Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu has said his first year in office will focus on servicing the Sh4 billion debt left by his predecessor Ndiritu Muriithi.
Irungu said all allocations for development in the 2022-23 financial year will be channeled towards offsetting debts.
“My administration is inheriting pending bills exceeding Sh4 billion. This means that allocations for our first financial year will go towards servicing debts,” Irungu said.
The county boss noted that he was holding talks with various stakeholders to find innovative ways to get development funds.
“To comfortably fund our operations, I am in negotiations with various development partners who are willing to undertake resource mobilisations to generate additional development funds,” Irungu told residents after taking oath of office at Nanyuki stadium.
The swearing-in was conducted by Lady Justice Florence Muchemi, presiding judge at the Nyeri court.
However, Irungu who was the first Laikipia governor promised residents that his manifesto focused on eight pillars.
They include agriculture and livestock production, water and sanitation, renewable energy, road infrastructure and urban development, trade, industrialisation, youth and employment and healthcare.
“In agriculture and livestock production, we have the vision to make this sector sustainable, innovative and commercial to contribute to food and nutritional security for the Laikipia people,” Irungu said.
With the ravaging drought in the county, the governor said, plans are underway to establish a Laikipia North water and sewerage company and provide about 50,000 water tanks to residents.
“Our main goal will be to ensure that no resident will walk more than three kilometres in search of water for domestic use and livestock,” he said.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
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