Lelan Ward, in Marakwet East Sub County, is set to witness a significant transformation as residents recently allocated Sh20 million for the much-needed upgrade of the Kaptalamwa Health Centre.
This allocation, made during a public participation exercise held at the Labot Ward office, demonstrates the community’s commitment to improving healthcare facilities in the region.
The lion’s share of the allocated funds of Sh20 million will be channelled towards the construction of three wards within the Kaptalamwa Health Centre.
This development is expected to enhance the centre’s capacity to provide quality healthcare services to residents, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes for the community.
In addition to the health centre upgrade, residents of Lelan Ward also earmarked funds for various community development initiatives.
The Community Health Promoters (CHPs) received Sh1.8 million in incentives, a move aimed at strengthening the network of health workers in the area. Ambulance services, crucial for emergency medical care, received a substantial allocation of Sh1.5 million.
The sports development sector in the ward received a boost with an allocation of Sh1.5 million, reflecting the community’s commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting active lifestyles.
Additionally, Sh1.5 million was dedicated to the Wezesha programme, an initiative championed by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich. The programme focuses on training and empowering the youth with the tools they need to secure sustainable livelihoods.
Education also featured prominently in the allocations, with Sh3.7 million set aside for bursary funds, Sh1.9 million for ECDE capitation, and Sh3.2 million for the Torokwo ECDE project. Furthermore, the FLOCCA merging grant was allocated Sh2.5 million, reaffirming the commitment to educational development in Lelan Ward.
Water projects received their share of support, with Sh1.5 million allocated to Kabai and Sh900,000 to Kapkochur water projects. Another Sh2.8 million was allocated to rig operation, aimed at improving water provision in the area and addressing a critical community need.
Governor Rotich’s Pesa Mfukoni programme, which supports local agriculture and economic growth, received a boost with a Sh1 million allocation for pyrethrum seeds.
The peace initiative was allocated Sh300,000, while PMCs and WDC received Sh1 million to strengthen community governance.
The ward office’s operational capabilities were enhanced with an allocation of Sh. 500,000 for internet connectivity and office operations. Additionally, Sh. 1 million was designated for income-generating activities targeting youth, women, and persons with disabilities, while the cooperative department received Sh. 2 million as a revolving fund to support local cooperatives.
Infrastructure development in the ward was not overlooked, as Sh2 million was set aside for the construction of culverts across the ward, further improving accessibility.
Moreover, Sh2.5 million was allocated to fueling the grader, a move aimed at reducing road construction costs from 35% to just 10% of ward allocations, significantly improving road infrastructure.
In neighbouring wards, similar initiatives are taking shape. Cheptongei and Kapchemuta health centres in Moiben-Kuserwo and Arror Wards were allocated Sh10 million for essential upgrades and services.
The Moiben-Kuserwo roads department allocated Sh8 million for fuel for the newly acquired excavator, a move that has substantially reduced road construction costs in the area to approximately 10 per cent of the total budget.
Chebara ATC received Sh2 million for the construction of a dining hall, enhancing the learning environment for students, while ambulatory services were allocated Sh1.5 million to improve access to healthcare.
In Arror Ward, students from humble and vulnerable backgrounds have reason to smile after Sh5 million was allocated to cater to bursary funds, ensuring that education remains accessible to all.
Kapsowar Ward approved Sh20,958,493 for various ward-level projects, reflecting the commitment to comprehensive development. Additionally, each sub-location was allocated Sh4 million for sub-location-based projects, empowering communities to address their unique needs.
By Rennish Okong’o
