My rungu has no special powers - Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago

By Michael Ollinga | 8yrs ago | 5 min read

Uasin Gishu governor presides over Kenya’s breadbasket. He spoke to Michael Ollinga about why some athletes are languishing in poverty, need for ethnic tolerance and Eldoret land grabbers

Tell us about that beaded rungu you carry. Does it have special powers?

The rungu does not have special powers. It is a symbol of leadership. I feel honoured to walk with the rungu everywhere because Kalenjin community elders gave it to me when I became Governor of Uasin Gishu as an endorsement of my leadership.

It is also good for a leader in the Kalenjin community not to walk empty-handed while guiding his people towards a particular course. This club is for this purpose.

How much has the ban on logging affected the economy of the town?

Wood processing, though not the county’s main economic activity - which is farming - contributes directly and indirectly to the economic growth by driving businesses and creating employment.

However, we have had issues with wood processors and saw millers because of environment conservation concerns. For example, I am concerned about the continued depletion of the Kaptagat Forest which is a water tower for Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.

Saw millers don’t consider locals who play a role in conservation. They deny them opportunity to get firewood and other by-products, hence limiting money circulation. They also do not have tree nurseries for replacing trees that are harvested. Looking at the negative effects vis-à-vis the gains, it is better to protect the forests as a water catchment areas.

Which investors would you encourage to put cash in Uasin Gishu County and why?

Real estate is a big deal investment opportunity as Eldoret is developing into a modern city with a bulging population of middle-income people who want to own nice homes here.

Hoteliers should also take the advantage of the tourism attraction sites in the North Rift, Eldoret International Airport and athletics to establish modern hotels here because the client base is surpassing service providers in this industry.

Is there intolerance towards ‘outsiders.’? Some leaders reportedly demonstrated against the leadership of a university because the Vice Chancellor was not a member of the local community.

Eldoret and Uasin Gishu County are fundamentally cosmopolitan. It is not right to generalise matters that there is intolerance. That was an isolated incident. We suffered greatly from the post-election violence and if there are a people who know the importance of peaceful coexistence with every Kenyan, it is us.

The University of Eldoret issue may not have been handled procedurally and the matter was then politicised. Every public servant should be able serve Kenyans anywhere in the country because we are all citizens of this great nation and need to build it. However, integrity should be key for all public servants in every capacity.

Traffic jams in Eldoret... what is being done about it?

Traffic jams have been increasing with the rise in population, economic growth and devolution that has improved lifestyles. But we are doing a lot ease traffic. The county has opened up numerous feeder roads in Eldoret and built bridges and footpaths for pedestrians.

The challenge is land grabbers who have encroached on road reserves. When we issue them with notices to vacate, they run to court and stop our road construction projects.

What’s your take on the children who were caught in a nightclub with alcohol, cigarettes and condoms this week?

Alcoholism was a great challenge when I ascended to power. The executive and the county assembly prioritised the matter and passed laws to control operation of bars, clubs, restaurants and other liquor joints, which will be implemented without fail to ensure the youth are productive.

Parents should not neglect their roles in bringing up their children. They must help relevant authorities to ensure the future generation is safeguarded from immoralities by corrupt adults.

There was a scandal about building a new hospital at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) with a former aide of Raila Odinga saying he was short-changed in a brokerage deal. What is the status?

We do not have space to expand and upgrade our Uasin Gishu District Hospital to a county referral facility and plans by the national government to build an ultramodern hospital worth Sh28 billion and then hand over MTRH to us are welcome. Health is an important sector that should not be subverted by self-interests. Health sector expansion projects should be speeded to allow citizens access to quality care.

Eldoret is an athletics powerhouse. But there are rumours that athletes buy dope in clinics that are registered by the county. What are you doing about it as governor?

The allegations that they buy dope in clinics certified by the county are unfounded. There are procedures that are followed before permits are given to pharmacies.

My main concern is to help athletes who put Kenya on the global map but are now languishing in poverty after squandering the millions they sweated for. We need to seriously build their capacity to manage finances and to invest strategically and grow our economy. Ethics and integrity are key in every discipline and that’s what professional sportsmen and women should do.

In point form, what five achievements so far do you consider the highlight of your tenure as governor?

a) Opening up and building of numerous roads in agriculture-rich zones.

b) Upgrading of hospitals and equipping the facilities to improve access and care provision.

c) Agriculture, mainly livestock production and breeds improvement, as well as horticulture.

d) Integration of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in most county departments, for efficient service provision and eradication of corruption

e) Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) improvement and technical training for youth through partnerships with tertiary institutions and availing investment opportunities.

Are there any plans to improve sports, especially football and soccer in your county?

We are already working on sports infrastructure to help us remain the county of champions in the world. We have Kipchoge Keino Stadium that together with the national government we are working on to ensure it hosts major competitions, having already facilitated KECOSO, KEWASO and National County Assembly tournaments.

We are also looking into a partnership with Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet to establish a high altitude training centre in Timboroa (Chagaiya area) that will be a full academy for all sports. We need to work towards the revival of KCC and Rivatex soccer teams.