West Pokot county government has embarked on an ambitious plan by partnering with the Kenya Power to light its streets within the next three weeks.
The Street lighting project dubbed ‘Mwangaza Mashinani’ will cost the County government 20 million and is expected to be completed in three weeks’ time.
Speaking during the launch of the Beautification for Kapenguria town, area governor Simon Kachapin said the County government is set to transform the town and make it conducive for business.
He said the street lighting programme will see improved service delivery to the public and also boost 24 hour economy.
Kachapin said the project will see streets lights installed on the business centre, estates and other informal settlements that require lighting.
“These solar streets lights will provide lighting to help business owners extend their working hours well into the night as well help reduce cases of insecurity in the urban centre,” he said.
The County boss said the move, to light up Kapenguria township aims at boosting the region’s economy by making it cheaper to conduct business in town.
The governor however said markets will also undergo face lift to ensure traders have conducive environment to conduct business.
He pointed out that new modern shades will be constructed for traders and bodaboda operators to boost working conditions.
Isaac Kide an entrepreneur in Makutano town lauded the project saying it was a bold step towards achieving the 24-hour economy.
“It is a good thing for our sector, especially for traders who operate in the CBD as this will add extra hours for us and also help reduce insecurity cases,” said Kide.
West Pokot County Kenya Power manager Milimo Amunabi said the project will be undertaken extensively to ensure broken lines are also repaired.
Among areas earmarked for the lighting program include Bendera, Mawingo roads, Kapenguria and areas within the business centre.
He said they have already received part of the payment from the government adding that the work will commence immediately.
