Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling water shortages across the county, pledging to fast-track ongoing projects.
Speaking during an official swearing-in ceremony of the new County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) at the County Headquarters, Dr. Mutai outlined his government’s development agenda, emphasising that Sh20 million had been allocated to complete the Kapkures water project, while the Kiptere and Kimolonik water initiatives were nearing completion.
“Water is a basic necessity and my administration will ensure every household gets access to clean and reliable water. As of now, water projects are ongoing in parts of Chilchila, Kamasian ward and Kipkelion areas, with Sigowet already having a steady and reliable water supply,” Dr. Mutai stated.
The governor also announced the introduction of a school feeding programme to support kindergarten schoolchildren, citing that the programme would be anchored on the newly completed Kedowa Mill, which will process porridge flour.
“No child in Kericho should go hungry while in school. We are manufacturing nutritious porridge to support early childhood education. We are not here for politics; we are here to strive towards changing the lives of our school-going children. Our people deserve nothing but the best,” Dr. Mutai said.
Governor Mutai further revealed plans to revive the fishing sector in the county through fish pond projects, where he urged local youth to embrace fish farming as a viable economic activity, noting that the county would provide technical support and market access.
The creation of job opportunities for the young people in fish farming will ensure improved lifestyles and a better future once the lucrative venture has been established.
On agriculture, the governor assured farmers that his administration was implementing policies to enhance food security and turning youths to agriculture through agripreneurship and agribusiness.
He added that youth could get an opportunity to enter into greenhouse farming in tomato and onion ventures.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, and I am calling on the youth to note that whether a graduate from the university or not gone to school, you should engage in agriculture since it just needs personal effort and passion and not a certificate,” said Dr. Mutai.
He hailed the efforts to strengthen cooperatives by distributing seedlings for Hass avocados with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture through the Principal Secretary, Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, who launched a centre for value addition in Kapsoit.
“We are committed to empowering farmers by giving cooler machines and Artificial Insemination (AI) services to ensure quality production so that farmers will not be going to Githunguri to buy cows but we will make Kericho Githunguri of its own,” he explained.
In the health sector, Governor Mutai pledged improved service delivery and access to quality medical care, announcing that dispensaries across the county would open from 8 a.m. to ensure timely medical attention for residents.
Kericho Chief Magistrate Tito Gesore officiated at the swearing ceremony of the new County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), who included Mr. Philemon Kurgat—Water, Environment, Energy, Forestry and Natural Resources; Dr. David N. Ekuwam—Health Services; Mr. Jonathan Korir—Public Service Management; Mr. John Kipngeno Cheruiyot—Trade, Industrialisation, Tourism, and Wildlife; Hon. Magerer J.K. Langat—Agriculture, Livestock, and Cooperatives; and Mr. Joseph Kipsang Korir—Lands, Housing, and Physical Planning.
Governor Mutai congratulated the new CECMs while emphasising the importance of a well-coordinated approach towards service delivery and reiterated that his leadership was focused on integrity, transparency, and efficiency.
He further called upon county officials and residents to work together for the prosperity of Kericho. “This is not just about leadership but it is about making a real difference in the lives of our people. Let us all join hands to move our county forward,” Dr. Mutai declared.
By Gilbert Mutai and Ian Kiplangat
