Month: September 2024

The national government’s road infrastructure network upgrade in Kericho County continues to take shape with the upgrading of various roads into bitumen standards.

The initiative is expected to revolutionize transport and economic activities in the South Rift Region.

The mega road projects include the upgrade of the 13-kilometer Sondu Sosiot Kapsoit Road at a cost of Sh580,595, 871 million began in January 2023 and expected to be completed by June 2025.

According to the Kericho County Commissioner Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo, the government has injected Sh905,857,473 to upgrade the Kapsuser Kipsolu road which was launched by President William Ruto earlier this year and was expected to be completed by December 2025.

The County Commissioner confirmed that the contractor and engineers were on site and the project was at 20 percent completion.

Kitiyo further said that the Kericho Interchange project which connects Kisumu to Nakuru through Kericho, started in November 2020 and was completed in January 2023, an invest
ment that cost the national government Sh1,388,321,424 billion.

‘The Kericho Interchange was completed and has significantly impacted road users by improving traffic flow and connectivity in Kericho,’ added Kitiyo.

Additionally, the CC also confirmed that the 9.46 Kilometres Stadium roads project, that were started last year ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations at a cost of Sh478,545,878 million, was completed and is currently in use.

The County Commissioner said the ongoing road infrastructure projects in Kericho County have employed numerous skilled and unskilled labourers from the local community, contributing to job creation and economic growth.

Meanwhile, a site Civil engineer at the Kapsuser-Kipsolu Road and Kasuser Sosiot Road Masika Kennedy cited frequent heavy rains in the county as the major challenge they grappled with but assured that the project was still on track with the help of Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) personnel whose role is development, rehabilitation, maintenance and manage
ment of rural roads in the country.

Residents who spoke to KNA expressed enthusiasm and high hopes that the new road networks would improve transportation efficiency and drive regional economic growth.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The national government’s road infrastructure network upgrade in Kericho County continues to take shape with the upgrading of various roads into bitumen standards.

The initiative is expected to revolutionize transport and economic activities in the South Rift Region.

The mega road projects include the upgrade of the 13-kilometer Sondu Sosiot Kapsoit Road at a cost of Sh580,595, 871 million began in January 2023 and expected to be completed by June 2025.

According to the Kericho County Commissioner Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo, the government has injected Sh905,857,473 to upgrade the Kapsuser Kipsolu road which was launched by President William Ruto earlier this year and was expected to be completed by December 2025.

The County Commissioner confirmed that the contractor and engineers were on site and the project was at 20 percent completion.

Kitiyo further said that the Kericho Interchange project which connects Kisumu to Nakuru through Kericho, started in November 2020 and was completed in January 2023, an invest
ment that cost the national government Sh1,388,321,424 billion.

‘The Kericho Interchange was completed and has significantly impacted road users by improving traffic flow and connectivity in Kericho,’ added Kitiyo.

Additionally, the CC also confirmed that the 9.46 Kilometres Stadium roads project, that were started last year ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations at a cost of Sh478,545,878 million, was completed and is currently in use.

The County Commissioner said the ongoing road infrastructure projects in Kericho County have employed numerous skilled and unskilled labourers from the local community, contributing to job creation and economic growth.

Meanwhile, a site Civil engineer at the Kapsuser-Kipsolu Road and Kasuser Sosiot Road Masika Kennedy cited frequent heavy rains in the county as the major challenge they grappled with but assured that the project was still on track with the help of Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) personnel whose role is development, rehabilitation, maintenance and manage
ment of rural roads in the country.

Residents who spoke to KNA expressed enthusiasm and high hopes that the new road networks would improve transportation efficiency and drive regional economic growth.

Source: Kenya News Agency

In a significant move towards environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration, a comprehensive tree planting exercise was held at Nyanturago Swamp in Kisii County, led by Senior Deputy Secretary (SDS)-Administration at the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Hezron Nyamberi.

The event forms part of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy’s larger commitment to plant 10 million trees this year, with a target of 5 million trees in Kisii County and an additional 5 million in Nandi County.

The Ministry’s tree planting efforts in Kisii are part of a broader environmental conservation agenda aimed at addressing land degradation and restoring critical ecological zones. Nyanturago Swamp, a government reserve previously utilized by local communities for cattle grazing, has been identified as a key focus area due to its strategic importance in the region’s environmental balance.

However, the success of the program hinges on the community involvement and commitm
ent to nurturing the seedlings once they are planted, a point that Nyamberi underscored in his address.

Nyamberi expressed the government’s deep concern over the pilferage that has plagued previous tree planting efforts in Nyanturago.

He said that during the four prior planting sessions conducted by the Ministry and its partners, many seedlings had been uprooted by locals, severely hindering the progress that could have been achieved. He stressed that this was the fifth such event in the area, and urged the community to take ownership of the trees and ensure their survival.

‘We cannot continue like this. The government, alongside its partners, has invested enormous resources, both financial and human, to ensure that Nyanturago Swamp is restored to its natural state. The benefits of this project will not only be felt by the environment but also by you, the people who live here. It is your responsibility to protect these seedlings, to nurture them, and to help them grow into the trees that will secure your f
uture,’ said the SDS.

Nyamberi urged residents to understand that their actions, whether positive or negative, have a direct impact on the environment and their livelihoods.

‘The consequences of tampering with the environment are severe, and they do not choose who to affect. Whether you are rich or poor, the environment will respond to how we treat it. If we continue to destroy it, it will destroy us in return. But if we take care of it, it will take care of us and our future generations,’ he said.

The Administrator made it clear that the government could only do so much in terms of policy, funding, and mobilization. The true success of the initiative depends on the active participation and goodwill of the local communities. He reminded residents that their actions today would determine the quality of life for their children and grandchildren.

‘Once these seedlings grow into mature trees, they will improve your lives in ways you might not even realize now. They will provide shade, clean air, water retenti
on, and even the opportunity for economic activities like beekeeping. It is your duty, as the people who stand to benefit most from this project, to protect these trees and ensure their survival,’ he added.

To reinforce this message, Nyamberi announced that the Ministry, together with local leaders, the county government, and the National Government Administrative Office (NGAO), would establish a committee to investigate the reasons behind the uprooting of seedlings and to devise sustainable solutions.

Kisii County Forest Conservator Safari Opiyo also addressed the gathering, reiterating the importance of the tree planting exercise and calling on residents to embrace environmental stewardship. In a poignant reminder, Mr. Opiyo spoke about the spiritual and moral responsibility of protecting God’s creation, urging locals to see tree planting as an act of faith and duty.

‘God created trees with a purpose. They are part of His design for the earth, to sustain life, and to provide for all His creations. When w
e destroy trees, we are going against His intention. We must respect and care for what God has given us, not destroy it,’ Mr. Opiyo said.

He explained that tree seedlings take years to grow in nurseries before they can be transplanted, underscoring the time and effort invested in their production.

‘This is not just about planting a tree. It’s about ensuring that it grows into something that will serve us all. The process takes time and patience, and every time a seedling is uprooted, it’s not just money that is wasted, but also years of work and preparation,’ he added.

The Forest Conservator urged the community to take advantage of the current rainy season to plant more trees, both at Nyanturago and in their homesteads. He emphasized that trees are a renewable resource that, if properly cared for, can provide a wide range of benefits, from improving soil fertility to mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Nyaribari Chache Sub- County Administrator Erick Osoro weighed in on the issue of seedling theft c
alling for stricter enforcement measures to prevent future destruction of seedlings. He encouraged the community to report any incidents of vandalism, noting that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.

‘Seedling theft not only sets us back in terms of progress, but it also wastes resources that could have been used to develop other areas. We need to come together as a community and stop this practice. Those caught vandalizing the trees should face legal consequences,’ said Mr. Osoro.

He introduced the idea of promoting eco-friendly economic activities, such as beekeeping, which can thrive in the presence of healthy forests. By supporting such ventures, the community can generate income while simultaneously contributing to the conservation of the environment.

Other officials present at the event were, National Youth Chairperson Cedrick Otieno, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) regional coordinator for Western and Nyanza Teddy Evans, Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner Maina Ngunyi, Samet
a Deputy County Commissioner Moses Muyuri among others.

They all voiced their support for the tree planting initiative. They all agreed that community involvement and collaboration between government agencies and residents would be critical to the success of the project.

Source: Kenya News Agency

In a significant move towards environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration, a comprehensive tree planting exercise was held at Nyanturago Swamp in Kisii County, led by Senior Deputy Secretary (SDS)-Administration at the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Hezron Nyamberi.

The event forms part of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy’s larger commitment to plant 10 million trees this year, with a target of 5 million trees in Kisii County and an additional 5 million in Nandi County.

The Ministry’s tree planting efforts in Kisii are part of a broader environmental conservation agenda aimed at addressing land degradation and restoring critical ecological zones. Nyanturago Swamp, a government reserve previously utilized by local communities for cattle grazing, has been identified as a key focus area due to its strategic importance in the region’s environmental balance.

However, the success of the program hinges on the community involvement and commitm
ent to nurturing the seedlings once they are planted, a point that Nyamberi underscored in his address.

Nyamberi expressed the government’s deep concern over the pilferage that has plagued previous tree planting efforts in Nyanturago.

He said that during the four prior planting sessions conducted by the Ministry and its partners, many seedlings had been uprooted by locals, severely hindering the progress that could have been achieved. He stressed that this was the fifth such event in the area, and urged the community to take ownership of the trees and ensure their survival.

‘We cannot continue like this. The government, alongside its partners, has invested enormous resources, both financial and human, to ensure that Nyanturago Swamp is restored to its natural state. The benefits of this project will not only be felt by the environment but also by you, the people who live here. It is your responsibility to protect these seedlings, to nurture them, and to help them grow into the trees that will secure your f
uture,’ said the SDS.

Nyamberi urged residents to understand that their actions, whether positive or negative, have a direct impact on the environment and their livelihoods.

‘The consequences of tampering with the environment are severe, and they do not choose who to affect. Whether you are rich or poor, the environment will respond to how we treat it. If we continue to destroy it, it will destroy us in return. But if we take care of it, it will take care of us and our future generations,’ he said.

The Administrator made it clear that the government could only do so much in terms of policy, funding, and mobilization. The true success of the initiative depends on the active participation and goodwill of the local communities. He reminded residents that their actions today would determine the quality of life for their children and grandchildren.

‘Once these seedlings grow into mature trees, they will improve your lives in ways you might not even realize now. They will provide shade, clean air, water retenti
on, and even the opportunity for economic activities like beekeeping. It is your duty, as the people who stand to benefit most from this project, to protect these trees and ensure their survival,’ he added.

To reinforce this message, Nyamberi announced that the Ministry, together with local leaders, the county government, and the National Government Administrative Office (NGAO), would establish a committee to investigate the reasons behind the uprooting of seedlings and to devise sustainable solutions.

Kisii County Forest Conservator Safari Opiyo also addressed the gathering, reiterating the importance of the tree planting exercise and calling on residents to embrace environmental stewardship. In a poignant reminder, Mr. Opiyo spoke about the spiritual and moral responsibility of protecting God’s creation, urging locals to see tree planting as an act of faith and duty.

‘God created trees with a purpose. They are part of His design for the earth, to sustain life, and to provide for all His creations. When w
e destroy trees, we are going against His intention. We must respect and care for what God has given us, not destroy it,’ Mr. Opiyo said.

He explained that tree seedlings take years to grow in nurseries before they can be transplanted, underscoring the time and effort invested in their production.

‘This is not just about planting a tree. It’s about ensuring that it grows into something that will serve us all. The process takes time and patience, and every time a seedling is uprooted, it’s not just money that is wasted, but also years of work and preparation,’ he added.

The Forest Conservator urged the community to take advantage of the current rainy season to plant more trees, both at Nyanturago and in their homesteads. He emphasized that trees are a renewable resource that, if properly cared for, can provide a wide range of benefits, from improving soil fertility to mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Nyaribari Chache Sub- County Administrator Erick Osoro weighed in on the issue of seedling theft c
alling for stricter enforcement measures to prevent future destruction of seedlings. He encouraged the community to report any incidents of vandalism, noting that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.

‘Seedling theft not only sets us back in terms of progress, but it also wastes resources that could have been used to develop other areas. We need to come together as a community and stop this practice. Those caught vandalizing the trees should face legal consequences,’ said Mr. Osoro.

He introduced the idea of promoting eco-friendly economic activities, such as beekeeping, which can thrive in the presence of healthy forests. By supporting such ventures, the community can generate income while simultaneously contributing to the conservation of the environment.

Other officials present at the event were, National Youth Chairperson Cedrick Otieno, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) regional coordinator for Western and Nyanza Teddy Evans, Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner Maina Ngunyi, Samet
a Deputy County Commissioner Moses Muyuri among others.

They all voiced their support for the tree planting initiative. They all agreed that community involvement and collaboration between government agencies and residents would be critical to the success of the project.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kapsowar Town and its environs are set to receive a long-awaited sewerage system and a new water treatment plant, marking a significant step towards improving water access and sanitation in the region.

The project, still in its planning stages, is a collaboration between the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency (LVNWWDA), the North Rift Water Works Development Agency [NRWWDA], and the Cherangany Marakwet Water and Sanitation Company (CHEMAWASCO).

According to David Kimutai, Director at CHEMAWASCO, the current water treatment plant has been inadequate in serving the town’s growing population.

‘The current plant is unable to meet the needs of many residents due to water rationing. Once the new plant is constructed, the amount of water available per cubic meter will increase, ensuring that residents have access to water 24 hours a day,’ said Kimutai.

Environmental concerns have also been raised as part of the project planning. Cloud Lumumba, an environmentalist from LVNWWDA, explained the town
‘s need for an additional 2,500 cubic meters of water daily.

‘For this to be possible, we must build a reliable sewerage system to handle the outflow. About 80% of the water intake is returned to the environment, so proper waste management is essential,’ Lumumba said during a public participation forum in Kapsowar yesterday.

Lumumba also addressed the challenge of where to channel the wastewater, given the proposed increase in water supply.

‘When the proposal for a larger treatment plant was put forward, the question arose about managing the waste. A sewerage system became a necessary part of the plan, and we have identified Ng’orng’oroi in Kapsowar as the main waste treatment site,’ he added.

Vincent Otieno, an engineer at LVNWWDA, shed light on the technical aspects of the sewerage system, explaining that sanitation involves two key steps: onsite and offsite treatment.

He said, ‘We carefully considered the terrain and slope of the area, as the town slopes towards two prominent areas. Three locations we
re considered for the sewer system, Kapsowar, Kipsaiya, and Kapsumai. The main sewer line will run along the valley, with Ng’orng’oroi as the central treatment point.’

Otieno highlighted that Kapsowar has been prone to waterborne diseases due to lacking a sewerage system. ‘Without proper sanitation, waterborne diseases have become a concern. The sewer system will be crucial in addressing this issue.’

He also mentioned that while Arror was considered as a potential site for waste management, it was deemed unviable due to security concerns and its steep terrain.

‘Arror’s steepness is ideal for water supply but not for sewage management,’ Otieno noted, adding that plans to improve Arror’s water supply would still go ahead, including the installation of a large septic tank at a later date after they have improved its water supply.

In rural areas where the sewerage system may not reach, such as Lawich and Sisiya, ablution blocks with toilets and bathrooms will be built. ‘These ablution blocks will serve region
s that are not covered by the main sewer lines,’ Otieno explained.

Marakwet West Sub-county Ward Administrator, Patrick Maiyo, urged the residents to fully support the project, emphasizing the benefits it will bring to the town.

‘If we embrace the sewerage system and water treatment plant, Kapsowar will be upgraded. With the town’s upgrade, many good things will follow,’ he said.

Maiyo also addressed any potential conflicts, reassuring the public that any issues would be resolved amicably to avoid disruptions to the project. ‘If there are any squabbles, we will sit down and sort them out so that donors do not withdraw funding,’ he added.

Kapsowar Ward Assistant County Commissioner, Jumbale Chibanza, emphasized the importance of compensating individuals affected by the project to avoid community conflicts.

‘We must take compensation seriously to prevent disputes. As a regional government, we fully support the project,’ Chibanza said.

Johnston Cheptoo, the Chairman of Kapsowar Town, expressed optimism abo
ut the positive changes the new sewerage system will bring.

‘With this new sanitation project, our lives will improve. The town will be able to grow, and we can now build structures like flats and install flushable toilets, which were not possible before due to the lack of a proper sanitation system,’ Cheptoo said.

Once completed, the new sewerage system and water treatment plant will serve the entire town of Kapsowar, with pipelines running through key areas including Kiplabai, Cheles, Gilgal, AIC Shammah, and Rorok Victory. Ng’orng’oroi will be the location but the exact site of the new treatment plant will be confirmed at a later stage, but the community is hopeful for the transformative impact this project will have on their daily lives.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kapsowar Town and its environs are set to receive a long-awaited sewerage system and a new water treatment plant, marking a significant step towards improving water access and sanitation in the region.

The project, still in its planning stages, is a collaboration between the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency (LVNWWDA), the North Rift Water Works Development Agency [NRWWDA], and the Cherangany Marakwet Water and Sanitation Company (CHEMAWASCO).

According to David Kimutai, Director at CHEMAWASCO, the current water treatment plant has been inadequate in serving the town’s growing population.

‘The current plant is unable to meet the needs of many residents due to water rationing. Once the new plant is constructed, the amount of water available per cubic meter will increase, ensuring that residents have access to water 24 hours a day,’ said Kimutai.

Environmental concerns have also been raised as part of the project planning. Cloud Lumumba, an environmentalist from LVNWWDA, explained the town
‘s need for an additional 2,500 cubic meters of water daily.

‘For this to be possible, we must build a reliable sewerage system to handle the outflow. About 80% of the water intake is returned to the environment, so proper waste management is essential,’ Lumumba said during a public participation forum in Kapsowar yesterday.

Lumumba also addressed the challenge of where to channel the wastewater, given the proposed increase in water supply.

‘When the proposal for a larger treatment plant was put forward, the question arose about managing the waste. A sewerage system became a necessary part of the plan, and we have identified Ng’orng’oroi in Kapsowar as the main waste treatment site,’ he added.

Vincent Otieno, an engineer at LVNWWDA, shed light on the technical aspects of the sewerage system, explaining that sanitation involves two key steps: onsite and offsite treatment.

He said, ‘We carefully considered the terrain and slope of the area, as the town slopes towards two prominent areas. Three locations we
re considered for the sewer system, Kapsowar, Kipsaiya, and Kapsumai. The main sewer line will run along the valley, with Ng’orng’oroi as the central treatment point.’

Otieno highlighted that Kapsowar has been prone to waterborne diseases due to lacking a sewerage system. ‘Without proper sanitation, waterborne diseases have become a concern. The sewer system will be crucial in addressing this issue.’

He also mentioned that while Arror was considered as a potential site for waste management, it was deemed unviable due to security concerns and its steep terrain.

‘Arror’s steepness is ideal for water supply but not for sewage management,’ Otieno noted, adding that plans to improve Arror’s water supply would still go ahead, including the installation of a large septic tank at a later date after they have improved its water supply.

In rural areas where the sewerage system may not reach, such as Lawich and Sisiya, ablution blocks with toilets and bathrooms will be built. ‘These ablution blocks will serve region
s that are not covered by the main sewer lines,’ Otieno explained.

Marakwet West Sub-county Ward Administrator, Patrick Maiyo, urged the residents to fully support the project, emphasizing the benefits it will bring to the town.

‘If we embrace the sewerage system and water treatment plant, Kapsowar will be upgraded. With the town’s upgrade, many good things will follow,’ he said.

Maiyo also addressed any potential conflicts, reassuring the public that any issues would be resolved amicably to avoid disruptions to the project. ‘If there are any squabbles, we will sit down and sort them out so that donors do not withdraw funding,’ he added.

Kapsowar Ward Assistant County Commissioner, Jumbale Chibanza, emphasized the importance of compensating individuals affected by the project to avoid community conflicts.

‘We must take compensation seriously to prevent disputes. As a regional government, we fully support the project,’ Chibanza said.

Johnston Cheptoo, the Chairman of Kapsowar Town, expressed optimism abo
ut the positive changes the new sewerage system will bring.

‘With this new sanitation project, our lives will improve. The town will be able to grow, and we can now build structures like flats and install flushable toilets, which were not possible before due to the lack of a proper sanitation system,’ Cheptoo said.

Once completed, the new sewerage system and water treatment plant will serve the entire town of Kapsowar, with pipelines running through key areas including Kiplabai, Cheles, Gilgal, AIC Shammah, and Rorok Victory. Ng’orng’oroi will be the location but the exact site of the new treatment plant will be confirmed at a later stage, but the community is hopeful for the transformative impact this project will have on their daily lives.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Vihiga County residents have started reaping from the Climate Change Resilience Investment Projects by accessing clean piped water.

The water projects are being implemented through a programme dubbed Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA), funded by the World Bank (WB).

The area Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo commissioned Mudungu and Igogwa boreholes in Wodanga and Central Maragoli wards respectively, that are going to serve hundreds of households in these areas.

Dr. Ottichilo said the solar-powered bore hole water projects would go a long way in building resilience of the local communities by enabling them to have access to clean and safe water during the prolonged dry seasons.

The Governor stated that they are using solar energy so as to cut down the power cost and urged the people to own and protect the projects.

The County head reiterated his commitment to ensure all Vihiga households access clean and safe water by the year 2028 as outlined in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2022
-2027.

On his part, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for environment, water resources and forestry Onzere Mulongo advised residents to grow bamboo trees along river banks so as to protect the water sources in the county.

The CECM lamented that in the past the residents grew eucalyptus on the river banks, leading to drying up of the streams since they are high water intakes.

He asked those still having the eucalyptus in the riparian areas to uproot and replace them with the indigenous species that are environment-friendly.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Vihiga County residents have started reaping from the Climate Change Resilience Investment Projects by accessing clean piped water.

The water projects are being implemented through a programme dubbed Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA), funded by the World Bank (WB).

The area Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo commissioned Mudungu and Igogwa boreholes in Wodanga and Central Maragoli wards respectively, that are going to serve hundreds of households in these areas.

Dr. Ottichilo said the solar-powered bore hole water projects would go a long way in building resilience of the local communities by enabling them to have access to clean and safe water during the prolonged dry seasons.

The Governor stated that they are using solar energy so as to cut down the power cost and urged the people to own and protect the projects.

The County head reiterated his commitment to ensure all Vihiga households access clean and safe water by the year 2028 as outlined in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2022
-2027.

On his part, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for environment, water resources and forestry Onzere Mulongo advised residents to grow bamboo trees along river banks so as to protect the water sources in the county.

The CECM lamented that in the past the residents grew eucalyptus on the river banks, leading to drying up of the streams since they are high water intakes.

He asked those still having the eucalyptus in the riparian areas to uproot and replace them with the indigenous species that are environment-friendly.

Source: Kenya News Agency