NANDI DEPUTY GOVERNOR URGES RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS
Nandi Deputy Governor Dominic Biwott has expressed concern over the low number of registered voters in the County. The Deputy Governor noted that there are only 147,000 people in Nandi with Identity Cards but not registered as voters.
Speaking to the Press today, Biwott said that registration as a voter is important in the process of governance not only as a constitutional right but also as an opportunity to choose a leader.
“It would be unfortunate if those eligible as voters do not register. Out of those we meet in meetings while asking for votes approximately 35 percent may not be voters. We need to have numbers as a county,” said Biwott.
The deputy county boss said the county government will do everything within its means to support IEBC in promoting citizen engagement in voter registration.
“As a County Government, we shall support sensitization programmes on the need to register as voters,” he added.
“The political environment in the Country is a game of numbers which determines resource allocation and the community’s voice at the national level. Let us turn out in numbers and register as voters. Only then can we exercise our civic duties,” concluded Biwott.
GOVERNOR LAGAT MARKS NEW YEAR BY OFFICIALY OPENING TUIYOBEI WATER PROJET
Nandi Governor Dr Cleophas Lagat on Sunday marked the new by officially opening a water project in Mosop constituency.
Governor Lagat said the Tuiyobei Water Project in Kurgung/Surungai ward will save residents the hustle of searching for this essential commodity.
“We promised and now we are delivering. A lot of people will benefit from this project and will ensure residents get acess to clean and safe water for use,”said Lagat who was flanked by eight MCAs.
The County boss said provision of clean water remains a priority for his government.
“My government has prioritized the provision of water, when we took over in 2013 only 13 per cent of Nandi County residents had piped water in their homes currently we are at 39 per cent,” Lagat pointed out.
The governor called on area leaders to support his development projects instead of criticising him every time.
Lagat at the same time urged residents to re-elect him in the coming general elections.
He said he has kicked off a program that will see him visit all the 30 wards in the county to inspect development projects initiated under his administration and interact with wananchi.
“I will kick-off a program that will see me and other county officees visit all the wards where we open completed projects and launch others” the governor added.
Earlier Governor Lagat had hosted more than 5,000 people from across the county in his Kurgung home to usher in the new year in an elaborate ceremony that was laso attended by eigth MCAs.
PRESIDENT UHURU OPENS UP ROAD NETWORK IN NANDI COUNTY.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and H.E William Rutto are expected to launch the re- capeting of Kopere- Timboroa road, upgrade Danger-Kimondi Sironoi-Chemuswa roads to bitumen standard and also
commision Kimondi bridge.
Kapkatembu – Salient- Lemook-Rivatex and Chepterwai-Kaiboi roads will also be given consideration.
OVER 400 TITLE DEEDS ISSUED TO KABWARENG RESIDENTS.
Nandi County Government is going to benefit from the National Government’s Ksh.460M to join the National grid and in ensure all homesteads are connected with electricity, Deputy President William Rutto has said. Rutto however, asserted that Jubilee Government is at its final stage in fulfilling the political pledges it promised Kenyans in 2013. Addressing hundreds of Nandi residents today in Bonjoge Primary School Kabwareng Ward in Aldai Sub County when issuing over400 land title deeds, Rutto noted that residents of Kereri, Koibarak, Koitabut, Chepkuny, Kapkeben and other villages of the greater Bonjoge Location ought to benefit from the last mile connectivity and that Ksh.50M has been set aside to see that the over 600 families gets power.
On his part, Nandi Governor Dr.Cleophas Lagat urged the locals who received their land ownership documents to concentrate on their lands and develop them “Since you are now liberated and entitled to your property after being squatters for 3 decades, don’t be tempted to sell your land ” said Dr.Lagat. The Governor however, challenged Bonjoge community to work extra hard and properly invest on their luctrative soil so that they can realize their agricultural potential.
Governor Lagat said his Administration through Agriculture Department will see that milk coolers were installed in the 30 Civic Wards to increase milk production in Nandi.
Elsewhere in Kurgung Deputy President presided over a funds drive in aid of several Churches where also thanked GovernorLagat Rutto for the great efforts he has put in ensuring that Kurgung Boys High School centre of excellence.
Present were Nandi Senator Stephen Sang, Aldai MP Cornelly Serem and his Mosop and Tinderet counterparts Stephen Bitok and Julius Melly respectively.
GOVERNOR LAGAT COMMISSIONS AMANI MARKET TO FOSTER UNITY IN KAMUNG’EI BORDER
Nandi County Governor Dr.Cleophas Lagat has commissioned works for the construction of Amani market in Kamungei, Mosop Sub County.
Speaking while he launched the project Lagat said that the decision to establish the market was a consensus reached at by his government and the residents following the inter-community conflict between the Nandis and bordering Kabras community from Kakamega County in November 2014, which threatened peace in the area.
Governor Lagat added that the market will provide a lasting peace between the two neigbouring communities since it will empower the residents from both communities,who will not only exchange goods and services but will share ideas as well.
“Trade will open up interaction and create a bond the two communities hence forging good relationship,”he said.
Moreover, he has assured of his administration’s agenda to upgrade the communication network and to transform the regions development to foster peace and reduce poverty to avert a similar clashes.
“As a government we cherish peace and its only through business that we can eradicate poverty andend conflicts,” he added.
Further, he has called on the youth not to misuse their energy but to instead join in building the nation and keeping peace,” he added.
The County’s move to establish the market has been applauded by the residents who have termed the development has a major milestone in uniting with their neighbours and boost to their socio–economic live.
Residents said that the Amani as the name suggest will help restore trust and tranquility with their neigbours.
According to Chief Officer Trade Investment and development Mr Jacob Sisey the two markets will serve as trading centres where farmers will auction their livestock, clothes and farm produce.
“The market will officially be opened late next year in January by NCIC Chair Mr Francis Ole Kaparo who brokered peace between the two communities during the 2014 border skirmishes,” he said.
Accompanying the governor was CEC Trade Investment and Development Mr Style Kessio and other county government officials.
KAPSABET RESIDENTS WELCOME STREET LIGHTING AS GOVERNMENT URGE UTILIZATION TO BOOST ECONOMY
After many years of waiting and at times being forced to close their businesses much earlier than they would wish to extend due to absence of street lights, Kapsabet residents can finally sight a relief. This follows the street lighting of the town which eventually went on today.
The development comes few weeks after Nandi County governor H.E Dr. Cleophas Lagat vowed to deliver on the promise during the recent Mashujaa day celebrations following a fruitful discussion he said he had with Enegry CS Hon Charles Keter.
According to the CEC in charge of Lands, Environment and Natural Resources Dr. John Chumo street lighting is a devolved function, adding that the project is a joint initiative between the County governments and National government, based on 50/50 agreement where both governments will meet the cost.
Further, he has urged residents and the business community to utilize the power by extending their operating hours to increase sales and maximize on profit to improve County’s economy, “The electrification of Kapsabet town is a major milestone after Mosoriot since it will enhance business and security. I urge our residents to work extra hours to boost our economy and uplift their standards’’, he added. Other towns and centres that are set to benefit from the project are Nandi Hills, Kaptumo and Maraba among others , added Chumo.
On his part Chairman Chamber of commerce Mr. Samuel Seroney has praised the Nandi County government and National government for the street lighting saying that the power will be a major turner to business in the town,’’ I register my sincere gratitude on behalf of Kapsabet business community to the Jubilee government for this gesture, we expect businesses to boom following the installation of the street lights’’ he added.
NANDI GOVERNOR DR LAGAT CONDOLES WITH THE LATE MAMA SARAH’S FAMILY
Nandi County Governor Dr. Cleophas Lagat on Thursday joined family and friends of the Late Mama Sarah Saina known to many as (Kowendi) in mourning her death at her home in Kabiyet Nandi County. Mama Sarah, one of the renowned iron lady and political mobilizer in the County and in the region bowed out after succumbing to death after a short illness on Thursday 28th of October.
The County boss eulogized the late as a County hero who left a legacy that should be emulated by family members and Nandi residents, “Death has robbed us of an industrious and dedicated heroine who not only contributed immensely to development but also to the spiritual growth of our people. She prioritized church matters more than anything else and was more of a parent and friend to many of us, this is why we see her as our county hero” added the County boss.
Mama Sarah who passed on at the age of 86 will be remembered for her great contributions towards the construction of Bishop Birech African Inland Church (AIC) Kabiyet. Further, she was instrumental in calling for unity among the Nandi leaders for the prosperity of the County.
The deceased body will be laid to rest on Saturday at her home in Kabiyet Mosop Sub County Nandi County.
COUNTY BOSS INAGURATED AS KENYA RED CROSS PATRON,NANDI NORTH REGION
Nandi county governor was today inagurated as the patron of red cross in Nandi North region Red cross governor,Dr Mahmoud Said urged the county government to partner with red cross in combating issues of landslides,disaster management among others.”with support from your government we can partner togetheph in health, agriculture ,water and social services”he added.
Governor lagat thanked the team for the good work they are doing in assisting humanity.”I want to emphasize that i will ensure that all land grabbed will be reclaimed back,Red cross land need to be given back to the community”he said
Also present was regional chairman North Rift region Mr.Francis Koech urged on the need to address issues of disasters in the region.He further called on governor to support Marathon race that will be held on the 11th December. The race will benefit the 7 North rift counties(NOREB).
Regions that have benefited from partnership between red cross and county government include Taita Taveta, Kwale, Machakos, Bomet and Nyeri.
GOVERNMENT ISSUE 1700 LAND TITLE DEEDS TO NANDI RESIDENTS, AS KAIMENYI WARN LAND GRABBERS
Atleast 1700 residents from Tindiret and Samitui in Nandi County have received land titles after waiting for 50 years.The residents who have been anxiously waiting for the documents could not hide their joy as Land CS Prof Jacob Kaimenyi officially handed over to them.
Speaking when he presided over the issuance of the title deeds at Mberere and later at Samitui in Aldai Nandi County, Kaimenyi praised the Jubilee government for fulfilling its pledge to issue Kenyans with the land title deeds, ‘’It was the target of the Jubilee government in 2013 that by 2017 we will have issued 3million title deeds and at the moment we have issued a total of 2.4 million’’ he added.
At the same time Prof Kaimenyi has urged Nandi residents to collect over 33,000 of 42,000 land titles issued, which he said have been lying at the lands registry in Kapsabet since 2013.
Moreover, he has urged those who were issued with the title deeds not to sell their land but instead utilize it for production and to venture into business by using land as collateral to seek funds from financial institutions,sentiments echoed by several leaders present during the function led by Nandi County deputy governor Dominic Biwott, area MP Hon Julius Melli, Aldai MP Hon Cornelius Serem and County CEC in charge of Lands Dr John Chumo.
On the breadth the leaders have expressed their gratitude to the National government for waiving fees previously charged on the issuance of the title deeds, further rallying the residents
to go and collect their ready land titles.
On his part Chairman Land Commission Prof Mohammed Swazuri has issued a stern warning against land grabbers in the County to voluntarily surrender any public land in their possession before a three – day thorough audit on all alleged stolen land in the County commencing on 17th to 19th of November this year by his office in conjunction with Nandi County government.
Sentiments that were strongly backed by his boss Prof Kaimenyi who has cautioned those who are fond of stealing public land including schools, churches, hospitals and markets to cease forthwith , ‘’ I warn those individuals who have grabbed any public land and any individual harbouring similar ill intentions to return back those land before we catch up with them’’ he added.
The directive comes following an outcry by County leaders led by Nandi governor Dr Cleophas Lagat and his deputy Dominic Biwott in the wake of increasing cases of land grabbing in the County especially in institutions of learning and other public lands.
Speaking at the function Biwott has called on the Swazuri led Commission to immediately intervene in the latest shocking revelation of private developer who has laid claim of a 2 acre piece of land at Kapsabet Boys high school and another who is claiming ownership of half of Kapsabet town. “In Tindiret another private developer has also grabbed 15 acres of Soisitet primary school and in Kapsabet Showground we have received claims of somebody who is trying to encroach our land”, decried Biwott.
KAPSABET AND NANDI HILLS TOWNS TO BENEFIT FROM THE LAST MILE POWER CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM, SAYS GOVERNOR LAGAT
Kapsabet and Nandi Hills towns are set to benefit from the last mile power connectivity, this according to Nandi County governor Dr Cleophas Lagat. The initiative which has so far benefitted rural areas and major towns in the Country including the neighbouring Eldoret town in Uasin Gishu County, is expected to boost the economy and open up more businesses in the two major urban centres in Nandi County once installed, ‘’ We have held talks with the CS for Energy Hon Charles Keter on lighting up Kapsabet and Nandi Hills towns, and I want to report back that this will be done soon’’ added Lagat.
The news comes as a relief especially to the residents and the business community, who have been forced to operate their businesses within the normal working hours for security reasons. Similarly, governor Lagat has praised investors in the County for exuding confidence by investing in the two towns as witnessed by the booming enterprises and mushrooming high – rise commercial buildings, noting that the development was an indicator that indeed devolution was working in Nandi County, ‘’ I am happy that Kapsabet town, the once sleeping giant is now on its feet courtesy of devolution’’ he added. Further, Lagat has assured his support to any entrepreneur who wish to venture in the County.
Additionally, the Nandi County government in conjunction with the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology is planning to install Local Area Network (LAN) and to increase fibre optic cable connectivity to boost communication networks and businesses in the County, added Lagat.
Speaking during Mashujaa day celebration held at Kapsabet Showground, Lagat, who was accompanied by his deputy governor Dominic Biwott and his County Executive Members, used the opportunity to recognize and celebrate renowned heroes and heroines in the County, led by the athletes who have continuously posted outstanding performance both in the international and regional competitions and thus placing the County as the best Sports – tourism destination, ‘’As we mark this day I cannot forget to mention our heroes and heroines; our sportsmen and sportswomen who continue to put our Country and County in the global map, we salute you all! you are our Mashujaa’’ he added
On his part deputy governor Dominic Biwott praised the athletes for the great milestone achievements, adding that a major celebration befitting the athletes will be held in their honour.
Other heroes and heroines that were recognized during the occasion were Koitalel Samoei, the great legendary leader who liberated the Nandi community from the British colonial government, famous political and religious leaders like the late Bishop Alexander Muge, Jean Marie Seroney, Jelagat Mutai among others.Institutions of learning that have excelled in academics and sports namely Kapsabet Boys High school and East and Central Africa volleyball champions Kosirai girls received special mention.
And as the Country heads to the next year’s general election, governor Lagat and his deputy set to assure the residents that they will not renege on their pre –election pledges, citing the development record they have set three and half years they have been in power, among them initiation and completion of various projects in the County. Notably, construction of staff units at Kapsabet County Referral hospital, revival of cattle dips, revamping of Kaimosi ATC, unveiling of subsisized AI services, revamping of Kaimosi ATC, opening up and grading of feeder roads, purchase of specialized treatment equipment, construction of two stadia of Kipchoge Keino in Kapsabet and Nandi Hills, construction and employment of ECDE centres and caregivers, adoption of an automated revenue system, completion of various water projects, and the purchase of firefighting engines.
At the same time the two County leaders lashed at some of the gubernatorial aspirants whom they said had to developmental agenda for the residents, further urging the residents to vote them a second term to fully accomplish their mandate.The day’s celebrations was attended by hundredths of residents among other guest.