs of financial management:

Asset Financing Policy 2014

Project Implementation Management Committees Act

2014 and its Regulations

County Assembly Car & Mortgage Scheme Policy 2014

46

Hon. Speaker, to improve efficiency and effective

accountability in financial management my Government has

implemented Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS)

as deployed by the National Treasury and currently Plan-to-

Budget and Procure-to-Pay modules are fully implemented.

Hon. Speaker, in order to comply with the law and maintain a

good relationship with the National Government and its

Agencies, my Government has complied with statutory

obligations on reporting as per the requirements by the Public

Finance Management Act 2012, Public Procurement & Disposal

Act 2005 and other legislations. In addition Hon. Speaker, we

have ensured that all statutory deductions payable to Kenya

Revenue Authority (KRA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF),

and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) have been timely

remitted. We have also worked closely with the Office of the

Controller of Budget (OGOB) to ensure funds are availed on

time to run all Government programs.

Hon. Speaker, in order to adequately fund our programmes,

resource mobilization is paramount. The national transfers are

limited and therefore the need to improve revenue collections

remains the ultimate focus of my Government. In order to

maximize revenue collection, we are in the process of

automating revenue collection and management. Reforms on

revenue will be pursued with the objective to broaden revenue

base and improve local revenue collection. To this end, my

Government will institute measures to further expand the

revenue base and reduce leakages through review of the

47

valuation roll, minimization of cash handling through direct

banking and use of ICT technologies. Hon. Speaker, we have

managed to increase revenue collection and by the end of 3rd

Quarter of this financial year, KSh 704,327,405 compared to

KSh. 474,117,891 of the third quarter of 2013/14 despite

various capacity challenges.

Hon. Speaker, in order to ensure our assets are adequately

safeguarded, my Government has established an independent

unit to oversee management of the same. This will ensure that

all assets are identified, properly maintained, and secured. In

addition Hon. Speaker, we are currently in the process of

procuring an asset management system and tagging of all

Government assets in order to minimize misuse or any unlikely

instances of loss. To ensure proper asset management, an

asset management policy has been developed to oversee the

management of the Government assets.

Hon. Speaker, as we implement our development

programmes we have and we will continue to comply with the

Public Procurement and Disposal Act of 2005 and its

subsequent regulations. The presidential decree that requires

allocation of 30% of public tenders to Youth, Women and

People Living with Disabilities has been fully complied with to

promote affirmative action in empowering the youth & Women.

In addition, we have registered 609 groups under Access to

Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) as per the

National Government policy.

48

Hon. Speaker, now allow me to briefly comment on emerging

issues. On matters of security, we appreciate that our country

is going through a very difficult moment in her history. My

Government supports initiatives H.E. the President of the

Republic of Kenya Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta has put in place to

respond to the prevailing security challenges in the country.

I urge the President to stand firm for non-negotiable demand

for human dignity; the rule of law, freedom of worship, religious

and ethnic tolerance and equal justice that are currently under

threat from shadowy networks of terrorist groups.

Hon. Speaker, freedom to live in liberty without fear is right

and true for all people everywhere. Fathers and mothers in all

societies want their children to be educated and to live free

from poverty and violence. The only path to peace and security

is the path of action. History will judge harshly those who had

the opportunity to forestall and failed to act. We therefore

demand that deliberate action which includes but not limited to

the full involvement of county Governments and the

management of security within the county is embarked on. On

our part, the county Government pledges manpower,

community networks, personnel and coordination so that

together we can stem out these common dangers of terrorists,

violence and chaos.

Hon. Speaker, it is sad to report that it is now confirmed that

out of the 148 lives lost during the Garissa attack, four of the

students were from our County. I wish to state categorically

that leaders from North Eastern Kenya and the Kenya Muslim

49

community at large should come out strongly to identify the Al-

Shabaab members, financiers, agents of recruitment in their

midst and madrasa teachers who are involved in radicalization

of our youth.

To the families of our departed youth, I say their death is a

great loss to the county. It is a grieve that we will forever

struggle to come to terms with now that we will not be able to

see their gentle youthful smiles and listen to them. The

memories they have left behind would remain an ever living

source of fortitude and encouragement. The entire county is

united in thoughts and prayers during these difficult moments.

My Government will support each of the affected families with

Kshs. 200,000 to assist in the funeral arrangements.

Hon. Speaker, in view of this attack, I wish to ask the National

security team to deploy enough security personnel in all our

institutions to avert any future attacks.

Hon. Speaker, the County security committee has put in place

measures to ensure all aliens without proper immigration

documents, agents of radicalization of our youth are arrested

and charged. We advise parents to report any of their missing

children or any suspicious-looking characters in their midst to

security agencies and also embrace Nyumba Kumi Initiative to

enhance security. Any person who fails to do so will be treated

as an accomplice of the terror network. Residents are warned

against employing foreigners as their farmhands without proper

identification and particularly of concern are those from

Uganda who have committed heinous crime such as the

recently reported case of sodomy of fifteen boys by a Ugandan

50

national and arson attack of a village elder in Ziwa. All security

agencies in the county are advised to perform their duties with

all diligence and commitment.

51

Conclusion

In conclusion, as we express gratitude we must never forget that

the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by

them. I know our County will continue to be successful, if all of us

continue to in the same direction with an aim of improving the

quality of life for all. William Ellery said, “The job of a

Government is not to confer happiness but to give people the

opportunity to be happy”.

Together we will create the opportunity for every person to have

the resources they need.

Together we will make good on the opportunity and the promise

to our children to provide the best that we have to give.

Together, we will use every opportunity to ensure that residents

in North County, South County, in all neighborhoods East and

West will feel safe by simply putting their safety first.

Together, we will jumpstart new economic development

opportunities and ensure our businesses continue to thrive.

Today, I reaffirm my commitment to work with all of you towards

achieving these opportunities. It will be a long road and, at times,

a difficult path forward. But I’m ready for the challenge. I know

you’re ready for that challenge too. And I know our community is

ready for that challenge. Finally, success is not final, failure is not

fatal it is the courage to continue that counts - Winston Churchil.

Hon. Speaker, together with this speech, I have annexed detailed

information of each department’s projects and associated costs.

THANK YOU,

GOD BLESS YOU ALL, GOD BLESS UASIN-GISHU.

H.E. HON. JACKSON K. ARAP MANDAGO

GOVERNOR - UASIN GISHU COUNTY

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