Governor Simba Arati called upon Kisii residents to embrace ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing cleanliness and advancing development across the county.
The governor announced that new waste management systems have been implemented to maintain cleanliness and eliminate pollution in the town.
During a recent public gathering, he explained that garbage is now sorted prior to disposal, with different types of waste collected by specialized trucks. Diapers are transported separately, metals and bottles in another vehicle, while food waste is collected using designated trucks. The governor highlighted that Nyambera has been transformed and no longer emits unpleasant odors.
He emphasized that the Nyambera dumpsite has undergone substantial improvement, contrasting with previous years when inadequate waste management resulted in constant bad smells.
The governor disclosed that the county entered into a partnership with a UK-based program to obtain a waste recycling machine valued at Ksh170 million, following the county’s construction of a Ksh20 million facility to accommodate the equipment.
He explained that after clearing waste from the town, he approached UK partners for a waste separation machine. They agreed to provide the equipment after the county built a Ksh20 million structure. The machine has now arrived and recycling operations are set to commence shortly.
The governor stated that the recycling equipment will facilitate efficient waste processing, with biodegradable materials receiving separate handling.
He further mentioned that enforcement officers have been deployed to prevent littering within the town limits.
Regarding development initiatives, the governor noted that county employees now receive their salaries promptly, addressing previous delays. He highlighted the allocation of Ksh1.5 billion for bursaries, the purchase of road construction tractors worth Ksh1.2 billion, and Ksh250 million dedicated to milk programs for early childhood development education learners.
Additionally, the governor announced that a milk processing facility being built at a cost of Ksh200 million is approaching completion. He explained that the factory will purchase milk from local farmers, process it within the county, and distribute it to primary school students from grades one to six.
The governor reported improvements in healthcare services, mentioning new measures implemented to reduce medicine theft in public hospitals.
He encouraged residents to prioritize development initiatives over political activities and maintain county-wide peace. The governor stated that focusing on work first allows politics to have its proper place later, ensuring no violence or disrupts the peace enjoyed by local residents.
The governor outlined plans to install solar-powered street lighting throughout Kisii town and in all 75 county markets.
Muddy market areas will be rehabilitated using county tractors and construction materials to enhance working conditions for traders.
The governor revealed that each ward will select at least 30 young people to participate in county programs focusing on road cleaning, bush clearing, and drainage maintenance, with each participant receiving a monthly stipend of Ksh10,000.