State of the County Address 2015

7/18/2019 State of the County Address 2015

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COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF UASIN GISHU

STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS

BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR



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Our vision

To serve and improve people’s livelihoods through good leadership, innovative

technology, and efficient infrastructure

Our mission

To be a prosperous and attractive county in Kenya and beyond

Our core values

Integrity

Teamwork

Innovation

Accountability

Our Slogan

The Champion



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SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. JACKSON K. ARAP MANDAGO,

GOVERNOR, UASIN GISHU COUNTY DURING THE STATE OF THE COUNTY

ADDRESS AT COUNTY ASSEMBLY, ELDORET ON THURSDAY, 9TH APRIL,

2015

Speaker of the County Assembly,

The Senator,

Honourable Members of Parliament present,

Honourable Members of the County Assembly,

County Executive Members,

The County Commissioner and National Government Officials,

The Resident Judge and Members of the Judiciary Present,

Members of the County Public Service Board

Chief Executives of State Corporations

Our Development Partners,

Invited Guests,

Fellow Residents of Uasin Gishu,Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to address this special sitting in line with my

constitutional obligation to outline the state of the county in my second year in

office.

During my inauguration, I took an oath to serve you with dedication. This

commitment is still fresh in my mind as you gave me the mandate to run the affairsof this great County.

That time, we identified our main challenges and laid out strategies that have

defined our work on how to take this great county to prosperity.



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Hon. Speaker,

The message I bring to you today is one of hope, determination, resilience, and

purpose, with anticipatory success. It gives voice to a vision of where we have been,

where we are, and where we must go, a vision that foresees a community where

everyone in our diverse population has true and unfettered access to prosperity and

self-sufficiency. We have endeavoured in line with the Constitution to engage the

public in implementation of our development agenda.

Hon. Speaker, the benchmarking by other counties is an indication that we are

doing well as a County.

My Government is working very closely with the National Government to ensure that

there is adequate security and harmony amongst all the communities residing in this

County. This has given us a conducive environment that has attracted several

investors. The county is now the host of many universities, banks and upcoming

industries.

Despite various challenges, we have endeavoured to create a culture of efficiencyand accountability. This calls for concerted effort by all the stakeholders to ensure

that we achieve this. Indeed I want to sincerely take this opportunity to appreciate

the support you have all along given me in this journey.

Hon. Speaker, allow me on the onset to thank the following:

Members of this House for their diligent contributions in legislation, oversight

and representation roles. So far this House has passed 26 pieces oflegislation. To all of you I say a big thank you.

The invited guests, members of public present, and to those who are

watching or listening to us on various media across this county and beyond; I

say thank you for joining us.

My staff for their commitment to working together to deliver the vision of this

Great County.

Hon. Speaker, allow me now to highlight the achievements we have made in

various sectors in the last two years.



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Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries

Hon. Speaker, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries

is a key area of focus in my Government. The mandate of the Department is to

improve the livelihoods of the county residents through promotion of commercial

farming. We seek to realize these objectives through appropriate policies and legal

frameworks, effective support service and natural resource management for

sustainable development.

Hon. Speaker, maize and wheat are major Cereals grown in the County. This

sector has witnessed a number of challenges in the past right from planting to

harvesting. My Government in an effort to manage post-harvest losses procured two

mobile driers for our farmers and refurbished various cereal stores such as Merewet,

Moiben, Sosiani and farmer cooperative stores to create more storage space for

National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB) to buy more cereals from farmers. We

have also built two new stores in Simbi and Tugen Estate in collaboration with the

National government.

Hon. Speaker, in addition my Government has continued to lobby NationalGovernment to allocate more money to NCPB and Kenya Seed to allow the

institutions to adequately purchase produce from farmers and deliver farm inputs.

This year we held a leaders’ forum to draw a road map of resource requirements to

meet farmers’ needs. In the forum, we established that for NCPB to be able to buy

all the maize and wheat produced in Kenya, it requires Ksh. 8 Billion. Kenya Seed

requires Ksh. 3 Billion to subsidize seed while Kenya Agricultural Livestock

Research Organization (KALRO) requires Ksh. 3 billion to manage emerging cropand animal diseases such as Maize Lethal Necrotic Disease (MLND).

Hon. Speaker, the onus is now on the National Assembly to allocate Ksh. 20

Billion as a means of assuring food security in Kenya. My Government is currently

engaging other counties that experience drought with the view of establishing other

markets besides NCPD for farmers produce.



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Hon. Speaker, my Government has identified Horticulture and Dairy farming as

key potential areas that will boost the economy of this county. In the endeavour to

actualize this dream, my Government allocated KSh. 30 Million to the Horticulture

Business Strategy which identified seven priority crops namely; tissue culture

bananas, passion fruits, avocados, potatoes, local vegetables, green beans and

summer flowers. The crops are grown in various parts of the county based on

ecological suitability. Market for the produce has been identified through exporters

such as; Equatorial Hortifresh, Nuru Exporters, Kenya Fresh and Vegpro for passion

fruit and Avocado, Canken Exporters, East African Growers and Finlay for French

beans and snow peas and Wilmar Exporters for Summer flowers.

In addition, my Government has established thirty fruit tree nurseries, one in every

ward, to ensure farmers have constant supply of certified fruit tree seedlings. Youth

and farmer groups that benefited from the project were trained at Chebororwa ATC

on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to ensure our produce meet global standards.

This financial year my Government has allocated money for the construction of a

multipurpose hall at Chebororwa ATC to ensure improved training services.

Hon. Speaker, negotiations with prospective exporters are underway to enable the

county export horticulture produce direct from Eldoret International Airport to

Europe and the Middle East. This shall not only ensure optimum use of the airport

but also provide employment opportunities for our farmers and the youth.

In order to ensure precision farming, my Government carried out soil analysis of

1,000 soil samples from across the county. The results indicate an average pH of 4.6

which has informed purchase of appropriate fertilizer to ensure optimum yields.From the soil testing results, areas suitable for growing maize, wheat, potatoes,

cabbages and tomatoes have been mapped out. In addition, my Government will

purchase a stationary soil testing laboratory for continuous analysis. Furthermore,

KSh 10 million has been allocated to Agricultural Mechanization Services (AMS) to

purchase assorted machinery which is anticipated to lower the cost of production for

farmers.



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Hon. Speaker, my Government has noted the challenges in field extension services

and to address this, we have committed funds for the purchase of vehicles and

motor cycles in a move to revamp extension services in the County.

Hon. Speaker, there has been a decline in dairy production over the last two

decades in the Livestock sector. This is attributed to poor genetics which is as a

result of use of bulls that has led to inbreeding. To address this, my Government

allocated KSh. 13 million for purchase of both conventional and sexed semen which

are being distributed through Farmer Cooperative Societies (FCS). We have

subsidised the cost of semen by 50% and so far 316 cows have been served

through this programme. I therefore urge our farmers to take advantage of this

subsidy to improve their dairy breeds.

Hon. Speaker, one of the major challenges in the livestock sector is prevalence of

diseases which has led to huge economic losses. This has had adverse socio-

economic impact on our county because over 80% of our residents derive their

livelihood from the sector. It is for this reason that my Government allocated Ksh.13

Million to purchase vaccines. Through this programme we have vaccinated 150,000(50% of cattle population in the county) in the year 2014/15 up from 20,000 (6.7%)

in the year 2013/14. Our target is to meet the required 80% in the next financial

year and in the long run attain disease-free zone status.

Hon. Speaker, attaining disease-free status requires cooperation with our

neighbouring counties. Towards this, my Government held consultative regional

meeting from which action plans were drawn to ensure disease control through

synchronized regional surveillance and vaccination. Further, a total of 166 cattle dipswere rehabilitated in 2013/14 financial year and another 159 are being rehabilitated

this financial year at a total cost of KSh. 54.6 million.

Hon. Speaker, my Government recognizes the role played by women in the

economy and allocated KSh.10 Million to purchase and distribute 50,000 improved

Kienyeji Chicken through “Inua Mama Project ”. This project targets 15 women

groups per ward, which totals to 450 groups and will benefit 10,000 women per

year. This poultry project will empower our women economically and improve



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nutritional needs of their families thereby promoting a healthy population.

Hypothetically if 40,000 chicks survive to laying stage, our women will be able to

collect 40,000 eggs per day say for 20 days a month and sell at KSH 10 per egg will

translate to KSH 96M per year. Moreover, the women will earn an additional Ksh.9

Million from the sale of cockerels which may make up 30% of the 50,000 chicks.

This will go a long way in alleviating poverty and thus improving the living standards

of over 10,000 households and contribute significantly to the economy of the county.

Hon. Speaker, despite the huge potential in fish farming the Fisheries sector has

not received much attention due to socio-cultural beliefs and our peoples’ resistance

to new ventures. To change this attitude and to reduce over reliance on traditional

food sources, my Government has embarked on an aggressive campaign to diversify

sources of food and income. It is for this reason that we allocated KSh. 5 Million to

purchase 500,000 fingerlings to restock 408 fish ponds and 4 dams namely Kesses,

Ziwa, Kiboswa, and Strauburg. It is expected that 90% of the 500,000 fingerlings

will attain 300gms in the next 8 months and earn a total of KSh. 60 Million for the

farmers.

Hon. Speaker, to ensure reliable supply of fingerlings for fish farmers, my

Government allocated KSh. 10 Million to put up a Fish Hatchery in collaboration with

the University of Eldoret. The fingerlings thereof shall be available to Uasin Gishu

farmers at a subsidized cost.

Hon. Speaker, allow me to acknowledge the complimentary support of the National

Government through establishment of Liquid Nitrogen plant at the VeterinaryInvestigation Laboratory Eldoret and for the donation of coolers and AI kits to five

Farmer Cooperative Societies. I also thank the Dutch Government through SNV for

their support in capacity building programmes.



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Trade, Industrialization, Enterprise Development, Tourism and Wildlife

Management

Hon. Speaker, in Trade, Industrialization, Enterprise Development, Tourism and

Wildlife Management, my Government has strengthened trade development by

enhancing interactions with business community through promotion of

entrepreneurship and innovation carried out in participatory workshops and

exhibitions.

One of the key priority areas in this sector is the regular mutual interaction and

engagement with the business community which has enhanced an enabling

environment possible for public-private sector to grow and thrive. Our goal is to

support entrepreneurs in the county turn their ideas into great opportunities. In this

regard, we are in partnership with the local chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of

Commerce and Industry, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Government

agencies such as Export Promotion Council, KenInvest to achieve this goal. We have

signed an MoU with Kenya Industrial Estates to carry out resource mapping and

investment opportunities in the County.

In addition, in the past one year, we have noted and appreciated the potential of the

Jua Kali sector in economic growth and we supported the Jua Kali Association by

facilitating three Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi exhibitions at the County, National and Regional

level in Kigali Rwanda. This is one of the long term ways of nurturing talent in the

micro, small and medium enterprises in order to accelerate industrial growth.

Hon. Speaker, due to stability and good environment for business, more investors

have set up businesses in our county and we have seen more than twenty thousand

businesses of various categories engage in business in this county. In order to

support small businesses, my Government allocated KSh 110 million this financial

year for retail markets, modern kiosks and an additional floor at the hawkers market.

This will enable us renovate and secure 17 retail markets across the County to

provide a conducive environment for our small traders and a one stop shop for

revenue collection. It will also enable us to build the first batch of 150 modern kiosks



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out of our long term target of 1,000 to be placed in identified locations in a planned

and orderly manner in order to cater for the needs of small traders in urban and

peri-urban centres.

The newly constructed hawkers market has been handed over to us by the National

Government and we have completed the preparation necessary to enable us allocate

to the deserving traders before end of the month. The additional floor will provide

additional space to accommodate the many micro and small traders since the

current space will not be enough to accommodate the desired huge number of

applicants received so far. Hon. Speaker, so far we have disbursed KSh. 19.4 million

to 147 Micro and Small businesses through Joint Loans Board.

Hon. Speaker, we recently passed Licensing Act and created Directorate of

Licensing and Compliance section that is charged with ensuring compliance in our

single business licensing. The directorate embarked on business mapping in the

county and statistics showed inconsistencies in our fee and licensing system due to

incorrect coding of businesses. The business mapping report showed that

approximately 48% of the 20,000 businesses in the county did not have singlebusiness permits while some of those with the permit underpaid.

In the past, my Government has faced challenges with some professional firms in

payment of business licenses. In this regards, we intend to introduce a bill to this

House to legislate on the appropriate fee to be paid by such businesses in future.

Hon. Speaker, to ensure fair business practices and compliance, we have

strengthened Weights and Measures section which is charged with Calibration of

Machines, Inspection of Standards and Prosecution in case of failure to comply with

set standards. In this pursuit, we have carried out calibration of equipment and the

compliance rate is over 90%.

In collaboration with our major institutions, we have managed to woo investors who

wish to partner with the county to establish major projects in textile, solar energy at

plateau and agro-processing. Upcoming projects include a solar assembly line at the



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RVTTI, a computer assembly line and Textiles at Rivatex and a potato processing

machine in Eldoret town.

Hon. Speaker, Cooperative movement is one of the key drivers of economic

growth at the grass root level. When I came in, the County had 468 registered co-

operative societies out of which 122 were active. My Government has put in place

measures to continuously revive Cooperative Societies in the county.

We have also done capacity building on governance and compliance by conducting

42 workshops and 48 meetings. As a result, 33 new cooperative societies have been

registered and six sub-county boda boda SACCOS.

In order to strengthen the cooperative movement, my Government has allocated

KSh 20 million to Cooperative Enterprise Fund as a revolving fund to provide low

interest credit to cooperative societies after embarking on capacity building of over

50 and auditing of 133 cooperative Societies in order to comply with the law. In

addition, we are working with the National Government and other developmentpartners to provide milk coolers to cooperative societies and we have given out 2

coolers to Kaptagat and Chepkatet farmers’ cooperative societies.

Hon. Speaker, in the tourism sector, my Government allocated KSh 6 million for

initial construction of Chagaiya High Altitude Training Camp for sports tourism and

KSh 10 million for River Sosiani Nature and Recreation Park. We have also identified

Kesses Dam, Sirikwa Caves and the Koromosho Waterfalls as community-basedtourist sites. We are also in the process of developing Chebororwa Wildlife

Conservancy in conjunction with Kenya Wildlife Services, and currently a feasibility

study is on-going.

My Government in collaboration with neighbouring counties in the North Rift has

established a tourism information centre in Eldoret to promote North Rift region as a

tourist destination hub. In addition, my Government has promoted Meetings,

Investments, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) resulting in increased bed capacity

in our hotels.



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Lands, Housing and Physical Planning

Hon. Speaker, the department of Lands, Housing and Physical Planning is

mandated to carry out land survey and mapping, maintanance of boundaries and

fences, spatial planning and development control, housing research, development

and management, land administration and valuation and management of urban

areas.

My Governemnt in collaboration with National Land Commission (NLC) and Ethics

and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is in the process of repossesing a good

number of public utility lands that include; part of Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Langas-

Racecourse Health Centre land and cattle holding ground opposite the Veterinay

Investigation Laboratory. We have fowarded over 50 cases to NLC, among them are;

Moiben township, Arts theatre, Kiplombe dispensary, Kapsoya gardens among

others.

Hon. Speaker, in our programme for land banking, we have facilitated expansion of

existing and proposed public facilities covering sectors of education, health, water

and roads. This has been achieved through purchase of lands for the followingprojects; expansion of Kosirai North ECDE, expansion of Chukura dispensary,

proposed Langas Youth Polytechnic, proposed Chagaiya High Altitude Training

Centre, Chebarus Water Pan,Tuigoin-Murgor link road, Sinonin dispensary, and

expansion of Kaptoro Bridge among others. All these projects have costed over

KSh. 15 million.

My Government recognises the importance of land use planning in ensuring properinfrastructure and preservation of agricultural land. Through Spatial Planning and

Development Control Programme, we have developed land use standards and

Regulations (2014-2017) for both Eldoret Municipality and rural areas which are now

in force. I urge all citizens to familiarise themselves with the requirements of these

regulations. We have also completed preparation of Local Physical Development

Plans for Tumoge Trading Centre in Tulwet/Chuiyat ward, Karandili Trading Centre

in Karuna Meibeki/Ward and Ziwa market in Ziwa ward. Many others are in the

process of preparation.



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In collaboration with the National Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development,

the county has secured funding for Intergated Strategic Urban Development Plan for

Eldoret town and procurement of a planning consultant is underway. In support of

proper planning for our health and education facilities, we have prepared site layout

advisory plans for Burnt Forest, Ziwa and Turbo sub county hospitals and for several

schools.

Hon. Speaker, to increase the housing stock, my Government has entered into

partnerships with NSSF, NHC, Wiehai International Economic and Technical

Corporation of China through signing of MOUs under PPP financing framework for

redevelopment of old county houses and construction of new and modern highrise

housing estates to increase housing stock. The estates targetted for redevelopment

include Kidiwa, Macharia, Uhuru, Kapsuswo, Tom Mboya, Mayabi, Pioneer while

Saroiyot and Elgon View have been identified for new developments. In addtion, my

Government has formulated the County Housing Corporation and the Housing policy

to guide the housing sector. A number of Government housing estates have

undergone repairs in the current financial year.

In addressing the rampant road encroachment which has led to narrow roads in

our county, my Government in collaboration with Survey of Kenya successfully

carried out survey and beaconing of county roads covering a total of 109 Km in

Kuinet/ Kapsuswa, Kimumu, Kapseret/simat and Tulwet/Chuiyat wards. This exercise

has led to successful restoration of our roads to the required standards of 9-12-15.

In this financial year, I further allocated KSh. 10 million for phase two of this projectthat will cover another 200 km.

Hon. Speaker, in order to fast-track land survey service and improve on resource

mapping and maintanance of property boundaries , we have purchased modern

survey equipment which include GPS (Real Time Kinematic model) and a plotter at a

cost of KSh. 5.7 million.



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Hon. Speaker, in our efforts to improve service delivery in our fast growing towns,

we have embarked on enhancing revenue generation from land rates for ratable

properties. Towards this, we have finalised valuation roll for Moi’s Bridge town at a

cost of KSh. 5.8 million. We have also commenced procurement process for

preparation of a new valuation roll for Eldoret Municipality which we intend to

complete in the Financial Year 2015/2016. At the same time, we are cleaning land

records and capturing lands that have not been registered in the rates system. This

will eliminate duplication and bring in all ratable properties.

Hon. Speaker, in an effort to fast-track titling of land in the county, my

Government is facilitating settling of land disputes in the following farms:

Kesses/Keljin, Chemalal/Nyakinyua, Bayete Wendani farms among others. My

Government in collaboration with National Land Commission sucessfully recruited

County Land Management Board members and facilitated operationalisation of their

offices. This has assisted the county in settling land disputes and safequarding of

public land.



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Roads, Transport and Public Works

Hon. Speaker, the Department of Roads, Transport and Public works is vested with

the responsibility of providing holistic and integrated transport system within the

county as well as operating and maintaining an efficient, safe and cost effective

transport system. When I took over, majority of the roads were impassable and the

traffic congestion in Eldoret town was high. The confusion on which roads to be

managed by the county, KERRA, KURA and KENHA took a toll on us. However,

although the matter is still pending in court, as a county we have been able to

closely work together with the regional heads of these agencies. My Government has

set standards of workmanship for all road works within the county regardless of the

agency implementing.

In an effort to address the challenges, my Government embarked on a serious

management of traffic flow in Eldoret town by opening up new roads such as

Kipchoge-Dola- Moi Girls by-pass,

Lands-KEMSA –Iten road,

Construction of 64, Kago at KSh. and Muliro Streets to bitumen standard

Rehabilitation of Kimathi Street, Opening up of Eldoret-Iten road and

Development of foot paths along Eldoret-Iten road and Kisumu Road to

Langas.

Widening of Kiplombe-Soy Road

Re-carpeting of Fims Road,

Construction of the bridge across River Sosiani to link Fims Road to Panvila-

Pioneer Health Centre, which is also being tarmacked.

In rural areas my Government has constructed eight major bridges and one box

culvert at a cost of KSh. 182.2 million which are at various levels of implementation.

These bridges are Megun-Songoliet in Megun ward; with an aim of opening up

access to Moi University and Ongata Megun Health centre, Kaptoro Bridge

connecting Kipkenyo and Kapsaos wards with an aim of opening up a by-pass to

Kisumu Road for people heading to Eldoret airport, Lower Sosiani Bridge in Kamagut

ward, St Georges-St James Bridge in Kapseret ward, Kaaboi Bridge connecting



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Kiplombe and Soy wards, Kapnyangi Bridge connecting Kuinet/Kapsuswa and Sergoit

wards, Soy-Kipsomba Bridge connecting Soy and Kipsomba wards and Oldonyo

Lessos Bridge connecting Huruma and Kipkenyo wards and Kaptait-Mogoiywet Box

Culvert in Soy ward.

Hon. Speaker, during the FY 2013/2014, my Government allocated KSh 600 million

to the department for development projects. Of this amount, 30% was given to

registered groups and contractors of Youth, Women and Persons with Disabilities

(PWD) through contracts. A total of 90 contracts were awarded at a cost KSh. 1

million per ward totalling to KSh. 30 million. These contracts involved drainage

cleaning and bush clearing works. In addition, 60 contracts were awarded to

contractors at a cost of KSh. 150 million to construct 480 culverts and back fill the

same at a cost of KSh 5 million per ward.

Hon. Speaker, we have also upgraded the following streets to bitumen standard;

64, Kago, and Muliro streets and rehabilitated Kimathi Street at a cost of KSh. 176.3

million. This has enhanced free flow of traffic in the CBD.

Hon. Speaker, when I took over, there was inadequate capacity in terms of roads

construction equipment, personnel to manage and supervise the works and

inadequate procurement staff. My Government adopted Government-to-Government

procurement to hasten this process hence enabling us to hire equipment from the

National Youth Service (NYS) and Mechanical Transport Fund (MTF). This enabled

us in the Financial Year 2013/2014 to grade a total of 840km (28km per ward) and

gravel a total of 45km.To increase efficiency and reliability in road construction and maintenance, my

Government in the last financial year purchased equipment worth 625 million. These

machines are:

o 9 Graders,

o 9 Tippers,

o 3 water bowsers

o

3 Rollers,

o 3 Back hoe loaders (Drainage excavation and loading),



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o 3 Excavators, one complete with hammer breaker

o 1 Prime mover and a low bed (Transportation of heavy road

machinery),

o 1 dozer,

o 1 Wheel loader.

o 2 canter trucks,

o 3 double cabin and one (1) single cabin pick-ups for supervision and

fuel distribution respectively,

o 12 culvert making balloons,

o 3 concrete mixers,

o 3 vibrators,

o 6 Generators with flood light mast.

Hon. Speaker, my Government has been responding to various disaster and

emergency rescue services in a timely manner within the county and at times when

called upon by neighbouring counties.

In order to reduce the response time due to fire incidences in high risk areas due tothe presence of many fuel tankers as a result of proximity to the Kenya Pipeline

depot along the Eldoret-Bungoma Highway, my Government is constructing a Fire

substation at Maili Nne at a cost of KSh. 26 million. In collaboration with our

partners, we intend to establish a Disaster Management Training Centre in the

county. We have also procured a rapid response vehicle for the Fire section at a cost

of Ksh. 15.8 million.

Hon. Speaker, in order to improve security and promote a 24 hour economy in our

county, my Government allocated KSh. 95 Million for solar and conventional street

lighting. The solar lighting will cover Eldoret Airport to CBD, all sub-county

headquarters (Moiben, Ziwa, Burnt Forest, Turbo, Wauniffer and Kesses) and other

upcoming shopping centres in the county while the conventional lighting will cover

Kapsoya, Elgon View, Hyrax-Pastoral, Kipkaren Estate, Railway- Coca cola road and

KPA areas.



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Hon. Speaker, my Government in the current financial year has allocated an

additional KSh. 12 Million for street lighting which will cover bus parks and markets

which include Main stage, Tagore, Turbo, Moi’s Bridge stages, Wholesale Market,

Retail Market and West Market, Hyrax-Pastoral and Sugunanga.

Hon. Speaker, in the FY 2014/2015, my Government allocated KSh 632 million for

road construction and maintenance, bridges, culverts and drainage works. So far we

have graded 1,120 Km out of a target of 1,200Km (40 Km per ward). Grading in two

wards, (Ziwa and Soy) are on-going. At the same time 120 km out of the targeted

360 km of road has been gravelled. In addition, we are also constructing 1.5km of

roads to bitumen standard at a cost of KSh. 28 million at Iten Junction-Veterinary-

Coca-Cola Road and Oldonyo Lessos-Panvilla – Pioneer Health centre.

We are also in the process of constructing bridges at Moi University-Chesunet and

Kipkorgot and three box culverts at Emkwen-Chebolol, Kiluka-Cheptigit and

Chelugui –Songich at a cost of KSh. 50 million.

Hon. Speaker, my Government has enacted Uasin Gishu County Transport Act No23 of 2014, which seeks to operationalize the County Roads Authority and County

Mechanical and Transport Fund for management of machinery and equipment. It will

also help in the management of taxis, Boda Bodas, trolleys and parking in our towns.

In addition, my Government has also enacted Uasin Gishu County Wayleaves Act No

11 of 2014 which allows staff to access private and public property to clean and cut

mitre drainage in order to protect our roads from storm water damage.

Hon. Speaker, in collaboration with the National Government and the World Bank,

my Government is implementing the Kenya Municipal Programme (KMP) and Kenya

Informal Settlement Improvement Programme (KISIP) to improve the infrastructure

in Eldoret Town. Hon. Speaker, allow me to briefly outline the main activities we

have undertaken in each of these programmes in the last two years.



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KMP Programmes

Non-Motorized transport which involves construction of pedestrian

footpaths and walkways.

Solid waste management through construction of a sanitary landfill in

Kipkenyo ward.

Disaster Management which involves provision of an additional fire engine,

other fire-fighting equipment and construction of fire substations.

Storm water drain improvement meant to provide a drainage master plan

for Eldoret municipality to address perennial problem of storm water.

Traffic signals consultancy and automation of the bus park to control

traffic within the CBD.

Installation of flood lights in informal settlements to improve security and

boost business environment.

Construction of Eldoret hawkers market and improvement of Hawkers

Market access road.

KISIP Programmes

We have done road works, sewerage works, street lighting, Water supply and Storm

water drainage and sanitation works in Kamukunji, Huruma and Mwenderi,

Munyaka, Hill School, Race Course, Kambi Nairobi, Kimumu/Hawaii and Langas.

Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme (KENSUP)

Construction of multi-storey tuition and administration block at Huruma

Primary School

Construction of Kimumu Market off Eldoret-Iten Road

Construction of Langas sewer line from Eldoret Polytechnic to Cherunya Farm

Hon. Speaker, allow me to acknowledge the support from World Bank, IFD

(France), SIDA – Sweden and the Government of Kenya in construction of Roads,

foot bridges and bridges, sanitation facilities, lighting installation and slum upgrading

programmes.



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Environment, Water, Energy and Natural Resources

Hon. Speaker, environmental conservation is paramount in my Government and we

have undertaken various programmes aimed at sustainably protecting and

conserving our ecosystem.

To increase the forest cover in the county, my Government procured and planted

200,000 tree seedlings of various species in the last financial year. Eight (8) schools

per ward were involved in the programme and each was supplied with 800 tree

seedlings.

In an effort to rehabilitate urban rivers and reduce pollution my Government in

partnership with the National Government planted 120,000 assorted indigenous tree

seedlings along River Sosiani. In addition, my Government allocated a further KSh. 4

million for purchase of assorted seedlings in the current financial year for

distribution.

My Government has also allocated KSh. 7 million to rehabilitate Nandi Park to serve

as a recreation site and beautification of the town.

Hon Speaker, Solid waste management over the years has posed a challenge due

to rapid population increase resulting from rural-urban migration and the changing

trends and characteristics of waste. When I took over, the defunct Eldoret Municipal

Council and Wareng County Council had two operational refuse trucks and two farm

tractors for waste management within the county. To improve this essential service,

my Government in 2013/14 financial year procured five(5) refuse trucks, two(2)tractors, two (2) tractor operated skip loaders, forty (40) skip containers and one

hundred eco litter bins at a cost KSh. 90 million. These have been distributed across

the county to centres such as Turbo, Ziwa, Moi’s Bridge, Burntforest, Kesses and

Moiben among others. The purchase of these machinery has reduced the lead time

in collection and transportation of wastes to the damp site. Also, my Government

awarded a contract for supply of additional 40 skip containers to be distributed

across the county so as to meet the ever increasing rate of waste generation.



21

Hon. Speaker, to inculcate the culture of clean environment to members of public,

my Government organised numerous campaigns and clean up exercises in various

markets, townships and estates within the County.

Hon. Speaker, access to clean and portable water is a critical necessity. As such,

my Government started the process of rehabilitating and maintaining our six (6)

water supply points at Moi’s Bridge, Turbo, Kipkabus, Burnt Forest, Sosiani and

Sambut. In 2013/14 financial year, my Government rehabilitated Kipkabus dam and

constructed a water treatment plant at a cost of KSh 39.46 million which is expected

to yield 4,000 cubic metres per day. This water supply is sustainable and reliable for

users downstream because distribution is gravity-driven. In addition, we have also

funded the de-silting of the following dams: Chepchobit, Chepterit, Sosiani, Kapkures

and Kabenes as a way of conserving water for commercial and domestic use.

Hon. Speaker, to further increase access to water by the residents, my

Government allocated KSh 1.5 million per ward amounting to KSh. 45 million in the

current financial year to rehabilitate community water projects. This will go a long

way in improving the economy at the grass root level as farmers will venture intohorticulture. In addition, we are providing water tanks to public institutions for use in

rain water harvesting at a cost KSh 3 million. I urge all institutions and individuals to

adopt this mode of storage to increase water availability.

In order to maintain and conserve our water catchment areas, my Government in

collaboration with the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet has declared

Kaptagat forest a protected water tower. This will mitigate the destruction of naturalforests and water catchment areas which has led to adverse shortage of water; a

current case scenario being the two rivers dam. My Government calls upon the

National Government and all stakeholders to partner with us in conserving these

water towers for sustainable water supply. In the current financial year, my

Government allocated KSh. 3 million for purchase of water friendly indigenous trees

to be planted in these water catchment areas and riparian strips.



22

Hon. Speaker, we are also in the process of expanding ELDOWAS water production

by designing and constructing two other treatment plants at Elgarini and Kipkaren

River. The two treatment plants are being funded by the World Bank to the tune of

KSh 358 Million and KSh 700 Million respectively. This expansion will give an

additional 7,000 cubic metres and 17,000 cubic metres per day respectively which

will bridge our daily deficit of 13,000 cubic metres within Eldoret town and its

environs.

Hon. Speaker, to reform the water sector, we have recruited a new Board of

Directors comprising of professionals in different fields in order to transform the

county water corporation, ELDOWAS. My Government is keen in the management of

the county corporation and I have instructed the board of directors to ensure

efficiency and accountability in the supply of water. At this juncture, I wish to note

that when the county Government came into force, the corporation was making

huge losses and with these reforms, the losses have reduced from KSh. 103 million

to KSh. 71 million last year. My Government is keen on transforming this corporation

into a profit making entity.

Hon. Speaker, green and clean energy in our homes and institutions is paramount.

My Government advocates for the use of environmentally friendly sources of energy

such as solar and Biogas. My Government is partnering with Paul Boit Boys

Secondary School to set up a model biogas digester. This mode of energy will

reduce over dependency on firewood as a source of energy, which consumes huge

volume of forest trees leading to environmental degradation. I urge all institutions to

replicate this in order to conserve our environment.In line with this, my Government has created an enabling environment for

investment in this sector that has attracted investors such as ALTEN Energy

Solutions which is constructing a 40 MW solar plant at Plateau.

Hon. Speaker, to increase access to electricity, my Government has worked closely

with both Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and Kenya Power to connect public

institutions and informal settlements to the national grid. The informal settlements



23

that have benefitted from this include Munyaka, Langas, Saroyot and Kipkaren

estates.



24

ICT and e-Government

Hon. Speaker, Kenya’s Vision 2030 recognizes the central role of Information and

Communication Technology (ICT) in the economic development of the country. It is

widely accepted that an ICT literate workforce is the foundation upon which Kenya

can acquire the status of a knowledge economy. It is in this light that my

Government has placed application of ICT in the provision of all services as a priority

and indeed the centre of its vision for the development of the County.

With the realization that ICT is interwoven in every aspect of our lives, whether in

education, health, agriculture, commerce, transport, roads and other sectors, my

Government is striving to ensure that ICT is integrated in every aspect of these

economic activities.

Hon. Speaker, over the last two years, my Government has embraced these new

technologies to ensure that we better the lives of our people. The installation of

closed circuit television (CCTV) at the county headquarters at a cost of KSh. 8 million

has greatly enhanced security, reduced corruption and minimized loss of files at the

Central Registry. We have allocated a further KSh. 5 million this financial year for theinstallation of CCTV in key areas. Through this initiative, the county aims at making

commendable strides in the fight against insecurity.

To enhance communication within and outside the county, we have installed a

communication system that includes a network infrastructure, and a new telephone

system and a teleconferencing facility at a cost of KSh. 33.0 million.

Revenue collection and management are key to service delivery. To enhance this,

and to minimize corruption and other forms of revenue leakages, my Government is

in the process of implementing a new revenue collection and management system at

a cost of KSh. 38.7 million. This will go a long way in ensuring that we attain our

revenue collection targets. The system will also enable residents living in far flung

areas of our county make payments using mobile payment systems and thus saving

them time and cost of travelling to Eldoret.



25

Hon. Speaker, during the last financial year, my Government undertook a baseline

geographic survey to provide key information about the county. The availability of

this information on an on-line portal has come in handy for planning purposes.

Hon. Speaker, availability, safety and security of information is key to any

organization. To achieve this, my Government developed a modern state of the art

data centre at a cost of KSh 13.7 million. This facility shall ensure that all

Government systems and information are available without disruption.

To promote efficiency, transparency and accountability in the health sector, my

Government allocated KSh 12.5 million in automation of health facilities. Currently,

work is on-going in deployment of a Health Management Information System (HMIS)

at our sub-county hospitals at Ziwa, Huruma, Burnt Forest and Turbo; and the Uasin

Gishu District Hospital. This shall be expanded to include Moi’s Bridge, Kapteldon

and Chepkanga health centres, among others.



26

Health Services

Hon. Speaker, on health services, my Government is committed to providing

equitable, affordable and quality health care through appropriate policies and

programmes.

For a long time, the public health sector has had its share of challenges in terms of

infrastructure, equipment and workforce among others. In the initial years of the

devolved system, the health sector workers exhibited some resistance which was

characterised by industrial action in their effort to maintain status-quo. In regard to

this, my Government has addressed the challenges through practical, realistic and

workable frameworks. This has been achieved through training of personnel,

development changes such as upgrading of existing infrastructure and commodities

so as to improve working environment and enhance provision of high quality

services.

In the Financial Year 2013/2014, KSh. 120 Million was allocated towards upgrading

of Levels 2 and 3 health facilities across the county, where each of the 30 wards

received KSh. 4 million. In the current financial year, we have disbursed KSh. 2.6

million to various dispensaries and health centres in every ward. To date, each wardhas received KSh. 6.6 million to fund prioritized community health needs. To ensure

prudent use of this money, my Government trained health projects management

committees.

Hon. Speaker, my Government has begun an ambitious plan to upgrade one Level

3 facility to Level 4 in each sub county. The facilities shall be fully equipped and

managed by professionals to meet the medical needs of the people. These facilitiesare earmarked to be referral centres for the ward hospitals. The facilities are Turbo

Health Centre in Turbo Sub County, Kapteldon Health Centre in Kapseret Sub

County, Moiben Health Centre in Moiben Sub County, Kesses Health Centre in Kesses

Sub County, Ziwa-Sirikwa sub-county hospital in Soy sub-county and Burnt Forest

sub county hospital in Ainabkoi Sub County. The initial phase of this upgrading has

already been tendered at a cost of KSh. 102.5 million, as part of an aggressive effort

towards transformation of health care services in the county.



27

In the last 2 years, my Government adopted a comprehensive approach to invest

heavily in all aspects of health products and technologies so as to maintain a reliable

supply of these inputs as well as the requisite management systems for ensuring

that they are affordable, effective, of good quality and appropriately utilized.

The current levels of investments in health products & technologies have gone a

long way in curbing frequent stock-outs, inappropriate prescription, the risk of

substandard and counterfeit products and the high out-of-pocket expenditures on

medical products previously witnessed in the sector. During the same period, my

Government procured and distributed essential medicines, diagnostic reagents,

vaccines and other non-pharmaceutical supplies using the pool system to all health

facilities at a total cost of KSh. 140 Million.

Hon. Speaker, notwithstanding this commitment, occasional delays in delivery of

commodities by our suppliers remains a challenge. Moving forward, our priorities will

primarily target the on-going reforms of supply system that will envisage

establishment of a devolved regional supply arrangement, building of a County drugs

store and automation of health facilities in order to achieve effective managementand appropriate utilization of health commodities.

In order to improve the referral system, my Government has strengthened

ambulatory system by allocating KSh. 33 Million for purchase of 4 modern

ambulances at a cost of KSh. 8.3 million each. The World Health Organization

(WHO) has committed to donate to the county Government an additional 6

ambulances. The aim is to have adequate and reliable fleet of ambulances that canrespond to any emergency situation within the shortest time possible at no direct

cost to the patient.

Hon. Speaker, in the last two years we have witnessed successful implementation

and scale up of a package of interventions related to primary health care, towards

achieving local and International health targets. The interventions include free

medical camps and outreaches that have enabled the residents to access HIV



28

prevention services, screening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as

various cancers, Maternal and Child health services.

Hon. Speaker, with the support from stake holders including the WHO, National

Government, USAID and the sister city of Minneapolis, we have successfully

organized 78 free medical camps in the last one year and decentralized cancer

screening to sub county level so as to increase access. In addition, three cryotherapy

machines have been received from the national Government for management of

cancer of the cervix. Furthermore, we have procured diagnostic equipment and

reagents for diagnosis of cancer of the prostate that will go a long way in the fight

against the upsurge of cancer.

Hon. Speaker, the county recently received a donation of a fully equipped mobile

clinic by Her Excellency the First lady of the Republic of Kenya Mrs Margret

Kenyatta through her Beyond Zero Initiative. This will boost medical

outreaches and transform maternal health care across the county.

Hon. Speaker, one of the under-invested areas of all specialized medical care inthe country, is child health. The paediatric (under 15) population has grown steadily

and now stands at 451,402 in the county and is projected to grow to 501,930 in the

next 5 years. In view of this, my Government has taken a bold initiative in

collaboration with two key stakeholders; the University of Arizona in United States

and University of Eldoret to roll out the construction of a world class children and

trauma centre. This facility, of its kind in the region, will not only serve as a

diagnostic, curative and rehabilitative centre but also as a teaching and trainingfacility for medical and nursing students. In anticipation of this desired facility,

experts from the Scottsdale City have begun training our nurses in various life

support skills that will culminate in an exchange program between the two sister

institutions.

Hon. Speaker, the health sector aims to ease the burden of communicable

diseases by integrating comprehensive provision of services, with an aim of

providing access to all interventions in a given service area. For instance, we have



29

established an Eye Facility within Huruma Hospital at a cost of KSh. 8.3 Million. This

initiative will create an opportunity for patients with eye problems to undergo

specialized treatment for the first time in a public facility within our County.

Hon. Speaker, in order to address the shortage of staff in this sector, my

Government has allocated funds to employ additional 360 health workers in this

financial year. This has been informed by staff rationalization, distribution and

workload analysis in our health facilities.

Hon. Speaker, allow me to acknowledge the support by the National Government

to equip two of our hospitals, Burnt Forest and Ziwa Sirikwa Sub County hospitals,

with modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. We also received GeneXpert

machine from the National Government for more accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis.

My Government will leverage on this support to improve management of patients in

our County.



30

Education, sports, Culture and Social Services

Hon. Speaker, my Government is cognisant of the fact that quality education is the

engine that drives the success of any economy. In line with this we have done the

following to provide quality education, increase access, retention and completion in

our institutions of learning.

We have employed two Early Childhood Education Development (ECDE) teachers for

each public primary school totalling to 1,000 to improve the teaching and quality of

education at this level. This has reduced the financial burden on the parents.

Hon. Speaker, in order to provide conducive learning environment in our ECDE

centres, we allocated KSh. 50 million in the 2013/2014 financial year and an

additional 45 million in the current financial year to construct six ECDE classrooms in

every ward.

Further, to increase access to education by the poor and vulnerable, my Government

allocated bursary of KSh. 90 million in the last financial year and a similar amount

this financial year, totalling KSh. 180 million. This translates to KSh. 6 million perward. In the financial year 2013/2014, a total of 11,426 applicants benefited from

this bursary. In addition to this, and in order to empower our youth in various

technical skills for self-employment, we have established a revolving fund of KSh. 30

million per year to train them in collaboration with the Rift Valley Technical Training

Institute (RVTTI). A total of 600 trainees (20 per ward) are currently undergoing the

training at a cost of KSh. 50,000 per student per year. We are also currently

negotiating with Eldoret Polytechnic to expand the programme to provide otherskilled courses.

Hon. Speaker, further to this, we allocated KSh. 30 million in the 2013/2014

financial year and a further KSh. 24 Million in the current year for development of

infrastructure in twelve (12) identified youth polytechnics i.e. 2 per sub-county. Our

strategic vision is to construct one youth polytechnic per ward.



31

Due to recorded low enrolment, inadequate facilities and low staffing, my

Government decided to develop twelve polytechnics (two per sub-county). However,

we are not losing the ultimate vision of developing one polytechnic per ward as per

our CIDP. In future, it will be necessary to identify certain polytechnics to specialize

in specific courses in order to reduce the cost of equipment and training materials.

Hon. Speaker, to further improve the quality of education in primary and

secondary schools, my Government in collaboration with the National Government

and the County Education Board will continue to invest in quality assurance,

assessment and capacity building.

To ensure children with special needs access education, my Government has set

aside 10 acres to construct and equip a special school.

As regards sports, my Government is keen on nurturing talents in our youth, and to

achieve this, we intend to upgrade one playground per ward. The refurbishment of

Kipchoge Keino Stadium is on its final stages. The design work for 64 Stadium is

complete.

In the social services sector, the rehabilitation and repatriation of street children at

the Rescue Centre is on-going. This is an expensive exercise that requires support

from all people of good will. We are in the process of constructing a boys’ dormitory

at the Rescue Centre and the girls’ dormitory will be done in future as a holding

ground for counselling in preparation for repatriation.

To ensure inclusion of all persons in Government tenders, my Government regularlymonitors to ensure persons with disabilities are given their rightful share in tenders

and job opportunities. Currently the County has engaged the deaf in cleaning

services.

Hon. Speaker, through the culture sector, we promote talent of our youth, through

participation in music competition, herbal, art exhibitions and workshops. We have

also partnered with the Chinese Government, Moi University, and Donghua

University, China and recently opened a Confucius Institute at Rivatex to teach



32

Chinese language and culture, in anticipation of increasing the volume of trade

between China and Kenya and in particular Uasin Gishu county.

Finally, in this sector, we have also revived Home Craft Training Centre and have

allocated funds to construct additional classrooms and a modern kitchen. We call

upon our people to take advantage of this facility to acquire skills that will enable

them start income generating projects.



33

Public Service Management

Hon. Speaker, in Public Service Management, we have carried out programmes to

enhance service delivery in the county. My Government takes cognizance of the fact

that the human resource is very important and key in turning around all the factors

of production. As a result of this, we have taken our staff through training and

development programmes locally and internationally so as to build their capacities

for better performance. This has helped in staff motivation, team building and

promotion of good corporate governance.

In line with modern management practices, performance management tools were

developed and consequently performance contracts were signed to help in

performance improvement.

Hon. Speaker, on staff establishment and rationalization, my Government in

conjunction with the National Government carried out Capacity Assessment and

Rationalization of Public Service (CARPS). The report from the consultants together

with the organogram recently approved will guide in strategic placement of staff

according to their skills and competencies. We have also implemented the headcount report and the devolved payroll. To support this, we have engaged in policy

formulation to govern our HR procedures and processes so as to mitigate the

challenges of human resource management which were encountered from the onset

of devolution. These challenges include resistance to change, organizational culture,

merging and integration of staff to create synergy. We are currently working on

HIV/Aids workplace policy to assist in management of the pandemic.

Hon. Speaker, on payroll management, we have implemented the Integrated

Personnel Payroll Data (IPPD). We have also continuously updated the payroll by

removing those who exit through natural attrition, transfers, secondments and

resignations and we are up to date in salary payment.

My Government has also made improvements in our Central Registry by

amalgamating records from the defunct local authorities – the defunct Eldoret

Municipal Council, Wareng County Council and Burnt Forest Town Council. Bulk filers



34

have been installed to accommodate the many files. In order to fast track the

retrieval of records at the Central Registry, we have computerized the filing system.

To enhance service delivery and customer service, we have developed a customer

service charter which is ready for submission for the necessary adoption and

implementation. This has improved our customer experience.

Hon. Speaker, as part of our strategy for good governance, and in the spirit of the

new constitutional dispensation, we have engaged our citizens in participatory

decision making through civic education meetings, print and electronic media. To

take services closer to the people, we have operationalized sub-county and ward

offices. In the current financial year my Government allocated Ksh. 30 Million for

construction of three sub-county offices and in the next financial year we shall

allocate funds for construction of the remaining three.

Hon. Speaker, to foster inter-Governmental relations, we have engaged in strategic

partnerships with both the national and international Governments as earlier

highlighted for the sister cities of Scottsdale Arizona and Minneapolis who have

carried out capacity building programmes for our employees.On security, we have taken our enforcement team through a very comprehensive

and rigorous training thus effectively enforcing the County laws.

Our enforcement team together with Alcoholic Drinks Control Board and the county

security team are working together to curb brewing and consumption of illicit brew

which is an enemy of development.

Hon. Speaker, we have established a legal section to handle litigation matters,representation, drafting of bills, agreements, MoUs and provide advisory services to

various departments. So far, the county has enacted 26 pieces of legislation. The

County flag, Emblems, Names and titles bill recently passed will help to create an

identity that is unique for us as a county.

Hon. Speaker, to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery, my

Government will endeavour to continuously improve the work environment. This can

only be achieved through deliberate efforts for continuous improvement, capacity



35

building and team building so that together we build a strong and bold brand, Uasin

Gishu.



36

Finance and Economic Planning

Hon. Speaker, the Department of Finance and Economic Planning is mandated to

monitor, evaluate, and oversee the management of Public finances and economicaffairs of the Government. In this regard, we have ably coordinated the

implementation of both development projects and recurrent activities in the county

through transparent and accountable procurement and financial management

systems.

In compliance with the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Public Finance

Management Act 2012, my Government has observed fiscal responsibility principles

in the management of public funds and we have timely prepared the following

policies which are necessary to run the Government;

County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), 2013

Budget Estimates for the financial years 2013/14 and 2014/15

Finance Bill for 2014 and 2015

County Budget Review and Outlook Paper (CBROP), 2014, and

County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP) 2014 and 2015

In addition, my Government has developed the following policies to address specific

needs of financial management:

Asset Financing Policy 2014

Project Implementation Management Committees Act 2014 and its

Regulations

County Assembly Car & Mortgage Scheme Policy 2014

Hon. Speaker, to improve efficiency and effective accountability in financial

management my Government has implemented Integrated Financial Management

System (IFMIS) as deployed by the National Treasury and currently Plan-to-Budget

and Procure-to-Pay modules are fully implemented.

Hon. Speaker, in order to comply with the law and maintain a good relationship

with the National Government and its Agencies, my Government has complied with

statutory obligations on reporting as per the requirements by the Public Finance



37

Management Act 2012, Public Procurement & Disposal Act 2005 and other

legislations. In addition Hon. Speaker, we have ensured that all statutory

deductions payable to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Social Security Fund

(NSSF), and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) have been timely remitted. We

have also worked closely with the Office of the Controller of Budget (OGOB) to

ensure funds are availed on time to run all Government programs.

Hon. Speaker, in order to adequately fund our programmes, resource mobilization

is paramount. The national transfers are limited and therefore the need to improve

revenue collections remains the ultimate focus of my Government. In order to

maximize revenue collection, we are in the process of automating revenue collection

and management. Reforms on revenue will be pursued with the objective to broaden

revenue base and improve local revenue collection. To this end, my Government will

institute measures to further expand the revenue base and reduce leakages through

review of the valuation roll, minimization of cash handling through direct banking

and use of ICT technologies. Hon. Speaker, we have managed to increase revenue

collection and by the end of 3rd Quarter of this financial year, KSh 704,327,405

compared to KSh. 474,117,891 of the third quarter of 2013/14 despite variouscapacity challenges.

Hon. Speaker, in order to ensure our assets are adequately safeguarded, my

Government has established an independent unit to oversee management of the

same. This will ensure that all assets are identified, properly maintained, and

secured. In addition Hon. Speaker, we are currently in the process of procuring an

asset management system and tagging of all Government assets in order tominimize misuse or any unlikely instances of loss. To ensure proper asset

management, an asset management policy has been developed to oversee the

management of the Government assets.

Hon. Speaker, as we implement our development programmes we have and we

will continue to comply with the Public Procurement and Disposal Act of 2005 and its

subsequent regulations. The presidential decree that requires allocation of 30% of

public tenders to Youth, Women and People Living with Disabilities has been fully

complied with to promote affirmative action in empowering the youth & Women. In



38

addition, we have registered 609 groups under Access to Government Procurement

Opportunities (AGPO) as per the National Government policy.



39

Hon. Speaker, now allow me to briefly comment on emerging issues. On matters

of security, we appreciate that our country is going through a very difficult moment

in her history. My Government supports initiatives H.E. the President of the Republic

of Kenya Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta has put in place to respond to the prevailing security

challenges in the country.

I urge the President to stand firm for non-negotiable demand for human dignity; the

rule of law, freedom of worship, religious and ethnic tolerance and equal justice that

are currently under threat from shadowy networks of terrorist groups.

Hon. Speaker, freedom to live in liberty without fear is right and true for all people

everywhere. Fathers and mothers in all societies want their children to be educated

and to live free from poverty and violence. The only path to peace and security is

the path of action. History will judge harshly those who had the opportunity to

forestall and failed to act. We therefore demand that deliberate action which

includes but not limited to the full involvement of county Governments and the

management of security within the county is embarked on. On our part, the county

Government pledges manpower, community networks, personnel and coordination

so that together we can stem out these common dangers of terrorists, violence andchaos.

Hon. Speaker, it is sad to report that it is now confirmed that out of the 148 lives

lost during the Garissa attack, four of the students were from our County. I wish to

state categorically that leaders from North Eastern Kenya and the Kenya Muslim

community at large should come out strongly to identify the Al-Shabaab members,

financiers, agents of recruitment in their midst and madrasa teachers who areinvolved in radicalization of our youth.

To the families of our departed youth, I say their death is a great loss to the county.

It is a grieve that we will forever struggle to come to terms with now that we will not

be able to see their gentle youthful smiles and listen to them. The memories they

have left behind would remain an ever living source of fortitude and encouragement.

The entire county is united in thoughts and prayers during these difficult moments.

My Government will support each of the affected families with Kshs. 200,000 to

assist in the funeral arrangements.



40

Hon. Speaker, in view of this attack, I wish to ask the National security team to

deploy enough security personnel in all our institutions to avert any future attacks.

Hon. Speaker, the County security committee has put in place measures to ensure

all aliens without proper immigration documents, agents of radicalization of our

youth are arrested and charged. We advise parents to report any of their missing

children or any suspicious-looking characters in their midst to security agencies and

also embrace Nyumba Kumi Initiative to enhance security. Any person who fails to

do so will be treated as an accomplice of the terror network. Residents are warned

against employing foreigners as their farmhands without proper identification and

particularly of concern are those from Uganda who have committed heinous crime

such as the recently reported case of sodomy of fifteen boys by a Ugandan national

and arson attack of a village elder in Ziwa. All security agencies in the county are

advised to perform their duties with all diligence and commitment.



Conclusion

In conclusion, as we express gratitude we must never forget that the highest

appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. I know our County will

continue to be successful, if all of us continue to in the same direction with an aim of

improving the quality of life for all. William Ellery said, “The job of a Government is

not to confer happiness but to give people the opportunity to be happy”.

Together we will create the opportunity for every person to have the resources they

need.

Together we will make good on the opportunity and the promise to our children to

provide the best that we have to give.

Together, we will use every opportunity to ensure that residents in North County,

South County, in all neighborhoods East and West will feel safe by simply putting

their safety first.

Together, we will jumpstart new economic development opportunities and ensure

our businesses continue to thrive.

Today, I reaffirm my commitment to work with all of you towards achieving these

opportunities. It will be a long road and, at times, a difficult path forward. But I’m

ready for the challenge. I know you’re ready for that challenge too. And I know ourcommunity is ready for that challenge. Finally, success is not final, failure is not fatal

it is the courage to continue that counts - Winston Churchil.

THANK YOU,

GOD BLESS YOU ALL, GOD BLESS UASIN-GISHU.

H.E. HON. JACKSON K. ARAP MANDAGO

GOVERNOR - UASIN GISHU COUNTY

State of the County Address 2015

Documents

Transcript of State of the County Address 2015