News Categories: GPS

H.E Governor Stephen Sang on Friday unveiled a team of 9 members and 3 secretaries to review the multinational companies engagement in the tea sub-sector.

According to a gazette notice dated October 31, 2022, the team appointed by the county boss is expected to conduct extensive review on the multinational companies’ engagements in tea sub-sector in Nandi and in collaboration with the county governments of Kericho and Bomet for a period of ninety (90) days, which took effect on 31st October, 2022.

The terms of reference for the Taskforce shall be to:-

(a) review the current and emerging challenges facing the tea sub- sector multinationals and other stakeholders within Nandi County and make appropriate recommendations;

(b) co-ordinate stakeholders’ consultation with the multinationals and other tea sub-sector players on appropriate mechanisms to address the current and emerging challenges in the sector;

(c) review socio-economic impacts of mechanization of tea plucking machines among the multinational tea companies in Nandi and propose appropriate mitigation measures:

(d) establish the status of all land leases including acreages held by each multinational in Nandi:

(e) consider the current land rent, rates and applicable fees paid by the multinationals and propose appropriate policy and legal frameworks necessary to review and increase land rates and rent paid by multinationals; (consider the role, effectiveness, and relevance of multinational tea companies in management of Tea CESS and propose appropriate legal, policy and institutional framework to collectreceive views from members of the public and receive oral and written submissions from any person with relevant information;

The Taskforce may co-opt any person(s) as it may consider necessary or expedient for the proper performance of its functions. It may also create committees or sub-committees to expedite the discharge of its tasks;

It might also consider reports of past or on-going initiatives towards enhancing the legal, policy and institutional framework in the tea sub-sector or cause to be carried out such studies or research as may inform the Taskforce on its mandate; and

Last but not least, it may have all powers necessary or expedient for the proper execution of its functions, including the power to regulate its own procedures.

The Taskforce is composed of; Hon. John Cheruiyot as the Chairman with it’s Members as Rev. Elija Yego, Dr. Bernard Kiplimo arap Lagat, Dr. Philemon Bureti, Wakili Nathan Tororei, CPA Alfred Lagat, Steven Rotich, Dr. Ruth Choge, Wilson Kipkogei Lelmegit.

The Taskforce will be assisted by a team of 3 Secretariat namely Godfry Sang, Kibet Gim Awi and Maureen Chepng’etich.

Following their appointment, the members are required to issue the Governor with a tripartite report at the end of the 90 days that will provide a clear roadmap to facilitate sustainable solutions and coexistence between multinationals, communities and all stakeholders involved with the tea sub-sector.

Elias kipkorir trains 26, resides and trains at a camp in Kapsabet. The camps hosts about 15elite athletes. Their weekly routine is certainly monastic. From Monday to Saturday every week, running is a religion.

“Our life here is simple, very simple; we get up in the morning, go for a run, and come back. If it is a day for cleaning, we do the cleaning, or we just relax. Then go for lunch, massage, the 4 o’clock run, and evening tea, relax, go to sleep”, says Kipkorir.

The training diary is set in a blackboard, two sessions a day, the most of important of which come on Tuesdays (track), Thursdays (long run) and Saturdays (interval training). The second session of the day is the afternoon 10km run. It is known as a recovery run.

Kipkorir says he opted to train in Kapsabet since the air quality is fresh and clean. He says they at all cost avoid congested roadways where combustion pollutants are worst.

Athletes subjected to air pollution may suffer from inflamed airways and diminished pulmonary capacity with resulting respiratory ailments, such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Pollution can also impair athletes’ endurance and their ability to focus due to bothersome and distracting respiratory symptoms.

According to World Health Organization Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.

Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are common sources of air pollution. Pollutants of major public health concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases and are important sources of morbidity and mortality.

In a recent collaboration between the County Government of Nandi, United Nations Environmental Programme and Stockholm environment institute that saw the installation of air quality sensors at the Eliud Kipchoge Stadium, will not only enable researchers to collect and analyze more data on the impact of air pollution on sports, but also inform mitigation actions.

According to Elias the partnership could not have come at a better time. He says data from the centers will help put up measures to control air pollution in sporting venues and thus ensuring Kapsabet athletes compete in a clean environment.

In line with Governor Stephen Sang agenda of making Kapsabet a cradle of athletics prowess, he has committed to supporting cleaning environment for our athlete.

Governor Sang, during the unveiling of the air quality sensors at the Eliud kipchoge stadium reiterated his support in ensuring that the environment is well conserved. He said this will be achieved through elaborate afforestation program and partnership with key Stakeholders involved in conservation adding that Climate Change is real and that we should Act Now.

Officials from the Communications Authority of Kenya earlier today paid a courtesy call on H.E Governor Stephen Sang. The team led by Mr. Musa Etiko, Principal Licensing and Monitoring officer, Western Region was received by the Governor and held talks with the County Secretary Dr. Francis Sang MBS whom they briefed on the role and the mandate of CA.

They deliberated on a wide range of issues in the telecommunications sector, especially in ICT and further discussed possible areas of collaboration and made commitment to partner in the areas of SIM Card Registration, Enforcement, Consumer Education and Child Online Protection, Climate Change Programs, Provision of Broadband to Schools and Sponsorship/Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives in Nandi County.

The County Secretary applauded the Authority’s effort to create a platform for engagement between consumers of ICT services and the various service providers which he termed as critical in achieving the desired consumer expectations of quality services.

He said the county is putting in efforts to ensure that its residents have access to ICT services.

“Through the ICT department, we have undertaken several projects including structured cabling, internet provision in most offices as well as a citizens’ portal for interaction between the county and its citizens,” said Dr Sang.

The CA is tasked with safeguarding the interests of consumers in the telecommunications sector to ensure that they get the services that they pay or subscribe to.

The authority achieves its mandate through the enforcement of consumer regulations including educating consumers on their rights and what they should expect from service providers.

Nandi Governor has appointed members of a Taskforce to conduct an extensive review on Multinational Tea Companies engagement in Tea Sub-sector in Nandi County. The taskforce will develop a tripartite report that will provide a roadmap to facilitate sustainable solutions and coexistence between multinationals, communities and all stakeholders involved with the tea sub-sector across the County.

The Members of the Taskforce are:

John Cheruiyot – Chairman

Rev. Elijah Yego

Dr. Bernard Kiplimo Lagat

Dr. Philemon Bureti

CPA Alfred Lagat

Steven Rotich

Dr. Ruth Choge

Wilson Kipkogei Lelmengit

The Secretariat:

Godfrey Sang

Kibet Gim Awi

Maureen Chepngetich

A team of officials from the County Government of Nyamira visited Nandi for purposes of benchmarking in the areas of automation of revenue collection.

The Delegation was received by Japhet Tirop, Nandi County Head of Supply Chain Management.

Led by the CEC in charge of Finance, ICT and Economic Planning Emily Moraa Ongaga, Nyamira County top revenue officials visited the county to learn on the uniqueness in Revenue Management System.

In their visit, the Nyamira County Delegation sought to understand how the County Government of Nandi was excelling in the different areas of revenue collection within the Kapsabet Municipality and at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital.

The team also visited the Nandi Call Center that is improving the Government-Citizen relationship and changing livelihoods of the people. Through the Call Center, the county is implementing open governance and empowering citizen participation.

The team lauded Nandi for the innovative use of the Management System, especially in healthcare. “The HMIS is a great way to track all happenings in health facilities, especially for planning and monitoring the flow of commodities. It is what we need for all the health facilities in the Country to monitor services and to keep our data”, said David, one of the team members.

The visiting team commended the people centered approach of conducting business in Kapsabet Municipality adding that the public sensitization campaign on tax payment is evidenced by the way people are tax complaint.

“This is a wonderful, we are taking home with us a back to work report on efficient interdepartmental linkages on revenue management that we should replicate,” said Emily.

The delegation lauded Nandi for its strong core values and transformation of the revenue sector through the implementation of strong technology which clearly relates with the modern digital world, promising to adopt such principles in Nyamira.

Apart from the automation of revenue collection, the restructuring of Nandi revenue staff is another factor which has seen the County revenue collection go up since Governor Stephen Sang took over the leadership in 2017.

The County Government of Nandi has signed an MOU with Suinco and Edunation aimed at strengthening and effecting work/study program for Nandi residents in different universities and colleges in Finland.

In the partnership with the County Government of Nandi, Edunation will offer employment and short courses to the students while Metropolia offers nursing courses among others.

The County Government of Nandi has signed an MOU with Suinco and Edunation aimed at strengthening and effecting work/study program for Nandi residents in different universities and colleges in Finland.

In the partnership with the County Government of Nandi, Edunation will offer employment and short courses to the students while Metropolia offers nursing courses among others.

FOLLOWING THE GLOBAL OUTBREAK of COVID-19, subsequent confirmation of the first three cases in Kenya by the Ministry of Health;

IN LINE WITH the guidelines and advisories issued by the Ministry of Health, and H.E the President’s address to the nation yesterday, 15th March, 2020 regarding the Corona Virus;

WHEREAS the County Government of Nandi has been monitoring the unfolding of events with the aim of taking appropriate measures, and is in constant communication with Ministry of Health to ensure standardized approach towards prevention of the Corona Virus and mitigation of its effects;

IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by the Part 2 of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution, and Sections 30 and 31 of the County Governments Act and other enabling laws;

NOW THEREFORE, I STEPHEN Araap SANG, Governor of Nandi County hereby instruct and order that the following complementary measures be taken and strictly adhered to within Nandi County effective immediately:

1. That all athletics training camps are hereby closed, and foreign athletes coming to train in Nandi are suspended until further notice.

2. The Department of Transport and Infrastructure and the Kapsabet Municipality Management are hereby directed to designate more matatu stages, pick up and drop off points and bus stops to avoid congestion and crowding.

3. Hawking of food and fruits outside the designated markets is hereby banned until further notice.

4. Schools are directed to liaise with the SACCOS to pick students from school gates to avoid crowding at bus parks and matatu stages.

5. Visits by members of the public to the County Government offices is suspended for the next 30 days. The public is advised to use our toll-free number 1548 to access government services.

6. All trainings and conferences as well as local trips are hereby suspended with the exception of health workers’ trainings on COVID-19, until further notice.

7. Shaking of hands, hugging and non-essential social contact are highly discouraged until advised otherwise. Always maintain a 3-meter distance from the next person.

8. It is hereby strongly advised that every resident wash their hands with soap and running water regularly.

9. Boda Boda riders are prohibited from carrying more than one pillion (passenger).

10. Every matatu SACCO is hereby directed to provide hand washing points with soap, and ensure compliance to CDC and Ministry of Health Guidelines.

11. Members of the public are hereby directed to identify and report people who have recently travelled from foreign countries to the authorities.

12. Families are encouraged to postpone weddings for the next 30 days.

13. All open-air markets are hereby closed for 30 days.

14. All public and privately sponsored extra-curricular sports activities, tournaments, group trainings are suspended and all gyms within the county are hereby ordered closed.

15. Hotels and guest houses are directed to file and submit to the Department of Health information relating to visitors from outside the country seeking accommodation in their facilities.

16. The County Emergency Response Committee that I have already constituted will continue to monitor the situation with a view to advising on the County’s preparedness, prevention and coordination of response to the threat of COVID-19.

17. That we have set up a countywide committee that brings together National Government officers, religious and civic leaders for wider response to the threat. The Committee is directed to remain vigilant and closely monitor happenings.

18. That the Department of Health will ensure that the personal protective equipment (PPE’s) for first-line healthcare responders that we have already procured are readily available. Some more PPE’s will be delivered in due course.

19. That the County has set aside two isolation centers, one in Nandi Hills County Hospital and another in the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital.

20. That the training of key staff that is on-going in conjunction with Ministry of Health be expedited.

21. That the community health outreach strategy that is on-going is hereby directed to focus more on media and door-to-door approaches due to the banning of public gatherings.

22. That two ambulances have been exclusively set aside for COVID – 19 emergency response evacuation. The Department of Health is directed to avail more ambulances where necessary.

23. That the monitoring and evaluation team that has been set up is hereby tasked with ensuring public and private institutions including government offices, hotels, restaurants and places of worship to strictly observe the recommended hygiene guidelines and sanitation practices which include providing soap and running water for handwashing.

24. That all night clubs shall remain closed until further notice.

25. That I have directed the County Secretary and the Department of Public Service to issue a circular on modalities to maintain skeleton staff, while others be allowed to work from home and in the field for the next 30 days with the exception of those in departments offering essential services such as Health Services, Finance and Administration.

26. All ECDE centers and Vocational Training Centers shall remain closed from today 16th March, 2020 until further notice as directed by the President.

27. Visits to inpatients in hospitals by family members is banned, whenever necessary it shall be restricted to only a caretaker.

28. I direct all the Departments to free and avail their vehicles to the Department of Health and Administration, to be stationed at the Sub County Headquarters, for exclusive use in the monitoring and response to the COVID-19 situation.

AS AN ASSURANCE to the citizens of this county, the County Government of Nandi through its health facilities has put in place critical Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) mechanisms in partnership with Family Health International 360 (FHI 360) through our partnership that began two years ago.

As indicated earlier, the County Executive Committee Member for Health shall remain the singular official focal person for communicating County Government information on COVID-19. Members of the public are advised to desist from sharing untrue, misleading information regarding the situation.

As I conclude, I wish to state that this pandemic will be stopped at the community level. I therefore urge all of you to observe the preventive measures that are being communicated by the Ministry of Health from time to time and make use of our TOLL-FREE COUNTY EMERGENCY NUMBER 1548, to report any suspected cases and for more information.

H.E STEPHEN SANG
GOVERNOR NANDI COUNTY

Speaker of the County Assembly,

Honorable Members of the County Assembly,

Fellow Residents of Nandi County,

Members of the Fourth Estate,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to address you at the beginning of this Session after 2019 end year – as well as 2020- New Year – Recess. I am confident that Honorable Members have had a well-deserved recess and are now re-energized and ready to resume their legislative and oversight roles.

Hon. Speaker,

I believe the recess has provided Honorable Members an opportunity to spend quality time with the electorate so as to understand their needs with a view to representing them more effectively.
I would like therefore to start by formally wishing Honorable Members a very successful and prosperous New Year 2020.

I wish therefore to address a few successes as well as concerns that we have experienced in the first half of the 2019/2020 Financial Year.

Hon. Members,

As you are aware, we have had a challenge in regards to delay in disbursement of money by the Exchequer. The delays have made it almost impossible for us to run development projects and recurrent expenditures. Up-to date, we are yet to receive our allocation for the month of January. This has greatly affected service delivery and salary delays.
However, I wish to thank our county staff for their endurance as we sought to resolve the matter. As of today all our staff will start receiving their

January salary and I want to assure them that we are working on a plan to find a permanent solution to this.

Hon. Speaker,

The matter of pending bills has elicited a national concern with the National Treasury requiring all counties to settle pending bills in totality or face a freeze of funds. Other than bills that are currently being settled, I wish to indicate that a significant proportion of the bills shall fall due to once the ineligible Pending Bills Committee concludes its task at the end of this month. This amount will have to be budgeted for in its entirety in the Financial Year 2020-2021. I therefore request this house to get cognizance of this fact on the Budget Estimates FY 2020/21 will be presented to this house for approval.

Hon. Members,

Despite these financial challenges, we have continued to ensure our development projects are on course. For instance, our key flagship projects in the Health and Sanitation Department are progressing well. I am glad to report that the Mother and Child Hospital project at the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital is way ahead of our schedule.

The phase two of the Sh409-million project will commence this month. Other ongoing mega projects include; Kabiyet Trauma Center, Kobujoi Trauma Center, Chepterwai Trauma Center, new maternity at Meteitei Sub County Hospital, and Nandi Hills Trauma Centre.
We also have projects which rolled over from Financial Year 2018/19 that are nearing completion, these include; construction of new 17 dispensaries and 10 new maternity wings.

Ambulatory service is a key component in a strong, working Healthcare system. To ensure easy movement of patients in dire need of emergency health services, we purchased ten state-of-the-art ambulances with all the necessary lifesaving equipment. This fleet will be deployed to cover all the sub counties.
My administration has also availed medical supplies, non-pharmaceuticals and equipment to all health facilities across the County. Our challenge has been the implementation of the new Kenya Essential Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) Act, which restricts counties from purchasing drugs and medical supplies from other entities other than KEMSA. The restriction is affecting timely supply of drugs and I have called for the review of this legislation.

Hon. Speaker,

Dairy farming is one of our flagship projects in the County. The Nandi Cooperative Creameries will ensure farmers realize maximum profits through value addition.

To support the sustainability of the project, my administration has embarked on aggressive promotion of dairy production. We are strengthening Dairy Co-operative Societies by providing them with milk coolers to enable milk cooling and storage.

We have so far constructed 30 structures for the installation of milk coolers, one in each of the 30 wards and awaiting the National Government to deliver the coolers. We have also continued to offer Countywide subsidized Artificial Insemination services to our dairy farmers. Since the onset of the subsidy AI program in August 2018, over 28,000 successful inseminations have been administered across the county. The aim of the programme is to improve the breeds of animals which will eventually lead to increment of milk production.
To ensure our County is food secure, we have supported our farmers to shift from subsistence farming to agribusiness. My administration in collaboration with National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) disbursed 62 million shillings worth of cheques to 161 common interest groups of farmers through the Community Driven Development Committees (CDDCs). The project also disbursed funds to eight Cooperatives supporting the same beneficiary groups to the tune of 11 million shillings as inclusion capacity and membership recruitment grants. The value chains that we prioritized under the programme include; Dairy farming, indigenous chicken, Irish potato and Avocado farming.

Hon. Speaker,

My administration understands the important role played by Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) in setting the foundation for child education and development. I have therefore directed that the 60 ECDE centres that began in the Financial Year 2017-2018 be completed and be ready for commissioning in the next three months. The new 45 ECDE centres were tendered in the 2018/19 Financial Year are on progress with most of the centres nearing completion. I urge Honorable Members to continue playing their oversight role and ensure that contractors complete the works within the agreed timelines.

Hon. Speaker,

In this financial year, we allocated a total of 60 million shillings for bursaries. This translates to two million shillings in each of the 30 Wards. Out of this, 18 million shillings went to Secondary Schools and six million was given to students with Special Needs.

We are awaiting the release of our allocation from the National Treasury to disburse the remaining 36 million shillings that was set aside for Tertiary and University students.

Hon. Speaker,

Our road network has expanded tremendously in the last two years. However, the long heavy rains experienced for over four months in the period under review diminished the progress we had made in this sector. Now that the rains have subsided, I want to assure the people of Nandi that we are embarking on a robust program. We tendered 33 roads under the Road Levy Maintenance Fund covering 170 kms, while the evaluation of tender applications for more than 36 projects advertised in the 2019/20 financial year is ongoing. The 36 projects will cover 195 kms. Works under this program include grading, gravelling, bush clearing and drifts construction on various roads in the sub-counties.

Hon. Members,

The future driver of our economy will be anchored on urbanization and that is why Kapsabet town was conferred the Municipality status.

We are undertaking a number of projects under the Kenya Urban Support Program.

These include the Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) which involves construction of six kilometer pedestrian footpath from Namgoi (Kapsabet Boys’ side) to Kamobo, a two kilometer athletic racing track running from Kapsabet Bible College to Lode School Academy/Marcle School. Other projects aimed at improving the sanitation of our Municipality include the construction and extension of sewer lines and ablution block at Kapsabet Bus Park,Jua Kali Sheds and Market stalls. These projects are within designated areas of Kapsabet Municipality.

Hon. Speaker,

To enhance citizen communication with the county, we have successfully established the First Call Centre in the Country and we are leading the other counties in Citizen Engagement and Open government. This is evident as we have launched a toll-free number (1548) that is being used for Emergencies, Disaster management, AI Services, Health, and general inquiries. Already this service has handled over 5,000 calls and many of our residents have been assisted. I can confidently report to this Honorable House that there are many live changing stories coming out of this project.

Hon. Members;

The first phase of our other flagship project, the modern Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex and Training Camp is complete. The second phase is ongoing and is at 40% completion level.

In Conclusion,
I am pleased that Nandi County has recaptured her original space in terms of development and as a people we continue to restore our dignity. We have indeed made good progress in all our sectors and I can categorically state that Nandi is on the right track.

The successes we have registered within this period are remarkable and this is attributed to the collective efforts from all of us, hence the need for us to continue working as a team.
I will be requesting this Honorable House to allow me to deliver the State of the County Address soon, for me to highlight on the status of our various development projects.

Finally Honorable Members,

On behalf of the people of Nandi County, I extend our sincere condolences to the Moi family and the nation of Kenya on the passing on of Retired President H.E. Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, an icon of peace.

Mzee Moi taught us a lot through his service to the country in various capacities as an educator, legislator, policy maker and finally as Head of State.

Just like in other parts of the country, the late President Moi built many institutions of learning in Nandi County including Kapsabet Boys, Kapsabet Girls, Chebisas Girls among many others. In the health sector, he built Nyayo Wards in Kapsabet County Referral Hospital, Nandi Hills Sub-County Hospital and Chepterwai Hospital. This is a clear indication that Mzee Moi had a special place in his heart for the people of Nandi. He was truly an outstanding statesman, a man of great intellect and a big heart who, to the last hour of his life, gave all his energy to the course of peace.

As a people, let us commit ourselves to honouring him by living true to his philosophy of peace, love and unity. His legacy will forever remain in our hearts and minds.

May he now reap his eternal rewards for the great work he has done for Kenya and Africa at large.

God Bless Kenya, God Bless Nandi County.

Thank you!

Stephen K. Araap Sang
GOVERNOR

The Ambassador of the Republic of Ethiopia to Kenya Meles Alem Tikea paid a courtesy call to Nandi Governor Stephen Sang to deliberate on areas of collaboration with the county.

During their meeting, they discussed a number of areas of partnerships including an exchange program for the athletes. Ethiopian athletes have been performing well and through an exchange program athletes from Nandi will improve their performance through acclimatization.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang presided over the signing of performance contracts by county executives in an exercise that aims at setting and maintaining high standards in accountability and service delivery.

The performance contracts are aimed at establishing the basis for ensuring that efficient and effective services are delivered to the people of the great Nandi County.

The contracts outlines the expected performance for the sectors under each member with the indicators expected to be cascaded down to chief officers and further to directors and down to lower cadres.

According to Governor Sang, the performance contracts are aimed at establishing the basis for ensuring that efficient and effective services are delivered to the people of Nandi in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

Governor Sang implored on all the county executive committee members to ensure strict adherence to the PC timelines to ensure all activities are undertaken as planned.

The PCs helps in improving accountability to the public and at the same time increases efficiency and effectiveness of the infrastructures of public service and processes.

The County Government of Nandi has 10 ministries with each ministry set to have a target and review-able score card.

Present at the event was the Nandi Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Cheruiyot, Nandi County Assembly Speaker Hon. Joshua Kiptoo, Leader of Majority, Hon. David Koech, CAF Secretary General Hon. Kipkurui Chepkwony, Leader of Minority Hon. Kirongo and a host of MCAs.