Elgeyo marakwet: The Principal Secretary, National Treasury Dr. Chris Kiptoo, has assured Kenyans that the economy is improving given the positive ratings being given by various international organisations. The PS said the country’s Gross Domestic Product currently stood at approximately Sh20 trillion, which translates to around Sh300,000 per capita income.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Kiptoo, speaking at the Cheptebo AIC Agricultural Training Centre during its 40 years’ celebrations, called on Kenyans to continue working hard to improve the economy. He emphasized that the government is doing all it can to ensure a conducive environment for the private sector to thrive. Dr. Kiptoo expressed concern about the numerous application letters he receives from Kenyans seeking government jobs, stating that the government can only employ a limited number of people and highlighting the private sector’s potential to create more job opportunities. He noted that out of the 21 million Kenyans in the workforce, 3.2 million are formally employed, with only 1 million working in the public sector.
Dr. Kiptoo urged Kenyans not to rely solely on the government for employment due to the limited job opportunities available to accommodate the influx of individuals entering the job market each year. He highlighted the agricultural potential in Elgeyo Marakwet, stressing the need to enhance agricultural practices to access international markets. He emphasized the importance of declaring the area a disease-free zone to meet international standards and create more jobs.
Addressing the same occasion, the CS Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen, announced the government’s plans to establish massive irrigation projects in the Kerio Valley by reviving the construction of Arror, Kimwarer, and Embobut dams in Elgeyo Marakwet county. Murkomen highlighted this initiative as part of the government’s efforts to economically develop and improve the area, including the construction of a major road across the Kerio Valley to facilitate the movement of goods.
The CS cautioned residents against planting food crops along the escarpment, warning that such practices could lead to disasters like the deadly landslides in Chesongoch and other areas in the past. He encouraged residents to plant crops such as coffee, mangoes, and avocados, which contribute to environmental conservation. Murkomen mentioned plans to conduct sensitisation meetings to discourage harmful agricultural practices, with enforcement measures as a last resort to ensure safety.
Additionally, the CS stated that the government would not convert Tambach Teachers Training College into a university but instead plans to construct the Kerio Valley University College adjacent to the TTC, with a future branch in Marakwet East. He also reported the restoration of peace in most parts of the North Rift, with 1200 guns repossessed, and announced government sponsorship for reformed youths to attend various TVETs to acquire skills for earning a living.
