A strengthened partnership between the National Government and the County Government of Kericho is unlocking a new wave of transformative development projects that are improving healthcare, expanding markets, creating employment opportunities and positioning the county as an emerging investment destination.
Kericho Governor, Dr. Erick Mutai, has attributed the accelerated implementation of flagship development programmes to the close collaboration between the two levels of government, saying the partnership is translating the constitutional ideals of devolution into tangible socio-economic benefits for residents across the county.
Speaking during an interdenominational church fundraising that brought together 108 churches at Soliat Boys Senior School in Soliat Ward, led the Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, the Governor said the spirit of cooperation between the National Government and county governments continues to demonstrate how coordinated planning, joint financing and shared implementation can fast-track inclusive development.
Dr. Mutai noted that the partnership, anchored on Article 189 of the Constitution, has strengthened service delivery through joint investments in infrastructure, healthcare, industrialization, trade and sports, enabling wananchi to directly benefit from projects that improve livelihoods and stimulate local economies.
“The partnership between the National Government and county governments is bearing fruit. Through this collaboration, we are implementing projects that are directly transforming the lives of our people. When the two levels of government work together, development reaches wananchi faster and more effectively,” said the Governor.
The Governor applauded President William Ruto’s administration for consistently supporting devolution through sustained collaboration, timely disbursement of development funds and continued investment in projects jointly implemented with county governments, saying the approach has accelerated the realization of key development priorities in Kericho.
Among the flagship projects highlighted is the planned construction of a Sh275 million modern market at Kipsitet in Soin Sub-county under the National Government’s market development programme. The facility will increase the number of modern markets in Kericho to seven, while another market earmarked for Londiani will raise the total to eight.
Dr. Mutai observed that the modern markets are expected to transform the trading environment by providing safe and organized business spaces, improving hygiene standards, reducing post-harvest losses, increasing market access for farmers and creating opportunities for thousands of small-scale traders, youth and women entrepreneurs.
He further announced that Sondu Modern Market is nearing completion following the release of Sh6 million to the contractor, while preparations are underway for the construction of another modern market at Kiptere, further strengthening commercial activity within the county.
The Governor said the expanding network of markets reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the ease of doing business, supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), strengthening agricultural value chains and boosting household incomes across Kericho.
On industrialization, Dr. Mutai said construction of the Soliat County Aggregation and Industrial Park is progressing steadily under a joint financing arrangement between the National Government and the County Government, with each level contributing Sh250 million towards the strategic project.
He disclosed that the National Government has already released its allocation while the county government has paid the contractor Sh30 million, allowing construction works to proceed as scheduled.
Upon completion, the industrial park is expected to generate more than 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, promote value addition for agricultural produce, reduce post-harvest losses, attract private investment and position Kericho as a regional hub for agro-processing, manufacturing and industrial growth.
“The industrial park will not only create jobs for our young people but will also enable farmers to earn more through value addition while attracting investors to establish industries within our county,” Dr. Mutai said.
In the health sector, the Governor announced plans to establish a Level Four Hospital in Soin Sub-county to bring specialized healthcare services closer to residents and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances in search of treatment.
He said the location of the facility will be determined through a public participation process, with residents expected to choose between Kaitui and Kipsitet, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and citizen participation in development planning.
Dr. Mutai also hailed the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying timely reimbursement of health claims has strengthened service delivery in county health facilities by ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies and supporting uninterrupted healthcare services.
He added that Kericho County has already received its financial allocation for the new financial year, providing the resources required to sustain ongoing development projects and maintain efficient public service delivery.
On sports development, the Governor said construction of Kapkatet Stadium is nearing completion while works at Kericho Green Stadium are progressing steadily, noting that the facilities will nurture sporting talent, empower young people, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities in surrounding communities through sports tourism and related enterprises.
Dr. Mutai emphasized that the ongoing projects demonstrate the tangible dividends of cooperation between the National Government and county governments, saying coordinated planning, resource sharing and continuous consultation have accelerated the implementation of priority programmes that directly improve the quality of life for wananchi.
Beyond infrastructure development, the Governor challenged religious institutions to complement government efforts by strengthening moral values, promoting responsible parenting and mentoring young people to address rising cases of indiscipline and social challenges affecting communities.
He commended Senate Majority Leader, Aaron Cheruiyot, for bringing together 108 churches during the interdenominational fundraising, describing the unity displayed by the different denominations as a powerful demonstration of the collective responsibility required to support national cohesion, community development and nation-building.
Dr. Mutai reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to maintaining close collaboration with the National Government in implementing transformative programmes that expand economic opportunities, strengthen public service delivery and improve the welfare of wananchi.
He said sustained cooperation between the two levels of government remains a critical pillar in accelerating the realization of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda while ensuring that the benefits of development reach every part of Kericho County.
By Gilbert Mutai
