Residents of Kabarnet town have a reason to smile after Baringo County Government in collaboration with World Bank embarked on establishment of first ever recreation park.
The town which is the county headquarters has been lacking the facility since time immemorial due to poor planning and land grabbing which has taken toll for the past five years.
Due to the lack of recreation facility, residents and visitors have been jamming social joints especially hotels to spend their valuable time but often end up being accused of causing nuisance in the premises.
Governor Stanley Kiptis said the ultra-modern facility being initialized concurrently with the construction of Anyiny–Jua Kali road and Municipal market phase two costing Sh52 million under the Kenya Urban Support Program, will come as a great boost to the town with a population of over 30, 000 which the county administration is tirelessly focusing to ensure that it is properly planned and well managed.
Kiptis who spoke during the ground breaking ceremony at Kabarnet Museums grounds said the park expected to be completed within six months will be unique for it shall be fitted with seats, eco-friendly toilets, water fountain amongst other facilities which shall provide pleasure to both visitors and residents.
This project is important because it will promote a healthy and physical lifestyle of the people within our urban settlements,” he explained.
The county boss who was responding to public outcry blamed some unscrupulous individuals who no longer fear grabbing public resources for the delay in kickoff of mega projects in major towns within the region including Kabarnet, Eldama Ravine, Kabartonjo, Marigat, Mogotio and Chemolingot.
County CEC for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Thomas Nongonop, stated that in order to deter further illegal land dealings, his department has embarked on a rigorous land survey and beaconing exercise across the vast county and they will soon issue title deeds to the rightful holders.
Nongonop who was flanked by his education counterpart, Dr David Sergon, and CEC for environment, Mary Panga, advised residents to jealously guard all public utilities within their areas since they are important and useful for future generations.
Kabarnet Ward Representative, MCA Ernest Kibet, welcomed the venture and urged county government to impose strict rules on contractors and owners who are fond of setting substandard infrastructures in major towns since it was a recipe for future disaster and planning challenges.
Kibet challenged Governor Kiptis to crack the whip on land grabbers whose activities keep hindering the growth and development of the town.
Some of the residents who aired their grievances pointed out that the county headquarters was still grappling with challenges of inadequate sanitation facilities, poor lighting and recurrent water shortage which the county government needs to urgently address.
By Benson Kelio and Joshua Kibet
