REPUBLIC OF KENYA

COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF UASIN GISHU

STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS

BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR
ON 9TH APRIL 2015

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

determination,

bring

resilience,

to

you
and

today

is

purpose,

one

with

of

hope,

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.
4

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.

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
6

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

Exporters, Kenya Fresh and Vegpro for

Hortifresh,

Nuru

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
7

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
8

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
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

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

10

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.

11

Trade,

Industrialization,

Enterprise

Development,

Tourism and Wildlife Management

Hon.

Speaker,

Development,

in

Trade,

Tourism

and

Industrialization,
Wildlife

Enterprise

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 publicprivate 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

Government

Association

agencies

such

as

of

Manufacturers

Export

Promotion

(KAM),
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.

12

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.
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
13

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

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.
14

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
15

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

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
16

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.
Hon.

Speaker,

to

increase

Government has entered into

the

housing

stock,

my

partnerships with NSSF, NHC,

Wiehai International Economic and Technical Corporation of

China through signing of MOUs under PPP financing framework
17

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.
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,
18

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.
collaboration

with

National

Land

My Government in

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.

19

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,
20

 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.
21

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

Mechanical Transport Fund (MTF).

Service

(NYS)

and

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.
22

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
23

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, 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

operationalize

the

Act

No

County

23

of

Roads
24

2014,

which

Authority

seeks

and

to

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.
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.
25

 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, 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.
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

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, 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
31

(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

new

telephone

system

and

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

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
32

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.
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
33

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.
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.

34

The current levels of investments in health products &

technologies have gone a long way in curbing frequent stockouts, 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.

35

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
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

36

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.
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,

workload analysis in our health facilities.

37

distribution

and

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 selfemployment, 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
39

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.
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

40

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.
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.

41

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
42

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 subcounty and ward offices. In the current financial year my
Government allocated Ksh. 30 Million for construction of three

43

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.
44

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

2014 and its Regulations

County Assembly Car & Mortgage Scheme Policy 2014

45

Act

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-toBudget 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
46

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 3 rd
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.

47

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
48

community at large should come out strongly to identify the AlShabaab 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 national
49

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.

50

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

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.
Hon. Speaker, together with this speech, I have annexed detailed
information of each departments 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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