The County Government of Nakuru has completed several water projects in Kiamaina Ward, Bahati sub-County that had stalled for over 20 years, bringing to an end the perennial water shortage, especially on the Upper Kiamaina zone.

Governor Lee Kinyanjui’s administration has revived, completed and equipped several water projects that stalled upon launch by Koigi wa Wamwere when he served the area as a Member of Parliament. The projects are now benefiting over 10, 000 households with clean and sufficient water.

Among the estates benefiting are Bethania and Crater area from Gatigithu Tank. Uplands Upper Club 5 area which receives supply from Kwa Wanguku Tank. Upper Heshima and Kagoto areas served by the Upper Heshima Tank. Coro, Upper Posho Mill, Upper Kwa Buda, Mountain View, Mchanganyiko and Bee Valley Slopes served by the Upper Posho Mill Tank. VoK, Kiriko, Kirima Top and Crater areas served by the Menengai Forest CDF Main Tank.

The project comprises several water points hence communities are at liberty to select the most convenient ones.

Kiamaina Ward MCA Wahome Jambo Kenya said plans are underway to pipe water to individual homesteads and confirmed that he had already allocated Shs 2 million for the purchase of redistribution water pipes in the 2020/2021 Financial Year.

The projects are run by the local communities who have elected representatives among themselves to form the main committee that manages the project to ensure it doesn’t fail especially on the maintenance aspect.

The committee chairman Mr Paul Wangai understand clearly that in case of the project failure they risk it being taken over by water service providers like NARUWASSCO which might turn costly to the community. The committee has already mobilized resources from the community and is already doing tanks renovations while appreciating ownership of the project.

On the Lower Kiamaina area, there is an already working St Peter Nairobi area water project that serves the Gituamba sub-location and neighbouring Kabatini Ward. At the Rurii sub-location, there is an ongoing Litawa Water Project.

This calendar year, 2021, NAWASSCO has experienced supply challenges owing to the increased population in the area which has 66, 300 persons from the recent population census data 2019. The MCA says more boreholes will be drilled and solarized in the short term budget for water sustainability.

Residents of Bahati sub County in Nakuru County have given a clean Bill of health to the Constitution amendment Bill 2020.

This Sub-County has five wards: Dundori, Kabatini, Kiamaina, Lanet/Umoja and Bahati.

Speaking on Friday during a public participation forum on BBI held in Kiamaina Ward, the local cited the increased revenue to counties as well as the additional constituencies for Nakuru as a plus.

While noting that the Bill will go a long way in addressing several challenges in the country, they called on all the MCAs from Bahati Sub County to vote for the Bill come Tuesday next Week.

“I support BBI from Alpha to Omega because it has great benefits for us” said Peter Gutu- a resident.

On his part John Mbugua Honest while giving a clean bill of health to the Bill, called on leaders and locals to separate 2022 politics and BBI process.

He said the Constitution Amendment Bill 2020 2020 is all about empowering the Kenyans by ensuring resources at grassroot as well as addressing other electoral injustices.

“People are now enlightened on BBI.We should however stop linking BBI with the 2022 succession politics” he stated.

Residents living with disability challenges form Bahati Sub County also lauding the BBI Bill citing various clauses that will address their challenges.

Through their representative former nominated MCA Emmah Mbugua, the PWDs submitted their memorandum on the same.

She added that the BBI Bill has come but only to strengthen the gains in the 2010 constitution hence as PWDs they will support.

“BBI has a lot of stake for the PWDs. We have additional slots even in national assembly and that is a plus to us” said Emmah.

Dundori MCA Michael Machembu who spoke to this writer after the public participation meeting lauding locals for having an understanding on BBI.

He noted that once the Bill comes before the Assembly, they will vote to pass the Bill as per the wish of the people of Bahati Sub County.

Machembu also lauded the increase in revenue allocation to counties saying this will ensure more development.

“It has come out clear from the locals of Bahati Sub County and as MCAs we shall pass the Bill as per their wish. But sincerely speaking BBI will help empower people through the more resources allocation” said Machembu.

Nakuru County ToTs Chairman on matters BBI sensitization Mr.Samuel Githaiga stated that they will continue with sensitization forums so that every Kenyan can understand the Bill.

He noted the challenge of misconception and political myths on BBI that they are now trying to address through the sensitization forums.

“We have had challenges of people who spread wrong information about BBI.But with proper sensitization Kenyans have now begun to understand and that is why in public participation forums they have endorsed” said Githaiga.

Politicians have been warned against polarizing the country.

African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) Nakuru North Bishop, Naftaly Thuku says the current  mood in the country is uncalled for.

The clergy said the Political class have a role to ensure peaceful country ahead of 2022 succession politics.

Speaking at Menengai Church during Sunday service, Bishop Naftaly called for sobriety among the political players saying it may risk dividing Kenya to tribal lines.

“We are pleading with the politicians that let us have some sobriety because we don’t want to go that where Kenyans are divided on tribal lines” he said.

The clergy noted that Rift Valley being a cosmopolitan region there was a need to bring an end to divisive politics and the cycle of election-related violence.

According to Thuku, there was a need to have sober politics to avoid sliding back to post election violence as witnessed in 2007/08.

He said, “Kenyans are tired of violence and economic instability at every election and the nation deserves an end to the trend.We know very well the region has been volatile and prone to violence after every five years.”

On the Building Bridges Initiative, Thuku noted that the push for a referendum was premature as the country was facing a number of challenges.

He added that with the pandemic and unstable economy, the government should seek to find a lasting solution on what’s ailing Kenyans at the moment.