Kericho: Kericho County Commissioner Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo has decried a sharp increase in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide within the county. Mr. Kitiyo, who made the remarks at Kiprugut Chumo Stadium in Kericho during celebrations to mark the 62nd Madaraka Day, noted that acts of GBV and femicide cases were too high in the county, hence the need to urgently take measures to fight the vice. He appealed to local leaders, anti-GBV crusaders, and human and children rights activists to help in combating the issue with a view to ending it.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mr. Kitiyo praised the presidential working task force on GBV and femicide that recently visited the county to collect and collate views from the public. He expressed high expectations for finding a lasting solution to the issue. In addition, Mr. Kitiyo mentioned that the free seedlings being distributed in the area to farmers were certified and genuine, including grafted coffee, selected tea clones, certified maize seeds, and certified grafted avocados. The Ministry of Agriculture has been contracted to distribute these seedlings and maize seeds to target groups and farmers to improve food production and security.
The County Commissioner also announced that the national government would soon roll out multimillion key projects in the area, urging local contractors to seize these opportunities and deliver the projects on time. Notable projects include the construction of phase one of Chelimo, Kevoko, affordable housing, where 2,000 units will be built at a cost of Sh5 billion. Additionally, the Belgut survey of the Kenya camp under the affordable housing programme will see 200 units constructed at a cost of Sh500 million. Other projects mentioned include the Ainamoi Kericho ESP market at a cost of Sh70 million, the Kipsitet ESP market at a cost of Sh70 million, and the construction of 320 classrooms for Junior Secondary Schools in Kericho.
According to Mr. Kitiyo, Economic Stimulus Projects (ESP projects) were ongoing at various stages of completion. These include the Kapkatet market at 63 percent completion, Chesinende at 22 percent, and Sosiot market at 27 percent, all at a cost of Sh162 million. Additional projects include students' hostels at Soin Sigowet with a 580-bed capacity at a cost of Sh166 million, Bureti with 580 beds for Sh166 million, Kipkellion East Hostels with a 340-bed capacity at a cost of Sh102 million, Kipkellion West with 340 beds at a cost of Sh102 million, Ainamoi Hostels with 580 beds at Sh166 million, and Belgut Hostels with 580 beds at a cost of Sh166 million.
The function was attended by the Deputy Governor, Eng. Fred Kirui; National Government Administration Officers (NGAO); County Executive Committee Members; County Security team; and wananchi from all walks of life.