Tempers flared during meetings in Eldoret town to resolve a boundary row between Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. The meetings were led by the chairman of the Senate Devolution Committee, Wilfred Lesan.
Political leaders from the two counties argued over the location and ownership of Chebororwa Farmers’ Training College, which lies on the border. “We have listened to views from both sides and it’s evident that both sides want a win-win situation as we resolve the matter amicably,” Lesan said.
He said they will study maps and the history of the area to find an amicable solution. Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, Elgeyo Marakwet’s Alex Tolgos and Senator Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) were present as the Senate team visited the college and met residents to collect their views.
Sh500m rehabilitation
The college is in Moiben constituency. The Uasin Gishu county assembly, led by speaker Isaac Terer, says the college lies in the county. But a month ago, Elgeyo Marakwet MCAs wrote to Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro and asked him to send a team to determine in which county the college lies.
Villagers from the Elgeyo Marakwet side had threatened to take over the college after Mandago fenced it and rehabilitated it for Sh500 million. The college lies on more than 3,000 acres of fertile land.
House requested visit
Elgeyo Marakwet MCAs and MPs want the college managed by the Tolgos administration. But yesterday Mandago said the boundary is clear and the college belongs to Uasin Gishu. He said they will meet the Senate team to explain their position. Elgeyo Marakwet speaker Albert Kochei confirmed the assembly wrote to the Senate demanding this week’s visit.
Several counties in the Rift Valley have border disputes, some of which have turned violent. They include the West Pokot and Turkana border row at Kapedo. In November 2014, bandits ambushed and killed 21 police officers in a morning attack at Kapedo, Baringo county.