Raila urges governors to ensure proper planning of urban areas

ODM leader Raila Odinga paid a visit to his long-time friend Zablon Mathenge in Meru. [Emmanuel Wanson, Standard]

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has challenged counties to invest in proper planning of cities and towns.

Speaking in Kisumu on Monday during the commissioning of the Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company building and launch of the strategic plan, Raila said Kenya's greatest failure is not lack of funds or knowledge but lack of planning.

Raila noted that Kenyan cities are clogged with traffic because people have created bus stages and markets where they were not supposed to be and sewage systems are not working because they are clogged or broken.

The Azimio leader said there is a need for counties to invest in quality water environment in regional rivers and lake.

"This will give a new lease of life to other water activities like fishing and farming. For instance, when we talk of afforestation, let us think of restoring not just hills and mountains but also restoration of indigenous plantations on our rivers and lake basins that support natural breathing for fish," he said.

Wetlands species

Raila called on counties to champion planting of wetlands species to protect and safeguard water bodies to ensure sustainable fishing and other economic activities.

The Azimio leader noted that counties, cities, countries and regions that have succeeded invested in proper planning.

"Over a prolonged period, cities like Paris, Berlin, London, Washington DC and Tokyo, among others, have been able to retain their identity and provide critical services like transportation, health, water, sanitation, fibre optics and energy because of proper planning," he said.

While praising Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o and City Manager Abala Wanga for working to implement a geospatial plan, he asked residents, stakeholders and traders to support and embrace the decision.

Raila said Kisumu must avoid the fate that has befallen Nairobi, where most businesses are now moving to Kajiado and Machakos because city leaders ignored planning and chose chaos.

He said Kisumu must not thrive in chaos but always remain orderly, clean and lit.

Kisumu county has announced plans to implement geospatial plan from February 15 to June.

The plan, which is called the local physical and land use development plan, will affect the transport mobility system, trading zones and sewerage system.

Prof Nyong'o vouched for equal development projects for those living in informal settlements.