Talk less politics, deliver more on infrastracture- Uasin Gishu

Photo courtesy, Sugutek residents repairing An impassable section of a road

Uasin Gishu county has been making national headlines for all the wrong reasons.  Lead by outspoken county chief, Jackson Mandago and Kapseret lawmaker, Oscar Sudi the duo have formed a political tag team that not only drive the political agenda but sets political scores. A calm environment is yet to engulf the county as governorship succession talks, market evictions and Moi University vice chancellor politics took centre stage.   

“We shall cut all trees in Moi university if we have to if professor Kosgey isn’t appointed vice chancellor" this were the words of one Mr Oscar Sudi, Kapseret MP. This was in a much beefed- up ambition to refute appointment of Prof Laban. P. Ayiro as the acting VC Moi University. Led by governor Mandago in defending ‘the son of the soil’ by claiming Prof. Kosgey clinched first place in the interview, scoring 76% compared to Ayiro's 70%.This opened up the Pandoras box, raising more questions than answers; were they part of the interviewing panel now that they seemed to know who emerged position what? A clear indication of the hidden hand of politics in the Vice Chancellor’s succession which was brought to a conclusive end last week with the appointment of Prof. Kosgey

While the leaders have been busy politicking, the state of infrastructure in the region is deplorable. It has been the point of weakness in most of the interior parts of Uasin Gishu. 

The smooth Eldoret-Nakuru highway shouldn’t be used as a point of reference on matters infrastructure since it’s under the Kenya National Highways Authority ( KENHA), under supervision of the national government.

Places likes Chebarus, Sugutek, Kesses, Lesos and Moi University main campus stage area categorically are blossoming with deplorable roads. The road networks linking remote areas are impassable courtesy of potholes, rugged terrain, muddy slippery loose-surfaces ; this has dire ramifications on business.

Residents of Kesses constituency have bemoaned the poor state of their roads for long. It beats logic how leaders talk politics while overlooking such a situation;  which should be top of their manifesto.

The situation in and around Moi University Main campus is no different. Students have to get used to the constant mid-air balancing to move from one point to another across slippery surfaces during rainy seasons  

Speaking at a past UN International Anti - corruption Day at Nandi Park, governor Mandago reiterated that the county government  has put in place unprecedented measures to wipe out corruption. What of infrastructure Mr. Governor? Any plans?

According William Kogo, a MU 84 sacco driver “the matatu industry suffers low returns during rainy spells with limited trips and a lot of wear and tear increasing our operation costs thus reducing our profit margins, the county government should spread their development tentacles here residents since Tulwet, Kapserton, Koisagat are also part of this society" He said.

Cheptiret-Moi University road has been in a sorry state for a good number of years with numerous potholes. Whenever the County delegates are queried on the issue, they shift the blame to the national government claiming the road belongs to KENHA not the county government

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Development of the road networks would certainly improve economic activities in the region opening the vast unexplored hinterland revamping the economic status of Uasin Gishu dwell less in politics in the foreseeable future. Thank you.