A proposal for a local tea auction and improved water supply through drilling of 600 boreholes are some of the key projects Kericho governor Paul Chepkwony wants to focus on in his second term.
In an address to the County Assembly last week, Prof Chepkwony argued that the stubbornly low tea bonus pay was proof that farmers were getting short-changed by cartels which create an artificial glut in collusion with unscrupulous marketers at the Mombasa Tea Auction.
“The tea bonus prices have kept being low in the region. We know it is not about our geographical location, but collusion by cartels and especially a monopoly here in Kericho. We want to assure farmers that we will set up an auction and source another broker so that our tea is sold in a fair and competitive manner,” said the governor.
As part of the county’s Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), the governor told the Assembly he will prioritise the financing of pending projects from his first term and asked the MCAs to quickly present a report detailing the unfinished works in their wards.
Prof Chepkwony asked the representatives to work closely with the executive for Water to map out areas where boreholes can be drilled, especially in semi-arid areas such as Belgut, Kipkelion and Soin sub-counties.
“We have serious master plan to ensure that water is sufficient. At the end of five years, we will have 600 boreholes. We will also amalgamate Tililbei and Kericho water service companies into a body that can manage water well across county,” said the governor.
“Before we move to implement the next CIDP, it’s my desire that we continue with pending projects first and the one to drive these are area MCAs. I expect 30 reports of pending projects and what level they are so we can prioritise them,” said Prof Chepkwony.
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