President Uhuru Kenyatta launches a Sh10 billion water project in West Pokot

President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses residents of Eldoret after he arrived for his tour of the North Rift region. The president was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto and political leaders from the region. 15-11-2015. [PHOTOS/KEVIN TUNOI/STANDARD]

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

The construction of the dam, which is set 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 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,” said Mr. Kenyatta.

He went on: “We are creating 1,000 jobs through the construction of this Muruny water dam.”

The Head of State 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,” said Mr. Kenyatta.

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.

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

Mr. Kenyatta said long-term solution remains with bringing the region into the country’s economic mainstream by improving roads, building schools, generating electricity among other development projects.

“I ask you to discard outdated cultural practices which undermine development efforts. You all know what I am talking about,” said the President.

He asked them to shun negative vices and engage in production work that would spur the economic growth of the region.

“It is time Kenyans learn to tolerate and respect each other as people of one nation with common development agenda,” said the President.

In a move to ensuring access to crucial health services to Kenyans, the President said two hospitals of referral status would be established in every county.

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

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

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

He said the Government would create a conducive environment for investments including agro-processing to create more employment opportunities.

“We are committed to ensuring a peaceful nation that can allow its citizens concentrate on development projects that can uplift their lives,” he said.

Mr. Ruto said the water project would go a long way in addressing the needs of the people especially those in Kapenguria town and its environs who were frequently hit by water shortages.

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

The Deputy President said plans were underway 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.

Cabinet Secretaries Eugine Wamalwa (Water and Irrigation) and Henry Rotich (Treasury) were present.

MPs who accompanied the President included Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo/Marakwet), John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot), Samuel Moroto (Kapenguria) and William Kisang (Marakwet West) among others.