Residents of Uasin Gishu County Voice Concerns Over Agriculture, Health, and Education Challenges
In the education sector, students from local Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions expressed fear over their safety.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim. Photo/Nairobi News.
By Jessica Nyaboke
Residents of Uasin Gishu County have raised concerns over pressing issues affecting their daily lives, ranging from agriculture and healthcare to education and security.
These sentiments were aired during a public participation forum organized by the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
County Commissioner Edisson Nyale acknowledged the challenges, particularly in agriculture. He cited delays in fertilizer distribution, attributing them to automated systems within parastatal boards that have caused significant inconveniences for local farmers. Uasin Gishu, known as Kenya’s grain basket, has seen disruptions in agricultural productivity as a result.
“Experts have taken soil samples from the region to ensure the fertilizer distributed is tailored to the needs of local soil,” Nyale said. He added that many farmers have complained about increased soil acidity, which continues to affect crop yields.
Another issue raised came from Elijah Kiambati, a Jua Kali worker involved in the government’s Affordable Housing Program. Kiambati expressed frustration over non-payment for services rendered, saying that although the project is near completion, their grievances have been ignored.
“We are almost done with the work, but our complaints have fallen on deaf ears,” Kiambati said.
Healthcare services were also a major concern. A civil servant who requested anonymity revealed that the government’s health insurance system has been unreliable.
“You cannot access medication because the system is always down,” the official stated. She recounted a personal experience at a health facility in Kericho where her medical samples were mixed up, resulting in incorrect test results.
In the education sector, students from local Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions expressed fear over their safety.
Haroun Rotich, President of the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI), said students living outside campus are vulnerable to muggings due to the lack of security lighting in the area.
“Our concerns have been shared with the county government, but there has been no action so far. We shouldn’t wait for something bad to happen before we act,” Rotich warned.
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