Gusii leaders, CSs in deal to finish stalled projects

A delegation from Gusii region's 13 constituencies has been meeting various Cabinet Secretaries and other senior government officials.

The consultative meetings, they say are aimed at addressing various pertinent issues in the region in a renewed working unity among the region's leaders.

In the past two weeks, the leaders - governors, Senators, and MPs - have been meeting in Nairobi to deliberate on the region's development agenda.

The meetings are being held after years of disunity and disagreement among the region's leaders that have seen several development projects stalled.

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Several projects in Gusii region remain incomplete; road projects, Suneka Airstrip, and other unfulfilled development projects.

They argue that they have pledged, despite their political affiliations, to pull together for the sake of the community.

The meetings also opened a new working relationship between Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira).

In the Last general elections, Machogu who vied for the Kisii County governorship seat against Arati supported President William Ruto's presidency. Nyaribo and Arati supported Raila Odinga's candidature.

In their Thursday morning meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Alice Wahome, the leaders agreed to work on modalities aimed at increasing water supply in the region.

The leaders engaged the CS and other top Ministry officials on pertinent issues aimed at improving the provision of water to the people through the fast-tracking of projects.

The CS encouraged the leaders to be part of championing water harvesting in every household and also ensure there is the planting of alternative trees that are of economic value other than eucalyptus known for depleting water resources.

"The ministry shall see to it that there is the rehabilitation of boreholes and training to the locals on maintenance of the same as the State Department of Water and Sanitation looks into ensuring that there is a better provision of services in the two counties," the CS told the leaders.

Nominated Senator Essy Okenyuri said the region is experiencing the adverse effects of climate change and several water sources have been affected.

In the meeting, Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi presented the concept paper of the Kiareni Water Project in Marani Ward that if implemented, will serve both Kitutu Chache North, Kitutu Chache South and parts of West Mugirango in Nyamira County.

They also deliberated on how the Kegati water project can be expanded to cover more households.

Already, the government has allocated Sh280 million for water supply which will benefit the local community within the vicinity of Nyangori Water project in Kitutu Masaba, Nyamira.

"As leaders, we will work together for the best interest of our people. We don't have the luxury of working as different teams. Our people need services and not politics."

The leaders have also met with Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Prof Kindiki Kithure over insecurity issues reported in the region.

West Mugirango MP Steve Mogaka said the region has had rising insecurity where lives have been lost in the most gruesome way.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machoguand Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen had earlier in the week toured the region.

Murkomen assured the team of their commitment to fast-track the construction of all the stalled road projects in Gusii including the Sh9.8 billion Kisii-Isebania Road.