By Mercy Buyanzi-Trans-Nzoia County
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating development projects across Trans Nzoia County, citing major investments in affordable housing, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Speaking during a development tour of the region, Kindiki pointed to the ongoing affordable housing project at Maili Tatu, which will deliver 1,035 housing units at a cost of KSh 2.7 billion by the end of the year.
He emphasized that the programme is not only providing decent homes but also creating employment opportunities for young people.
“We want our youth to be utilised in productive programmes instead of being misused. The affordable housing initiative has created thousands of jobs for young people,” said Kindiki.
The Deputy President revealed that over 530,000 youth have already been employed under the housing programme nationwide, including interns and skilled workers, forming what he described as a growing economic ecosystem.
In Trans Nzoia alone, the government has invested KSh 15.5 billion in projects spanning affordable housing, markets, and hostels.
Among the key projects is Phase One of the prison housing programme, which includes 2,000 units worth KSh 4 billion, with a similar Phase Two expected to deliver another 2,000 units at the same cost.
“Our goal is to ensure Kenyans live in decent and dignified homes. This is not just construction—it is transforming lives,” he added.
Kindiki further disclosed that more than 800 contractors are currently engaged in the housing projects, with only one being foreign, underscoring the government’s push to empower local firms.
Additional developments include the construction of 300 housing units for staff at a cost of KSh 1.2 billion, as well as investments in road infrastructure, including a 73-kilometre highway estimated at KSh 15.3 billion connecting Kitale and surrounding areas.
On digital connectivity, the Deputy President noted that KSh 750 million has been set aside to enhance last-mile internet connectivity in the county.
“The government of President William Ruto is working. We are ensuring development is spread across all regions, including Maili Saba and other parts of Trans Nzoia,” he said.
Kindiki also highlighted gains in the agricultural sector, attributing increased maize production to subsidised fertiliser.
He noted that fertiliser prices have dropped from KSh 7,000 to KSh 2,500, leading to a rise in maize production from 44 million bags in 2022 to 75 million bags projected in 2025.
“The harvest has nearly doubled because of subsidised fertiliser. Farmers are now benefiting directly from government support,” he said.
On the sugar sector, the Deputy President said reforms, including privatisation, have improved farmer earnings, with cane prices rising from KSh 3,000 to KSh 5,000 per metric tonne, alongside timely payments.
However, Kindiki issued a stern warning to politicians accused of exploiting young people for political gain.
“We are putting on notice leaders who misuse the youth as goons or bloggers for political ends. Our young people must be engaged in nation-building, not destruction,” he cautioned.
