A section of Baringo residents is proposing the allocation of Sh10 billion special fund in order to open up areas prone to cattle rustling and banditry.
The locals stated that the kitty under the Ministry of Transport will play a crucial role in completing all stalled roads in the region as well as establishing new ones.
They made the request at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute in Marigat town on Friday during a public participation forum by the Budget and Appropriations Committee of the National Assembly that was co-chaired by Baringo Woman representative Florence Jematia and her Nyeri counterpart Rahab Mukami.
Saimo Soi Ward resident Stephen Barkoton noted that the roads linking the three sub counties of Baringo North, South, and Tiaty connecting neighbouring Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Laikipia, Samburu, and Turkana counties will boost security operations in the affected areas.
Barkoton highlighted the Kipcherere-Sibilo-Yatia-Kositei and Ashakanin-Kipnai-Lomuker-Arror roads as some of the key infrastructure to be actualised in the vast county so that it can promote accessibility to public amenities in the remote parts of the county.
“We are requesting funds for security roads because it will enhance trade and businesses as well as connect us to many crucial institutions which are currently inaccessible,” he said.
Paul Kipyamat, a resident of Baringo South Sub County, echoed the sentiments of Barkoton, noting that the proposed roads, which include Sirata-Mukutani-Ngelecha and Nakuru-Kisanana-Nyimbei-Chemorongion, will aid in the patrol and recovery of stolen livestock.
However, Kipyamat lamented that, besides the 100-kilometre Karandi-Mochongoi-Kasiela-Arabal-Sirata-Sandai-Marigat road, construction work on four other security roads across the county had stalled.
“If this budget will not finish the stalled road projects in our county, I will personally take the government to court,” he said.
The vocal resident stated that the insecurity challenge has tormented people, and it is high time that the government teams up with other stakeholders to offer a lasting solution to the perennial problem.
Martin Eroko from Tiaty, who shared similar sentiments with Kipyamat and Barkoton, said the roads are crucial since they will aid in the movement of security personnel as well as national police reservists in case of banditry attacks.
Eroko highlighted the importance of roads and other key development programmes like electricity connectivity and water coverage, which he said were low in the Tiaty region, yet they are key to spurring economic growth and promoting investments.
Baringo South Legislator (MP) Charles Kamuren revealed in his remarks that currently, there is no special programme in Kenya dealing with security, yet residents in some parts of the North Rift region continue to bear the brunt of armed criminals.
Kamuren, who revealed that parliamentarians are moving towards ending the insecurity menace through the legislation of various security Bills, stated that National Police Reservists (NPR) should be paid a monthly stipend of at least Sh20,000 to motivate them in their difficult job.
He underscored the need for the special kitty, which he said should be disbursed urgently in order to end the perennial insecurity challenge once and for all.
Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap revealed that his constituents in the 2024–2025 Financial Year under the National Treasury sub-division, where they are expected to get about 20 million, have agreed to do restocking for banditry victims to restore them to their normal lives.
Makilap added that another portion of the money will be spent on the purchase of beehives for vulnerable families as well as the empowerment of women.
Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek said another way of tackling insecurity in the region is by putting large chunks of land into irrigation use and utilising the water sources for extensive agriculture, which will in turn promote food security.
Mukami, accompanied by Bahati MP Irene Njoki, promised that all the deliberations from the meeting will be captured in one report, which will be presented in Parliament to represent the aspirations of Baringo residents.
By Benson Kelio and Christopher Kiprop
