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Speaking at their swearing-in ceremony at Kitale Town Hall, the governor expressed confidence in the seven new members and emphasized the importance of creating conditions conducive to business growth.

Natembeya highlighted the significant resources allocated to the municipality, cautioning the board members to avoid conflicts of interest. “The municipality will receive considerable funding aimed at improving Kitale, which may tempt some members to engage in unethical behavior,” he warned, underscoring the need for ethical conduct as they carry out their duties.

The newly formed board is chaired by Wilberforce Sikuku, with members including Davis Lumbasi, Alice Waruguru, Victor Simiyu, Janet Kemunto, and former Sitatunga MCA Daniel Kaburu. Governor Natembeya described the municipality as a semi-autonomous entity with the freedom to manage its resources without interference from the executive. However, he stressed the importance of cooperation with county government officials to enhance service delivery.

“I advise you to always adhere to the law to make Kitale town better,” Natembeya said, acknowledging the capability and dedication of the new team. He encouraged the Board to ensure equitable development across all areas of the municipality.

Natembeya also called on staff from various departments, now assigned to the Board, to fully commit to the development of the municipality. Additionally, he urged the team to manage the distribution of business spaces in local markets fairly, aiming for balanced opportunities across the region.

CEC for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama, noted that the establishment of the Municipal Board opens up new avenues for donor funding, including potential support from the World Bank. She committed to accelerating the policy-making process for Board initiatives, moving them quickly to the Cabinet for approval.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Trans Nzoia County CEC for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama, emphasized the alignment of these projects with Governor George Natembeya’s manifesto.

The goal is to improve road networks across the Kitale Municipality and enhance the town’s appeal to investors and tourists.

The road works include the Rangira-Kibomet Dam road, spanning 5 kilometers, and the Museum Ways Kitale town landscaping and beautification project.

To ensure quality, the CEC urged contractors to adhere to the bill of quality (BQ) and deliver exceptional results.

“This marks the beginning of transformative projects,” assured the CEC. The Kitale Municipality aims to provide accessible roads, efficient drainage, clean water, sanitation facilities, and security lighting to its residents.

Madam Irine Nang’ole, Kitale Municipal Manager, stressed the importance of meeting project timelines. The project management team, along with county public works departments, will provide continuous support and consultation.

Furthermore, Nang’ole called on contractors to create employment opportunities for local youth. Casual jobs generated by the project can empower young people and contribute to their livelihoods.

Dismas, one of the Trans Nzoia County clerks of works, highlighted the road works’ components, including bush clearing, heavy grading, and gravel patching for the Rangira-Kibomet Dam road.

Architect David Waudo, Quality Saviour David Wechuli, and Engineer Allan Kiplagat outlined the Kitale Museums Way Kitale town beautification project. It encompasses precast concrete paving, pit excavation, tree planting, lawn grass installation, and landscaping.

The public works team pledged collaborative efforts to ensure the Kitale Municipality delivers high-quality work within the stipulated contract period.

CEC Janerose Mutama, speaking during a training, for the FORA committee said the main aim of the training is to understand the formation, importance, roles and how to actively participate in the upcoming KUSP 2 program the CEC emphasized on the importance of public participation as enshrined in the 2010 Kenyan Constitution.

“The input of the people is very key in the projects implementation, underscoring the role of public forums in ensuring successful project execution” CEC Mutama stated

The CEC said the main role of the Fora committee is to provide advisory roles to the municipal boar, be a link between the public and the public and the municipal board through communication and ensure accountability during the implementation of the project.

The fora play a very critical role of informing and empowering the members of the public pertaining to the plans and the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDEP) for the 2023-2028 period.

Municipal Manager Irene Nang’ole highlighted the need for resident input in crafting the plan.

“We are requesting the participants to openly give their contributions and suggest the projects they would like to be implemented in their areas,” CEC Mutama said, urging residents to actively participate.

The importance of documented plans for securing government and donor funding was also highlighted by Municipal Board enviromentalist Diana Modana.

“The Government is keen to ensure that public participation is done before any development takes place,” he noted.

Residents, during the forum, noted a range of proposals for various administrative wards within the Municipality.

Among the projects to be implemented by Kitale Municipal Board includes the construction of a bus park, a bridge, road improvements, better waste management, and enhanced healthcare facilities.

The initiative, part of the town’s greening and beautification project, aims to uplift the county headquarters. More than 200 litter bins are being installed in areas identified as prone to littering, particularly in town centres and along main streets bustling with activities.

“The installation of litter bins is a significant step towards maintaining cleanliness in our town,” said Irine Nangole, Manager of the Kitale Municipal Board. “We urge the public to cooperate by ensuring they dispose of their litter in the bins provided.”

The board has also called on business owners to ensure the security of the litter bins, particularly those installed near their premises. This move is expected to address the issue of litter being indiscriminately thrown around the town.

Under the leadership of Governor George Nayembeya, the county government has plans to further enhance the status of Kitale town. These include ensuring cleanliness, opening drainage ways to prevent catastrophes such as flooding, especially during the rainy season.

The Municipal Manager warned the public of strict penalties under the county environment Act for those who defy the call to keep the town clean. The board is also working on bylaws to curb the littering menace.

The initiative, led by Hospital Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Erick Wafula, is part of a ward-specific program aimed at not only improving the county’s appearance but also providing much-needed employment opportunities for local residents.

Under the supervision of the Clerk of Works, Mr. Dismiss Matofari, individuals are assigned to work for three days each, contributing to the collective effort of restoring the county’s infrastructure.

“By engaging our youth and women in this cleanup exercise, we’re not only beautifying our county but also empowering our community through job creation,” said Motofari. “It’s a win-win situation where the environment and our people benefit alike.”

Participants have been hard at work, removing dense thickets of bushes and shrubs that have long obstructed sidewalks and roadsides.

Additionally, they have tackled the daunting task of unclogging drainage systems, which have been overwhelmed by debris and sediment over time, to restore proper water flow and prevent potential flooding.

“The sense of pride and ownership that comes from improving our surroundings is immeasurable,” he remarked. “It’s more than just a job; it’s about taking care of our home.”