Elgeyo Marakwet County Commissioner John Korir has said that the national and county governments through the department of health will sensitise residents on proper health procedures before the onset of circumcision of boys.
The CC said it was sad that last year several boys lost their lives while in seclusion saying the government will not interfere with the sacred places where they conduct the ceremony, but if safety measures are not adhered to, then there would be no otherwise but to ensure that life is protected.
Speaking after reading the presidential speech at Bugar primary school, the CC regretted that some people had commercialised the age-old tradition where they don’t take into consideration the health of the initiates leading to deaths.
Korir said the government’s efforts in restoring peace in the Kerio Valley were bearing fruits saying the area has not witnessed any incident for the last three months.
He said the new Kerio Valley sub county was already in operation after the government posted a DCC in the area saying they were consulting with the area MP and the county government with a view to constructing the headquarters in Chesongoch.
The administrator added that Lomut and Kolowa markets which had been closed due to insecurity have been opened adding that early next month, the Eldoret Catholic bishop Dominic Kimengich will lead prayers which will bring together all the communities in addition to blessing and opening Chesegon market.
He said the markets play a major role in allowing the different communities to interact in addition to raising revenue for the various county governments.
Korir called on residents to register with the Social Health Authority to access free health services saying the registration was easy and can be done on the phone.
Addressing the same gathering, Governor Wisley Rotich said his administration has moved in to ensure that there is increased home ownership and regularisation of land across the county aimed at reducing housing deficit.
He said with support from the Food Agricultural Organisation (FAO) the county was preparing a community land inventory which will be used in registration and adjudication of the unregistered community lands along the Kerio Valley.
In a speech read on his behalf by his deputy Prof Grace Cherserek, the governor said the data had been forwarded to the lands Cabinet Secretary for subsequent surveying and titling.
“With proper land ownership documents, our people will be able to fully utilise their lands and address perennial conflicts related to land issues,” he said.
He said within the last two years’ farmers in Kerio Valley have earned Sh18 million from the sale of cereals saying with over 1,000 acres planted, farmers’ earnings were set to increase to over Sh30 million in the current planting season.
By Alice Wanjiru
