Security and economic development in Moi’s Bridge, Soy Sub-county, received a significant boost following the commissioning of a new modern police station and the groundbreaking of a modern market aimed at improving service delivery and enhancing business activities.
The Moi’s Bridge Police Station was officially commissioned by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, during a ceremony attended by Soy Member of Parliament, David Kiplagat, local administrators, security officials and residents.
Speaking during the event, Lagat said the new police station will strengthen security operations, improve response time to emergencies and bring policing services closer to the people.
He called on residents to support the newly appointed Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD), Samuel Kobina, by reporting individuals involved in the sale of illicit brews and narcotic drugs, noting that drug and substance abuse remains the leading security challenge in the area.
“If we do not support efforts to fight drug abuse, we will not have a better society tomorrow. We will not have leaders to guide this country. Young people should take the lead in helping to curb drug and substance abuse because they are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Lagat.
The Deputy Inspector General also appealed to residents to assist security agencies in tracking down dangerous criminals believed to have escaped from Kitale in neighbouring Trans Nzoia County and sought refuge in Moi’s Bridge.
“I have worked tirelessly over the last two months to restore security in Kitale, but intelligence reports indicate that some of the suspected criminals fled to this area. Anyone who spots them should immediately report to the OCPD because they are dangerous,” he said.
At the same event, the leaders presided over the groundbreaking of a modern market that is expected to stimulate trade and create employment opportunities for residents.
MP David Kiplagat commended the National Government for investing in both security and economic infrastructure, saying the two projects would transform the livelihoods of residents and bring essential government services closer to the people.
He disclosed that within one month, the government plans to complete the market’s perimeter fence and main gate alongside nearby affordable housing projects. He added that drilling of a borehole would soon commence to provide a reliable water supply to both the police station and the market.
The legislator further revealed that he had engaged the market contractor to prioritize local youth in the construction works by employing qualified professionals, including civil engineers, plumbers, mechanical engineers and electricians, while also offering casual labour opportunities to other young people.
Kiplagat also announced plans to submit a proposal to the government next week seeking funds to replace the ageing asbestos-roofed police staff houses with modern housing units.
“Through the institutional housing programme, we have identified that the existing staff houses contain asbestos roofing, which poses serious health risks. We will work closely with your office and the Ministry of Interior to ensure modern staff houses are constructed and the old asbestos structures demolished,” he said.
Residents welcomed the two projects, expressing optimism that improved security and modern trading facilities will accelerate economic growth and improve the quality of life in Moi’s Bridge and the surrounding areas.
By Shaline Jeruto
