By S, KNA
The County Government of Nyeri has launched an aggressive beautification campaign in all its towns areas as a way of giving urban centres a new facelift.
Dubbed Adopt A street/Roundabout the initiative is partnering with interested business operators and institutions who are expected to identify a stretch of a street or a roundabout and coat it with their signature murals as one of branding their products and services and in the process improve the appearance and cleanliness of the towns.
Nyeri Municipal Town Manager Perister Kigwa says through the program, institutions and individuals are in turn being offered a waiver for advertising their services and products.
“As a Municipal Board we seek to transform urban areas into vibrant, green, and welcoming spaces. The program promotes conservation through greening projects, beautification efforts, and the integration of open public spaces with the natural environment, all while addressing challenges brought about by climate change, rapid population growth, and the need for regular urban maintenance.” she told KNA.
According to Kigwa, the beautification programme will be a community-driven initiative that allows interested groups and concerned citizens to take responsibility for specific streets or roundabouts, contributing to their cleanliness, beautification, and overall improvement.
She emphasized that through the initiative, residents and partners will in the long run play an active role in creating a more livable metropolitan environment, fostering pride in shared spaces, and improving the quality of urban life.
“The Board invites partnerships with organizations that share this vision. Corporate institutions and agencies bring expertise, resources, and innovation that complement community involvement. Through such collaborations, the initiative will not only improve Nyeri’s Central Business District but also serve as a model of sustainable urban management, inspiring other regions to adopt similar strategies. “she added.
“By beautifying the adopted areas, the parties involved can enhance their brand image and reputation as environmentally conscious organizations. The project also offers them a platform to engage with the community and stakeholders, fostering positive relationships and potentially attracting new customers or clients.”
Among entities that have so far taken advantage of the gesture include Mathenge Technical Training Institute, the Nyeri National Polytechnic, Teach2Give, Teslak Linguistics and Communication, Top Square Electrical, Skin Hub Clinic and Options Education Agency.
According to Kigwa, the involvement of external players in the town’s beautification is also expected to play a critical role in enhancing Corporate Social Responsibility, mitigate climate change, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and foster civic responsibility.
On his part Lands, Housing, Planning and Urban Development CEC Ndirangu Gachunia says while the County intends to use Nyeri town as a model ground before the programme is rolled out to the rest of the urban areas in the county.
He said some of the matters that need to be sorted out before the initiative is implemented in other towns include enacting proper legal structures such as establishing functional municipal boards.
“What we are doing in Nyeri town is just the beginning of what we intend to roll out in other urban areas as well. We are looking forward to replicating the beautification program in Othaya, Karatina and Mukurwe-ini as well once the necessary legal and infrastructural requirements have been put in place.” he said.