Mosoriot: Little known Mosoriot town in Nandi County will soon be upgraded into a municipality following the launch of multimillion shillings projects supported by the World Bank, National Government and County Government of Nandi. The town located close to ten kilometers from Eldoret International Airport and host of Koitalel Samoei University, Kenya Medical College and Mosoriot Teachers has turned the former little known centre into a beehive of activities as the growing population overstretching the few infrastructure available.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Government through The Second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement (KISIP 2), project supported by World Bank has approved close to shs 300 million to support infrastructure upgrading within Mosoriot town with some projects ongoing according Jonah Kipruto, Nandi County Government Chief Officer in charge of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, Urban Development, Water, Environment and Climate Change. Jonah confirmed that the use of the first shs
30 million is on course as the town has now been lit with three High Lighting Towers and modern stage to accommodate travellers trooping the town daily.
Jonah Kipruto stated that they have completed three out of the planned five High Mast Street Lights. He mentioned that a contractor was successfully awarded the tender for the remaining shs 270 million after conforming to a rigorous tendering process. The focus is on infrastructural works, including the completion of 35 units of market stalls, which are intended for transfer to women vendors currently trading along the road. This move aims to reduce accidents and create order as Mosoriot continues to grow rapidly.
The ongoing projects also include the construction of up to 3 km of road into bitumen standards within Mosoriot town. Kipruto noted that these activities have created employment, especially for youths and women, significantly reducing crime within the town. The demand for land has increased, with prices rising from shs 1 million to shs 2 million p
er point plot due to the heightened demand for residential and commercial properties.
Robert Kiptoo, KISIP 2 Mosoriot project community representative, highlighted that the project has employed more than 100 young men and women, who are paid at least shs 700 daily. He noted a reduction in the sale and consumption of illicit brew as many have found employment through the project. Nandi County Government Finance Chief Officer Priscah Muge emphasized that thorough publication was done before project identification, ensuring completion within the one-year contract period.
Priscah Muge expressed optimism that once completed, the projects would elevate Mosoriot to municipality status, driven by the development program milestones. She also noted the potential of attracting more investors to the township, with infrastructures enabling this growth. Additionally, she stressed that the KISIP 2 project includes a budget for creating awareness to manage social issues such as drug abuse and HIV/AIDS.
David Kemei, Nandi
County World Bank Funded Projects Coordinator, assured that all conditions set by the World Bank KISIP 2 projects were met before commencing work. Jane Mwangi, Project Assistant Resident Engineer, reported eleven percent progress, mentioning challenges such as heavy rains affecting ongoing works. Local traders and residents have praised the KISIP 2 project and National Government Economic Stimulus market project as key to improving their quality of life.
Nandi County is among 33 counties where the World Bank Funded KISIP 2 is being implemented. Nandi County Government has contributed ten percent of the total project cost, according to County Finance Chief Muge.