Kericho: The National Government has continued to register remarkable progress in the implementation of transformative infrastructure and development projects across Kericho County, signalling a strong commitment to improving livelihoods and accelerating regional economic growth.
According to Kenya News Agency, a comprehensive report presented by the Acting Kericho County Commissioner, Dr. Kibe Maguta, during Mashujaa Day Celebrations held at Sosiot Grounds in Belgut Sub-County, detailed the successful rollout of flagship initiatives. These include the Majengo Talai Affordable Housing Programme, several Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Markets, and multiple road upgrading projects across the county.
Dr. Maguta disclosed that the Majengo Talai Affordable Housing Project in Kericho Town is one of the key initiatives making commendable progress. It is being implemented at a cost of over Sh77.8 million with 40.01 percent of the works completed. It is aimed at delivering decent, affordable, and sustainable housing units while generating hundreds of direct and indirect employment opportunities for local youth.
The project will deliver a total of 324 modern housing units, with designs tailored to accommodate diverse family and individual needs, ranging from studio and one-room units to spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments under the social, affordable, and market housing categories. The development will also feature a range of essential amenities including a community centre, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) facility, a gatehouse, garbage collection points, an underground water reservoir, perimeter wall, sewer reticulation system, access roads, parking bays, and landscaped open spaces, creating a modern and self-sustaining residential environment for future homeowners.
At the same time, the government is making commendable progress under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), a key initiative aimed at modernizing market infrastructure, empowering small-scale traders, and strengthening the backbone of local economies through improved trading facilities. In Belgut Sub-County, Maguta disclosed that the Sh162 million Sosiot ESP Market, which commenced in April 2024, has recorded significant progress and currently stands at 64 percent completion with the contractor working round the clock to meet the government’s completion timeline.
Meanwhile, in Bureti Sub-County, the Kapkatet ESP Market, implemented at a similar cost of Sh162 million, is impressively at 77 percent completion, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting equitable growth and development across all regions. In Kipkelion East Sub-County, the Chesinende ESP Market, also valued at Sh162 million, has reached 49 percent completion, while in Fort Tenan, another ESP Market estimated at Sh109 million is steadily progressing and was at 45 percent completion. Both markets are expected to enhance local trade and improve business environments once completed.
‘These projects are not just about infrastructure; they are about empowering people, creating opportunities, and transforming livelihoods for generations to come,’ Dr. Maguta said.
On infrastructure, the Acting County Commissioner explained that the Kapsuser-Sosiot-Kisolu Road is being upgraded to bitumen standards and has already reached 75 percent completion at a cost of Sh905 million, a development that will greatly ease transportation, boost agricultural productivity, and enhance trade within and beyond Kericho County. He further revealed that the Cheborge Junction-Kipwasituiya Market Road / Sotik, Sulal Roads, currently at six percent complete at a cost of Sh590 million, will open up remote rural areas and improve accessibility to schools, hospitals, and markets, thereby fostering inclusive development across the South Rift region.
At the same time, Dr. Maguta disclosed that the government has initiated the Sh3 billion Chebirirbei Bay Project in Belgut Sub-County which is currently at three percent completion. Upon completion, it is expected to open up new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment in the region.
‘We are on the right trajectory, and soon the people of Kericho will witness tangible transformation as envisioned under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),’ he added.