Tharaka-Nithi County spells out development agenda

Tharaka-Nithi County government has prioritised on water, healthcare, roads and agriculture in its 2018-2022 integrated development plan.

Addressing journalists Saturday after a public participation forum at Magutuni market, the county assembly budget committee chairperson, Ms Millicent Morgan, said their target is to deal with the main problems that affect residents.

She said the priorities are also in line with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s ‘Big Four’ agenda.

“If implemented as per the plan, it will be a big economic boost for the people of this county,” said Ms Morgan.

On health, Ms Morgan said there are proper interventions including upgrading of three hospitals, Magutuni, Chuka and Tharaka to level five status and equipping them with equipment such dialysis machines and ensuring all residents get health insurance cover.

IMPROVE ROADS

She said to revamp agriculture, roads must be improved and if possible to a bitumen status to enable easier transport of farm produce.

“We are confident of achieving most of what is in the plan considering that we are in the process of automating revenue collection systems in addition to the trust we have built with donors,” she said.

Ms Morgan said her committee will make follow-ups to ensure the plan is implemented by the county government through annual review forums.

Mr Nicholas Mwiti, a participant, said the plan will be beneficial to the county’s residents if implemented.

He added that there is need for civic education forums to enable residents understand what is going on in their county as well as help them in monitoring the performance of their leaders.