Uasin Gishu County Enforcement Officers, popularly referred to as kanjos, will be fitted with a new uniform to ensure only genuine officers serve the public.
Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim ordered that all the enforcement officers work while in uniform to stop a group of former county askaris who have been going around harassing traders and extorting money from them.
Chelilim said the former askaris who were kicked out for misconduct have been going around harassing the business community while claiming to work for the devolved unit, yet they were dismissed a long time ago.
Speaking to traders and matatu operators at the Eldoret main stage, the Governor said all the county askaris will have to operate in new uniforms for identification purposes to stop further harassment of traders.
Chelilim, who also toured various parts of Eldoret town to inspect ongoing infrastructural projects being undertaken by his administration, welcomed the residents on a personal level to participate in the coming Devolution Conference.
He warned that he will personally ensure county enforcement officers who will be found guilty of frustrating traders by taking bribes are dealt with according to the law.
Preparation for the upcoming Devolution conference that will be held in Eldoret town from August 15 to 19, 2023, is in top gear, according to the Governor.
“It’s a very important conference and a rare opportunity that will bring the President, Deputy President, Leader of Opposition, all forty-seven Governors, and many high-level local and international guests to our County. We must be prepared to welcome them as a County,” Chelilim told a crowd at the main Eldoret stage.
During the tour, Chelilim and his entourage made stopovers in different parts of the town to encourage residents and business people to participate fully in the conference and also take advantage of the event for business purposes.
“We are going to have more than 10,000 visitors who will need accommodation, food, transport, and other services; let us all be prepared to welcome them,” Chelilim said.
He asked the business community to stock their shops, maintain order in all places, and improve the standards of their services.
“We have enhanced security in all parts of the town, and we are continuing to make more improvements. Let us maintain peace and handle any arising issues amicably to avoid unnecessary conflict, “Chelilim added.
He asked residents to maintain cleanliness and assured the business community that his administration will continue to support them by providing a conducive environment for doing business. He reiterated that it was important for everyone to respect each other’s work and for people to live in harmony.
The ongoing projects include road and drainage works, the installation of street lights, beautification works, the recarpeting of the main stage, the introduction of new bus parks, and the painting of buildings in town.
By Kiptanui Cherono
