Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi has called for decisive action against rape suspects in the region, urging security agencies and communities to step up efforts to protect girls amid rising cases of sexual violence.
Speaking during a United Democratic Alliance consultative forum in Kapomboi, Siyoi pressed authorities to move swiftly against perpetrators while challenging families to play a more proactive role in safeguarding children.
“Parents and the community must also take responsibility and protect our girls from the growing wave of irresponsibility in society,” she said.
Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat Susan Nakhumicha criticised what she described as misplaced development priorities by the Trans Nzoia County Government.
Nakhumicha questioned the value of investing in costly symbolic projects while key development programmes remain incomplete.
“Constructing an expensive gate is not the priority our people need right now. We have a KSh 250 million KAIPS project in Trans Nzoia that is yet to be fully developed. Resources must be directed where they matter most,” she said.
Former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa warned that local contractors are increasingly being edged out of county tenders due to limited access to financing and persistent delays in payments.
“Many of our local contractors have the capacity to deliver, but they are being locked out because they lack financial muscle and are not paid on time. This must be addressed to empower our local economy,” Wamalwa noted.
Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau shifted focus to agriculture, calling for urgent reforms in maize marketing to protect farmers from unstable prices.
“We must stabilise maize markets in Kiminini so that our farmers can earn fairly. At the same time, affordable housing and quality healthcare must remain top priorities,” Bisau said.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi highlighted ongoing national government programmes but raised alarm over rising alcohol abuse in the Folkland area.
“The increase in alcohol intake in Folkland area is worrying and requires urgent multi-agency intervention,” Oyagi warned.
Endebess MP Robert Pukose emphasised the need to expand rural electrification to boost livelihoods, while also criticising Governor George Natembeya for ordering the closure of the County Public Service Board (CPSB) offices.
“The County Public Service Board is an independent constitutional institution and its mandate should not be interfered with,” Pukose said.
He further signalled intensified political activity in the county, declaring that the United Democratic Alliance will field candidates in all elective seats in the upcoming elections.
The Technical Advisor to the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Metrine Too urged residents to embrace opportunities in the emerging green economy.
Too encouraged communities to plant more trees and register under the Carbon Registry initiative to benefit from carbon credit income streams.
“Residents should plant more trees and register in the Carbon Registry so they can benefit from carbon credit opportunities. This is a real income stream that communities should not ignore,” she said.
