Mt Elgon residents welcome move to upgrade region to county

Mt Elgon residents have welcomed a move by some Members of Parliament to have the constituency given a county status.

Their sentiments come barely two days after Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa said that he supports the creation of Mt Elgon county.

Speaking to the Star on Tuesday, the council of elders chairman Stephen Musanii said if the constituency is made a county then residents will reap big from devolution.

Musanii said for the past 10 years, the region still lagged in development saying if the region is made a county, residents will benefit directly.

“When we heard that our constituency wanted to be made a county we welcomed the move, we have not enjoyed devolution,” he said.

“Mt Elgon needs a stand-alone county for our grievances to be heard and acted on by our governor.”

He said that due to the region’s terrain the government and non-governmental organizations find it hard to support access to quality services.

Musanii cited water crisis, roads and a few hospitals as major challenges affecting the region.

He called on Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to welcome the move.

Musanii called on MPs to pass the new constitution amendment whenever it is presented in parliament lauding Barasa for taking the initiative to back the amendment move.