Murang'a banks on smart city programme to boost livelihoods

Murang'a county government's smart cities programme is expected to transform market centres with high potential through development of infrastructure projects.

Governor Irungu Kang'ata said resources would be channeled towards tarmacking the roads in the shopping centres to promote trade.

"We are targeting areas where there is heavy traffic of the people to promote business," said the governor.

Currently, the Smart City Programme is being implemented at Kenol market, which the governor said was informed by a study that revealed heavy traffic in the county.

He spoke during an end-of-party for the National Police Service (NPS) at the sports club grounds.

During the event, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro donated a bull while Kang'ata gave Sh200,000.

The governor noted that the smart city programme has led to the opening of business ventures in Kangari, Maragua, Kahatia, and Kiria-in, among other areas.

In the financial year 2023-2024, Sh175 million was allocated by the county assembly for implementation of the smart cities programme.

"At Kenol market, we have an ambitious programme designed to open interior parts owing to its potential," said the governor as he lauded police for maintaining security during the December festivities.

During the event, Speaker Johnson said the assembly was formulating a law to deal with alcoholism to save the youth.

"Once the assembly resumes sittings, the first task is to complete the law-making process for the alcoholic drinks regulations," said Mukuha.

Murang'a County Police Commander David Mathiu directed the police to observe high discipline in their service and shun corruption.

He said the security situation has improved after hundreds of youths who previously failed to secure employment were engaged in the Murang'a Youth Service (MYS).