Eldoret:The Government is executing 439 development projects across the Rift Valley region, focusing on roads, affordable housing, markets, agriculture, water, and institutional infrastructure, as stated by Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan.
According to Kenya News Agency, these projects are part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which aims to expand economic opportunities at the grassroots level, create jobs, and improve household livelihoods. Dr. Hassan highlighted these initiatives during a media breakfast briefing organized by the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications.
The development projects are spread across 14 counties in the region, with roads comprising the largest segment at 157 projects. This is followed by 103 affordable housing projects and 77 institutional projects. Other initiatives include 53 Economic Stimulus Programme markets, 27 modern markets, 17 water and irrigation projects, and five in supplementary sectors.
Dr. Hassan emphasized the importance of agriculture as a key pillar of the regional economy, noting that Government interventions like subsidized fertilizer and certified seeds are designed to boost productivity, improve food security, and enhance farmers’ incomes. The price of subsidized fertilizer has notably dropped from Sh7,500 in 2022 to Sh2,000, lowering production costs for farmers.
The Commissioner also outlined ongoing road projects aimed at enhancing connectivity between farms, markets, schools, health facilities, and urban centers. He mentioned the proposed expansion of the Gilgil-Mau Summit highway corridor and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha through Narok towards Kisumu and Malaba as significant investments expected to bolster regional trade and freight transportation.
Improved transport infrastructure, along with special economic zones and industrial investments, is anticipated to attract investors, expand manufacturing, and create jobs while opening markets for locally produced goods. Dr. Hassan noted that water infrastructure, including dams and irrigation projects, is crucial for supporting households, agriculture, and broader economic activities.
Security remains a priority for development, with Dr. Hassan reporting on the favorable security situation in the Rift Valley due to efforts like Operation Maliza Uhalifu. This operation has been pivotal in restoring security in the North Rift, allowing residents to resume economic activities peacefully.
He described Mashujaa Day as a moment to honor Kenya’s heroes and reflect on national development progress. Hosting the celebrations in the Rift Valley offers an opportunity to highlight the region’s contributions to national development and assess how the investments can benefit residents. Dr. Hassan called on journalists to ensure accurate and responsible reporting on Government initiatives and public services.
