“The roads will definitely finish insecurity and help unlock the economic potential of the affected areas,”Moi said.
The senator spoke during a stakeholders’ forum with the Kenya National Highways Authority at Lake Bogoria Spa Resort in Baringo South on Monday.
Present were Baringo Governor Stanley Kiptis, his Deputy Governor Jacob Chepkwony, Tiaty MP William Kamket and county commissioner Henry Wafula.
Apart from the pastoral communities selling their livestock, Moi said tourists will be able to access remote areas to explore fascinating cultural activities.
“You can also imagine how the value of land will go up with the establishment of road network,” Moi said.
CATTLE RUSTLING
Kamket, however, linked the persistent stock rustling and banditry to illiteracy among residents and urged the government to improve education.
“Those found with stolen livestock should be made to handover a double number so that the culture becomes unprofitable to the culprits,” he said.
He said currently there is a minimal banditry in Baringo North and Baringo South, compared to the Kerio Valley and the border of Tiaty and Elgeyo Marakwet county.
The MP welcomed the opening up of security roads saying they will help reduce banditry and cattle theft among the warring pastoral communities.
“Those working on the roads should not worry of any attacks because definitely the bandits don’t rustle metals or cement, instead they normally go for cows” Kamket said.
Moi urged KeNHA to conduct wide consultations and listen to how communities want the roads built.
“When they tell you something they definitely mean it because they are serious,” he said.
Kiptis praised KeNHA for recognising the value of the county engineers and promising to engage them throughout the road works.
He also appreciated the fact that the raw materials were being sourced locally and thus create direct employment opportunities.
(Edited by V. Graham)
