Baringo Governor Stanley Kiptis has launched road construction equipment worth over Sh400 million to facilitate upgrade of roads in Baringo South and Mogotio Sub-Counties in a bid to boost trade in the area.
Speaking during the launch Wednesday at Marigat town, in Baringo South Sub-County, Kiptis said his government spent over Sh400 million to procure the equipment which included a Dozer, two Excavators, a Motor Grader, a roller and a Toyota Hilux double cab noting that it would advance the road network in the two sub-counties hence boost development.
Kiptis said that the county was able to kickstart projects that were in the pipeline after purchase of the road equipment unlike when the county owned lesser machinery.
“Roads are an important public asset and we rely entirely on a good road system as the basis to access jobs, healthcare, education and social connection that is what has pushed us to procure the machines to see to it that we achieve good road networks in all parts of the county,” Kiptis added.
The Governor further noted that upon completion of the road network, remote areas that are prone to insecurity would benefit as it would open up the areas curbing the menace and open up markets and improve livelihoods and economy of the county at large.
In his remarks, he appreciated all the stakeholders who participated in ensuring that the project came into completion noting that public participation played a key role.
Kiptis lauded the National Government for the dusk to dawn curfews which were imposed in the insecurity prone areas of the county noting that it had aided in reducing insecurity.
“I want to also plead with the National Government together with our county to step up food relief operations in the affected areas more so the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from insecurity prone areas of Arabal and Mochongoi to avert a looming humanitarian crisis due to famine,” he added.
The County boss further hinted that shortlisting of drivers was still in the pipeline and would be called for interviews through the public service board which he said was keen on employing more youth.
Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works County Executive Committee member Elijah Kipkoros urged local administrators to closely supervise the work done by contractors for the benefit of residents.
“Please cooperate with the contractors for smooth completion of road works when construction kicks off,” Kipkoros said.
He noted that the projects were aimed at benefiting residents through construction of roads and dams and further assured the residents that proper utilities and policies governing the machineries had been put in place to ensure perfect project delivery.
By Caroline Cherono
