West Pokot County government is working on a bill of County Community Service, similar to NYS, to constructively engage youths in every ward or location to enable them to earn income. This is according to the County Governor John Lonyangapuo. Speaking during the first County state address in the County Assembly, the area Governor also said that the County has started an affirmative action of constructing boarding primary schools at the border points prone to insecurity.
“We shall build schools at Sapulmoi, Akulo, Apuke, Nauyapong, Kanyerus and Katikomor. We are in the process of establishing model Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDCs) in every ward across the County,” he said.
He said the County has set aside money for co-operative loans, better known as loans Mashinani, to be loaned to business people at low-interest rates.
He further revealed that the County has set aside Sh. 200 million for bursaries and scholarships to benefit students in secondary schools, colleges, and universities.
“Plans are underway to constitute a County Bursary Committee to be in charge of this fund. This term will be up and running by November this year. We shall ensure these funds are distributed equitably and fairly,” he said.
Governor Lonyangapuo cited that the County is confronted with numerous challenges such as high illiteracy levels, poverty, malnutrition, school dropouts, low income, poor infrastructure, lack of industries, incidences of insecurity, lack of adequate tertiary colleges and no public university.
“We shall be at the forefront in confronting such challenges and many others and also in providing lasting solutions that will be beneficial to the residents of this county,” he said.
Concerning infrastructure, the Governor said the County will construct and maintain the major roads in every ward.
“We shall tarmac some roads in our Sub County towns, starting with Chepareria and Ortum. The rest, such as Kabichbich, Sigor, Keringet, Kishaunet, Kacheliba, Amakuriat will follow later,” he said.
He said the County will provide clean water through digging of boreholes and construction of various dams across the County.