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Devolution is working, President Kenyatta says

"This is a clear sign that devolution is working and this is what the people of Kenya expected when they voted for the Constitution in 2010," President Kenyatta said/PSCU

“This is a clear sign that devolution is working and this is what the people of Kenya expected when they voted for the Constitution in 2010,” President Kenyatta said/PSCU

ELDORET, Kenya, Nov 17 – Devolution is working, President Uhuru Kenyatta declared as he flagged off road works equipment for Uasin Gishu County in Eldoret town.

With the equipment, the county government will be able to build at least 1,500 kilometres of roads.

In West Pokot, he opened the first medical training college built by the County Government where more than 200 nursing students have already enrolled.

“This is a clear sign that devolution is working and this is what the people of Kenya expected when they voted for the Constitution in 2010,” President Kenyatta said.

He said devolution has opened doors of opportunities through investments, adding that a lot was being done in the counties through the help of the National Government.

He termed those claiming that devolution was becoming a failure as individuals who have lost touch with the reality in the country.

“I am impressed that devolution is transforming the lives of Kenyans in many counties in this country contrary to claims by some individuals that it is becoming a failure,” said President Kenyatta.

“I wish to particularly commend some counties for using the resources they get prudently to engage in projects which can uplift the lives of the people,” he added.

He dismissed those who are lying that the economy has collapsed, saying development projects he has launched and commissioned during his tour are a testimony that the economy is “safe and in steady hands”.

The President cited the Sh11 billion water project in West Pokot, the Sh400 million set aside by the government to revive the Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) and another Sh500 million to help KCC clear outstanding arrears for dairy farmers as signs that the economy was doing well.

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The President said the government has also allocated Sh600 million expansion of the Eldoret Rivatex factory to facilitate smooth operations.

“Already 600 youths have been employed after the government injected money to revive the company. We target to employ 2,000 people,” aid the President.

The Head of State said the government would continue working closely with the county governments in ensuring that devolution becomes a success.

Deputy President William Ruto said devolution remains key to the delivery of services at the grassroots.

“I want to particularly commend the Uasin Gishu County for the great work it is doing to its people. It is clear that devolution is working well for the people here,” the Deputy President said.

The Deputy President once again said that he will rally behind President Kenyatta for his second term come 2017 general election.

“I wish to assure you that I will support you for the top seat come 2017 and am optimistic that you will support us come 2022 elections for the top seat,” said the Deputy President.

Uasin-Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago said he would continue to work with the National Government in ensuring service delivery to the people at the grassroots.

Earlier, President Kenyatta launching the construction of Kipchawat-Eldoret.

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Addressing a public rally at Kapkoi Primary School after commissioning the construction of the road that will benefit residents of Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties, President Kenyatta said the Jubilee Government recognizes infrastructure as an important cog in stimulating economic growth that will improve the lives of Kenyans.

“That is why we are implementing infrastructure projects in all parts of the country because we are focused on moving forward and improving the lives of Kenyans,” President Kenyatta said.

He assured Elgeyo-Marakwet residents that construction of another road from Iten to Nyaru will begin in June to enable them transport their farm produce to the market with ease.

President Kenyatta thanked the country’s development partners, including the Belgium Government, which is funding implementation of the Sabor-Iten-Tambach Water Project.

“This project will benefit 64,000 residents of this county. Providing clean water to Kenyans is one of the main objectives of our Government,” the President said.

Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos appealed for the resettlement of people living along the escarpment in the county to protect them from landslides.

“We can use plant trees on the escarpment to boost the forest cover and hive a piece of the forest to resettle the affected,” Governor Tolgos said.

Keiyo North Member of Parliament James Murgor asked for the extension of the Kipchawat-Eldoret road to reach Iten town.

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