Marsabit launches Sh4.9 floodlights to boost trade, security

Marsabit County executive committee member for Land, Energy and Urban Development Amina Challa has launched Sh4.9 million floodlights to boost trading activities.

While launching the floodlights at Marsabit municipality, Amina said the lighting of the town will improve security, especially for the business community.

"The installation of two flood-lights will boost businesses through enhanced security," she said

She explained that the lighting of the town will boost businesses as it increases traders' working hours hence improving income.

This, she said, also promotes the safety of motorists and pedestrians besides enhancing security.

She challenged young people to take advantage of the security lights to engage in income-generating activities to better themselves economically.

"The county government has also constructed a drainage system to uplift the status of the traders," she said.

The project funded by the World Bank through the Kenya Urban Support Program reduces losses incurred by the traders during heavy rains which flood their stalls and damage their goods.

She noted that the town being a municipality would be receiving some financial benefits which would help improve the infrastructure.

Marsabit municipal manager Boru Golicha said the investment in floodlights will boost the region's economy by making it cheaper to conduct business.

"The administration of Governor Mohamud Ali is focussing on putting up additional floodlights to fully light up marsabit town," he said.

He also lauded the World Bank for supporting the county government in achieving the development agenda of the county.

Marsabit municipal board chair Adan Wario said the lights would act as a deterrent to crime and would put an end to break-ins in the town.

He urged the MCAs to use ward funds to extend the lights in their ward.

Marsabit governor's adviser Roba Qampare urged the youth to shun politicians who are hellbent on misusing them and keep off from unproductive and self-centered leaders who have no development agenda.

" Don't allow yourselves to be used by reckless politicians to cause destruction," he said

Roba who condemned an attempt by some youths to cause mayhem during the launch of floodlights told the young people to associate themselves with visionary leaders who are willing to empower and improve their lives.

He said the intention of unreliable politicians is only to misuse young energetic people and dump them for personal gains.

He advised youths to sieve information brought to them before making irrational decisions, maintaining that leaders who want to help them should do it now.

Former Sagante Jaldesa ward Adan Chukulisa advised youths to refrain from being used by politicians and instead asked them to participate in constructive businesses.

"I urge youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians as a stepping stone to get into power," he advised

" I challenge youths to get serious with their lives and participate in constructive businesses that will improve their livelihoods." 

The vice chair security committee underscored the need for peaceful coexistence among various communities in the region and reiterated the need to live harmoniously for the sake of development.

Marsabit Deputy Spokesperson Wako Dida asked political leaders to focus on uplifting youths instead of misusing them to achieve their selfish gains.

Youth leader Abdiaziz Boru described the misuse of young people as a shameful act done by politicians to cause violence and heckle other leaders instead of helping them achieve something meaningful in life.

One of the traders Guyo Jattani thanked the county government for addressing their concern saying that they would not be forced to close their businesses due to insecurity.

Halima Abdi who sells Miraa within the town said the lighting is a big boost to her business.

"I used to only work during the day but now I can work up to midnight and earn a living."