Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has acknowledged that the World Bank financed the construction of Kitale market through the Kenya Urban Support Programme. The project also received additional financing from the Kenya Devolution Support Programme and the county government. According to Natembeya, the county received Sh500 million from the Kenya Urban Support Programme, but it was not enough. The county government contributed about Sh200 million, and nearly Sh200 million was provided under the Kenya Devolution Support Programme.
The total project cost for the Kitale market construction was Sh874 million. Natembeya challenged the national government to disclose its investment in the project, the contractor engaged, and the agreements signed. He emphasized that development projects in the county are welcome but should not be politicized. Natembeya stated that his residents want development because they pay taxes, not development that requires them to plead or join a particular political party.
The governor argued that the management of markets falls under county governments, and projects undertaken by the national government must be handed over to the relevant county administration in accordance with the law. He dismissed claims by President William Ruto and his allies that he was opposed to development, describing them as misinformation. Natembeya vowed not to be intimidated over his political positions, emphasizing that he has stood for equality.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa welcomed development in Trans Nzoia, stating that the county remains open to leaders and investors regardless of their political affiliations. Wamalwa urged political leaders to engage in peaceful competition and respect one another, insisting that unity is essential for the region's political and economic progress. He expressed confidence that the Luhya community could rally behind one political candidate.
Wamalwa disclosed that leaders have been meeting Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to establish structures aimed at uniting the community and building broader national alliances. Natembeya similarly called on the Luhya community to unite behind Sifuna, arguing that communities across the country are increasingly organizing themselves around regional political interests. He said engagements with opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, are part of efforts to broaden political alliances.
Former Cabinet minister Fred Gumo urged the community to rally behind Sifuna, declaring that the region should seize the opportunity to pursue the presidency. Meanwhile, political leaders and elders called for unity and respectful political engagements, warning that divisions and insults would undermine the community's interests. Noah Wekesa said leaders should put aside their differences and work together for the benefit of the community.
Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau stressed that voters would ultimately judge leaders by their development record rather than political rhetoric, underscoring the importance of tangible results in determining electoral support. The leaders' statements come amid a backdrop of political tensions and divisions within the region. Key players are advocating for unity and a focus on development to drive progress.
Key points
- Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya acknowledged World Bank financing for Kitale market construction
- The project cost was Sh874 million, with contributions from the county government and Kenya Devolution Support Programme
- Natembeya and other leaders emphasized the importance of unity and development in the region
