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H.E. Governor Simon Kachapin hosted a delegation from ACAL Consulting to West Pokot County as they conducted the first Annual Performance Assessment (APA) for counties participating in the 2nd Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP).

This critical evaluation focuses on the achievement of Minimum Conditions and Performance Standards by counties and municipalities. Meeting these benchmarks is essential for unlocking the Urban Development Grant (UDG) funds for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Governor Kachapin emphasized that the assessment provides a valuable platform for West Pokot to showcase its advancements in urban development, including improved infrastructure, economic growth, and efficient service delivery.

Success in this exercise will not only affirm the County’s adherence to key performance standards but also secure funding for transformative projects that will elevate Kapenguria Municipality and beyond.

West Pokot remains committed to achieving sustainable urban growth and ensuring a brighter future for its residents through strategic development initiatives.

H.E. Simon Kachapin Simon Kachapin, alongside H.E. Achaule Robert Komolle, Deputy Governor spearheaded the launch of three pivotal projects in Kapenguria municipality.

Among these were the Kacheliba stage container stalls, the Kapenguria recreational park, and the Jacaranda grounds shoe shining booth.

The Kacheliba stage container stalls will continue to empower the local community in West Pokot County, offering a conducive environment for business operations, free from interference. Meanwhile, the Kapenguria recreational park remains a beacon for community engagement, providing a space for residents to connect with nature and partake in various recreational activities.

Highlighting the significance of the Jacaranda grounds shoe shining booth, Governor Kachapin emphasized its role in providing shelter during unfavorable weather conditions and enhancing a favorable environment for local shoeshiners, shoemakers, and other entrepreneurs.

Moreover, the governor stressed the multifaceted benefits of these projects, ranging from fostering community identity to promoting health and wellness through accessible green spaces.

The event also included the inspections of ongoing county administration offices and the Makutano dispensary, further demonstrating the administration’s commitment to holistic development.

The event brought together Officials from the County Government of West Pokot, including CECs Esther Chelimo (lands and urban development), William Petot (water and environment), Lucky Litole (tourism and culture), Chief Officer Mathew Rionokol of lands and urban development, Donato Longal (Kapenguria municipal manager), Kapenguria municipality board members, MCAs, and other county officials, symbolizing a collaborative effort towards enhancing the livelihoods and well-being of Kapenguria’s residents.

Land use planning entails systematic assessment of physical, social and economic factors in such a way as to encourage and assist land users in selecting options that increase their productivity, are sustainable and meet the needs of society-FAO

This captures the essence of allocating different socioeconomic activities such as agriculture, housing, industry, recreation, and commerce in different areas within an area. This includes protecting well-defined areas from development due to environmental, cultural, historical and establishing provisions that control the nature of development activities.

Recently, the department of lands, housing and urban planning visited Lomut ward in order to sensitize and come up with a land use plan. The technical staff showed the residents through a demonstration on the process of developing the land use plan and advantages of having one.

Led by Francis Kitelauyang(CEC Lands), Jacob Tuongole (MCA Lomut Ward), COs Elijah Lopuke and Timothy Lomulen and Richard Rimoo( Lomut Ward Administrator),  the team assured the residents in attendance of the county government’s support in resolving land development issues in order to build the county’s economy and in return empower its people.

Chief William kapetong’ar of Lomut ward spoke on behalf of the resident and appreciated the efforts made  by the county through the lands department in making sure its people are well catered for interms  of development and matters land.

Also in attendance was  Erick Ndeda of National Lands Commission who explained clearly to the residents the importance of having a land use plan and the roles and responsibilities of the  National Lands Commission.

The county government is working hand in hand with its people to develop an inclusive and successful land use plan for every area in the county to realise its full potential economically.