By Kenan Miruka
KENYA: Soapstone industry players want Kisii County government to set up a modern factory at Tabaka to expand the local economy.
In their submissions to Kisii Governor James Ongwae during public hearings at Nyamarambe in South Mugirango, residents also called for improvement of roads to boost tourism.
The Governor is going round the nine constituencies to collect views from residents on their development needs to be factored in the county budget estimates that will be finalised this week.
“Soapstone is a unique rock only found in this region but owing to the poor road network and use of rudimentary mining and carving methods, the earnings remain minimal while residents continue being poor. We need this addressed urgently by the county government,” said a resident.
In their wish list, locals also pleaded for a sugar factory, a coffee research station and facilities for value addition of avocado, tomatoes and bananas.
At Kenyenya in Bomachoge Borabu, residents called for upgrading of hospitals and road infrastructure.
The governor and his deputy Joash Maangi said they will prioritise the development projects identified by locals in the next financial year and ensure they are completed within their five-year term. “We are going round receiving oral and written submissions to be included in the budget making process. Sector conveners (departmental heads) are on hand to indicate what is planned for each sub county but we need the views of the people on their development priorities,” said Ongwae.
He promised to set up a secondary school for the elderly in Kisii town and sponsor mature learners to pursue education up to university level. “The county government intends to establish herbal gardens in each of the 45 wards for research and alternative medicine purposes,” he added.