Uhuru launches water project in West Pokot

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday launched the construction of a Sh10 billion dam in West Pokot County as part of the country’s infrastructural development.

The Muruny Water Project, whose construction is expected to be completed in the next two and half years, will benefit more than 240,000 people in West Pokot and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties.

Addressing wananchi at the Kapsait Primary School grounds after launching the project, President Kenyatta said the Jubilee administration was committed to implementing the promises it made to Kenyans.

“This project that we have launched today is part of the promises we made to the people of Kenya. We are not interested in mere politicking but service delivery to our people.

“We are creating 1,000 jobs through the construction of this Muruny water dam,” said the President.

Mr Kenyatta asked elected leaders to stop political bickering and join hands in nation building.

“As leaders, we should be focused in what we are doing. We cannot help solve the problems facing our people if we dedicate most of our time in empty rhetoric. Time for politics is over,” he said.

President Kenyatta, who was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto, said the government was committed to ensuring more people have access to water.

“When more people have access to water, it will help spur the country’s economic growth and transform the lives of Kenyans,” he said.

Mr Ruto added that the water project would solve water shortages, especially for those in Kapenguria Town.

“Once this project is completed, it will help our people who experience frequent water shortages.”

He urged communities living along the Kerio Valley to embrace moral values that would foster peace and shun hostilities that have led to loss of lives and property.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The President further said the long-term economic solution rests on improving infrastructure such as roads, building schools and installing electricity.

In ensuring Kenyans have access to health services, the President said two referral hospitals would be established in every county.

“The government is initiating two health facilities in every county to address the health needs of Kenyans,” he said.

The President said plans were at an advanced stage to bring together all parties affiliated to Jubilee as one way of uniting the country.

He said: “All affiliate political parties of Jubilee will soon merge to have one that can unite our people.”

He added that the government would create a conducive environment for investment, including in agro-processing, to create more employment opportunities.

The Deputy President said plans were under way to improve the Cheptongei-Kapsait-Kamatira road in Elgeyo-Marakwet and West Pokot counties.

He said the completion of the road would help farmers in the two counties transport their farm produce to markets outside the area.

Government officials and leaders who were present included Cabinet secretaries Eugene Wamalwa (Water and Irrigation) and Henry Rotich (Treasury), senators Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo-Marakwet), John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot), and MPs Samuel Moroto (Kapenguria) and William Kisang (Marakwet West).