Plans to elevate Maili-Inne trading centre in Ndaragwa Constituency and Engineer trading centre in Kinangop to municipal status are in top gear.
The Nyandarua County Government has embarked on public engagement forums, to seek opinion from stakeholders and residents on the new development.
If approved, the elevation of the two towns will bring to three, the number of Municipalities in the County, which will include Ol-Kalou town, the County Headquarters.
This will see the entities put under Municipality Boards and also get an opportunity to receive funding from the World Bank to a tune of Sh. 100 million each, through the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP).
Speaking at Maili-Inne Catholic Church Hall during the public engagement forum, residents and a section of leaders from the area supported the move, saying it will bring great opportunities for investments, improve on the town’s sewerage systems, lighting among other benefits.
However, the plans are set to experience a myriad of challenges owing to the fact that since the establishment, there were no prior development plans, and hence most people will be affected, especially in the expansion of estate roads, laying of sewer lines, and drainage among others.
However, residents have been re-assured that there was no cause to worry as the development and planning will be done in a considerable manner and with consultation with all stakeholders.
The elevation of Maili-Inne Trading Centre to a municipality will join together Kiriita, Leshau Pondo in Ndaragwa Constituency and Gatimu Wards in the neighbouring Ol-Joro-Orok Constituency.
However, speaking during the meeting Ndaragwa Member of Parliament (MP), George Gachagua and Gatimu Ward Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Duncan Githinji, took issue with the Steering Committee for allegedly sidelining some leaders in the engagement forums, saying no one should be left behind.
“We have had Ol-Kalou as a municipality but the population in Maili-Nne is enough for it to be made a municipality. We believe with its elevation, the sewer system and feeder roads will be improved. Moreover, we shall get the resources to develop the towns from the World Bank,” said Gachagua.
They noted that as elected leaders, they bring on Board the voice of their electorates and therefore, need to be formally invited to such meetings.
While supporting the idea to elevate the town, the leaders said they were aware of the challenges residents face, including lack of water, roads and sewerage, but with the formation of the municipal board, it will help address the challenges.
By Antony Mwangi
