Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has assured members of the public full implementation of projects captured in the third generation County Integrated Development Programme (CIDP).
Governor Natembeya made the promise Tuesday when he addressed the CIDP validation forum at a hotel in Kitale town.
Natembeya regretted what he termed as poor implementation of previous CIDPs, “thus the main reason people of Trans Nzoia County haven’t benefited much from the 10 years of devolution,” he noted.
The Governor blamed the situation on wanton embezzlement of public funds by those in charge of implementing government projects.
In order to ensure prudent management of public funds and resources from the National Treasury and development partners as well as full implementation of targeted development projects and programmes, Natembeya disclosed creation of the Governor’s Delivery Unit (GDU).
The unit will be headed by the Deputy Governor Philemona Binea assisted by three directors.
“The main objective of the Governor’s Delivery Unit will be to track and monitor progress of all projects and programmes initiated by the county government,” stated Natembeya.
He added, “The delivery unit will also ensure funds allocated toward the projects and programmes are prudently utilised.”
The County boss highlighted some of the key areas of focus in the current CIDP, a five-year plan, that gives the county’s development roadmap.
“My administration intends to invest a lot in agricultural activities with the aim of boosting the sector right from crop production, value addition and marketing,” said Natembeya.
He noted that his administration was closely working with the national government to enable farmers in the area to access farm inputs and affordable credit facilities.
“Already farmers are currently accessing subsidised fertilisers,” said Natembeya, adding that his government had finalised plans to secure subsidised crop seeds ahead of this year’s planting season.
Health was the other sector the Governor emphasised would undergo what he termed as great transformation before offering enhanced service provision to the residents.
Natembeya pointed out misappropriation of drugs procured by the government for adversely affecting service delivery in public health facilities in the area.
“Through intelligence we have established that most of the stolen drugs and non-pharmaceuticals find their way to our neighbours in Uganda,” he disclosed and vowed to end the vice.
He put on notice health professionals, warning that his administration would not tolerate those running private clinics.
“It is sad to note that some doctors refer patients, especially those covered by NHIF, to their private clinical thus denying our public hospitals necessary funds for improving services,” claimed Natembeya.
Besides agriculture and health, the CIDP also singled out measures the government will put in place to enhance accessibility by the locals to clean and safe drinking water and improvement of the county’s transport network through grading of all village roads.
To lift standards of education, the County further targets to fully equip all Early Childhood Education Development (ECDE) centres.
He also put on notice land grabbers and vowed to take them head on.
He attributed the slow pace of growth of Kitale to lack of space for expansion, noting a big percentage of land space within Kitale town was owned by land grabbers with most of them having served the country in senior positions, including politicians.
“Am sending a stern warning to individuals who have grabbed public land. It won’t be business as usual regardless of one’s social standing,” warned Natembeya.
The CIDP further contains plans by the County to build a modern cultural centre, construction of a 20,000-capacity modern stadium as well as elevating Kiminini trading centre to a township among other focus areas.
The Governor was accompanied by his DG Binea, CECMs, COs, officers from the national government and representatives of various interest groups.
By Maurice Aluda
