COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF UASIN GISHU

STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS

BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

Our vision
To serve and improve peoples 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

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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 socioeconomic 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 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
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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 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.

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 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
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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.
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

10

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 came in, the County had 468 registered cooperative 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 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.
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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, LangasRacecourse 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 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.
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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.
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 which include GPS (Real Time Kinematic model) and a plotter at a
cost of KSh. 5.7 million.

13

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 Mois 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,
Construction of the bridge across River Sosiani to link Fims Road to PanvilaPioneer 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
15

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.
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),
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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.
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 while the conventional lighting will cover
Kapsoya, Elgon View, Hyrax-Pastoral, Kipkaren Estate, Railway- Coca cola road and
KPA areas.

17

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, Mois 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-VeterinaryCoca-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
CheluguiSongich 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
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.

18

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.
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.

19

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 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, Mois 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.

20

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 Mois 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
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.

21

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 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.
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

22

that have benefitted from this include Munyaka, Langas, Saroyot and Kipkaren
estates.

23

ICT and e-Government

Hon. Speaker, Kenyas 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.
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.

24

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 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 Mois Bridge, Kapteldon
and Chepkanga health centres, among others.

25

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 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.

26

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 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

27

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 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
28

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.
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.

29

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 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.

30

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.
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
31

Chinese language and culture, in anticipation of increasing the volume of trade

between China and Kenya and in particular Uasin Gishu county.
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.

32

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 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
33

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 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
34

building and team building so that together we build a strong and bold brand, Uasin
Gishu.

35

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
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
36

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 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
37

addition, we have registered 609 groups under Access to Government Procurement

Opportunities (AGPO) as per the National Government policy.

38

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
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.
39

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 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.

40

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 Im
ready for the challenge. I know youre 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.
THANK YOU,
GOD BLESS YOU ALL, GOD BLESS UASIN-GISHU.

H.E. HON. JACKSON K. ARAP MANDAGO

GOVERNOR - UASIN GISHU COUNTY

41