Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has outlined major developments being implemented across Kajiado County as his Administration plans to elevate three more towns into municipalities.
Speaking at the County Headquarters during the Commissioning of an adhoc Committee to establish the proposed municipalities of Oloitokitok, Kenyawa Poka and Namanga towns, Lenku said the County government was focused to transform urban centres into engines of growth, opportunity and dignified living for residents.
The Governor noted that through the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) Phase One, the County has made deliberate investments in urban infrastructure, particularly roads development, terming roads as the backbone of economic growth.
He said the County had successfully tarmacked key urban roads in the municipalities of Kajiado, Ngong and Kitengela, improving mobility, opening-up business opportunities and enhancing service delivery.
“In Kajiado municipality, we also invested in people and places through the construction of the Kajiado Public Square and the Cultural Highway Street,” said Lenku.
In Ngong municipality, the governor said the county had made significant progress in environmental management through the decommissioning of the Ngong dumpsite, marking a major shift towards sustainable waste management and improved public health.
Lenku further revealed that through the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP), the county government has enhanced safety and living conditions in Majengo and Gichagi settlements through installation of high mast floodlights, solar street lights and construction of roads, footpaths and drainage systems.
“Importantly, under the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project, we are addressing one of the most critical issues facing our people; security of land. In Umoja, Ngong, we have made significant progress in land tenure regularization, giving residents the assurance and dignity that comes with secure land ownership,” he said.
He added that the initiative is helping reduce land disputes while unlocking opportunities for investments, improved housing and socio-economic growth within municipalities.
The governor also noted that the county has prioritised efficient service delivery and urban management to improve the daily lives of residents.
According to Lenku, the county has enhanced cleanliness across municipalities through the institutionalization of daily waste collection systems and removal of structures and businesses that had encroached on roads to improve efficiency and ease traffic congestion.
He added that the county has strengthened local revenue collection systems to enable municipalities to expand their resource base and invest in critical infrastructure and services for residents.
The County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Hamilton Parseina, said the County is seeking to elevate Namanga town into a municipality due to its strategic position as an international border town.
Parseina noted that Kenyawa Poka covers rapidly growing centres such as Masimba, Emali and Sultan Hamud, which he said have been neglected for a long time and would benefit from improved development and recognition once elevated into municipalities.
He further observed that Oloitokitok town plays a critical role in the county’s economic and social development, particularly due to its strong horticultural sector.
Parseina added that the adhoc committee will assess the requirements and factors necessary for the elevation of towns into municipalities.
by Diana Meneto
