Projects to watch as counties seek to turn around their fortunes
What you need to know:
Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu County, plans to spend Sh600 million in the establishment of a Universal Health Care programme.
In Meru, Governor Kiraitu Murungi plans to implement the construction of a banana processing plant at Sh400 million.
In Nandi County, Governor Stephen Sang plans to use Sh1.1billion for the establishment of a Special Economic Zone.
Despite failure to implement mega projects between 2013 and 2017, counties are lining up multibillion shillings projects for investment.
The Sunday Nation looked through the 2018-2022 county integrated development plans and spoke to some governors on their grand plans.
Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu County, plans to spend Sh600 million in the establishment of a Universal Health Care programme through which residents will access basic treatment at county hospitals at no cost.
TEXTILE FACTORY
To solve its perennial water shortage challenge, the county will spend Sh180 million in the construction of the Athi Kilawa Irrigation project and Sh915 million will go to the Thaana Nzau Irrigation Project.
So far Mrs Ngilu has established the transformative Kitui County Textiles Centre-that will manufacture school uniforms and other fabrics for the local and export market.
“This 24-hour factory will employ over 600 young people. This project is expected to increase the county’s revenue by Sh2 billion annually,” Governor Ngilu says.
SEAL ROADS
In the same 2017/18 financial year, Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana has launched a Sh300 million fruit factory in Kalamba. The factory will process mangoes, oranges, tomatoes and avocados.
In Vihiga, Governor Wilber Otichillo plans to construct low-volume seal roads, official residences for the governor, deputy governor and Speaker and the county headquarters.
“We will also complete the hydro-power generation plant at Kaimosi Dam,” said Dr Otichillo.
FIVE-STAR HOTEL
In Meru, Governor Kiraitu Murungi plans to implement the construction of a banana processing plant at Sh400 million, potato processing plant (Sh400m), establish a five-star hotel (Sh300m) and the create the Meru special economic zone which will cost the county Sh600 million.
The governor has also lined up a Sh1.3 billion cancer centre and the maji kwa wote initiative which will cost of Sh6 billion.
RENOVATIONS
Mr John Nyagarama, the Governor for Nyamira County, plans to spend Sh2.75 billion on major renovations and works in various towns and markets in which street lights will be installed and streets tarmacked. The county will also construct county headquarters, complete two stadiums and residences for the governor and a doctors’ plaza.
Governor Francis Kimemia hopes to turn around the fortunes of Nyandarua County through the construction of a Sh1 billion leather tannery at Ndaragwa, Sh3 billion milk-processing plant at Ol Kalou and a dry port at a cost of Sh1 billion.
FRUIT PROCESSING
“We plan to transform Nyandarua to a productive, prosperous, secure and newly-industrialised county that adds value to its citizens and competes effectively in the 21st century,” Mr Kimemia said.
Nyandarua will also spend Sh600 million to establish a potato and fruit processing plant at Milangine, Sh600 million for industrial parks and special economic zones, Sh500m for the Olkalou stadium and Sh700m to establish high altitude training centre at Kinangop.
SEWERAGE SYSTEM
“In partnership with the national government, we will develop a Sh50 billion housing estate, the Nyeri county Talent Centre Academy at Kieni at a cost of Sh350m and the county will spend Sh1.6 billion towards the Mathira Water and Sanitation Company,” says Mutahi Kahiga, the Nyeri County governor.
West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo plans to partner with investors to establish a Sh4 billion Kapenguria Sewerage system, establish a constituent public university college at Keringet at a cost of Sh500 million, spend Sh300 million to invest in housing units and another Sh1 billion for the Muruny-Siyoi Extension water project.
TRAINING CENTRE
Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal’s government plans to use Sh1.5 billion to pave 10km of roads in several towns as well as construct a county referral hospital and medical training centre at Maralal at a cost of Sh500m and Sh350m, respectively.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki says that his county will collaborate with various stakeholders for the construction of an agriculture training centre at Itungururu at an estimated cost of Sh1.5 billion and another Sh2.05 billion towards development of processing and manufacturing industries.
SPORTS ACADEMY
In Nandi County, Governor Stephen Sang plans to use Sh1.1billion for the establishment of a Special Economic Zone, Sh500m for the construction of a Livestock Genetic Improvement and Resource Unit at Kaimosi, construction of a maternal healthcare complex at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital at a cost of Sh500m and Sh800m towards the Mosoriot water project.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos also plans to establish at County Sports Academy at a cost of Sh849 million and another Sh422 million for the construction of County Headquarters with an ICT and Resource Centre.
