By M, KNA
Kisii County Commissioner Joseph Kibet has called on residents to take collective responsibility in addressing insecurity, rampant drug abuse, and the vandalism of public infrastructure, warning that such challenges continue to tarnish the county’s image.
Speaking during a public baraza at Misses in Gucha Sub-county, the administrator acknowledged public concerns over poor service delivery at Misses Police Station due to lack of a patrol vehicle.
He revealed that 19 police stations, eight police divisions, five DCIO offices, and 32 administrative divisions across Kisii still lack vehicles, hampering effective policing.
At the same time, Mr. Kibet noted that although the county has eight divisions, 40 locations, and 91 sub-locations already gazetted, most remain non-operational due to financial and resource constraints.
He urged residents to complement government efforts by embracing community policing through the Nyumba Kumi initiative.
The County Commissioner reminded residents that “security is everyone’s responsibility,”. He stressed that close cooperation with police, including sharing timely information, would help prevent crime.
Mr. Kibet warned that drug and alcohol abuse, particularly illicit brews, are giving Kisii County a negative reputation, placing it among the leading in the regions in substance abuse.
He linked the rising cases of gender-based violence, rape, murder, and suicide to the menace. The county commissioner criticized elected leaders for failing to openly condemn the vice, saying it was for the fear of losing popularity when it comes to re-election.
On vandalism, he cautioned residents against destroying public resources, stressing that such acts only burden taxpayers who must fund repairs or replacements. “Public projects belong to the very people who vandalize them. Let us protect them and showcase Kisii as the best county in the country,” he said.
The administrator urged parents to prioritize education, calling it the “greatest equalizer”. He encouraged young people to take advantage of government funding opportunities such as the Uwezo Fund and actively participate in building the economy. He also appealed to elders to guide the younger generation on discipline and responsibility.
Mr. Kibet reminded residents that the FGM Act criminalizes female genital mutilation and warned that anyone found engaging in the outlawed practice would be prosecuted and do time in custody.
He further advised families to complete land succession processes to prevent inheritance-related conflicts, noting that many residents still lacked title deeds for inherited land.