Preparations have intensified across Kericho County ahead of the anticipated visit by President Dr. William Ruto, with Government officials, project teams and residents making final arrangements.
The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for the President to assess the progress of Government programmes in the county, launch completed or near-completed projects and receive updates on other ongoing developments.
In Kericho town, sections of the municipality have started undergoing cleaning and beautification, with workers undertaking landscaping, clearing and general improvement of selected areas as the county steps up preparations to receive the President.
At the outskirts of Kericho Town, the Chelimo Affordable Housing Project is set for a launch by the Head of State as the second such housing programme in the town, following the Majengo-Talai Affordable Housing Project, which is currently ongoing.
Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, Chelimo Affordable Housing Project Site Manager Morgan Shikuku said preparations were progressing well, with the team focusing on clearing and improving the site and opening access roads through the application and compaction of murram to ensure the area is ready for the commencement of construction.
“The Chelimo Affordable Housing Project will have a total of 2,300 units comprising one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses, catering for different household sizes under the Government’s Affordable Housing Programme,” added Shikuku.
Shikuku said the access road to the Chelimo project site had been improved through the application and compaction of murram to make it passable, particularly during the rainy season, and facilitate access by residents, leaders and other visitors expected at the site during the President’s visit.
Several major Government projects are at different stages of implementation across Kericho County, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension, the upgrading of Kapkatet and Kiprugut Chumo stadia, improvement of Kerenga Airstrip, ongoing road projects, and the completed modern Economic Stimulus Programme markets in Sosiot, Kapkatet and Chesinende.
Residents have welcomed the anticipated presidential visit, with some saying they expect the President to assess the progress of projects already under implementation and give direction on developments that require further Government support.
Julius Koech, a resident of Chelimo, welcomed President Ruto to the area and commended the Government for resolving the long-standing Chelimo land issue, saying the issuance of title deeds to squatters had given affected families secure ownership of land and enabled them to settle as the area opens up for further development.
The Government has issued title deeds to verified squatters and other beneficiaries in the Chelimo-Kevoko area, while the remaining portions of the larger parcel have been reserved for various public and Government development projects.
The anticipated visit by the Head of State has also been welcomed by Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, Senate Majority Leader and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and area Members of Parliament, who have separately used social media statements to welcome the President to the county.
By Kibe Mburu and Fidel Ochieng
