A small town that can’t handle traffic – Senators bash Nakuru over conferment of city status
Senators have criticized Nakuru County government over the conferment of city status to Nakuru town.
While giving their submissions on whether or not the town should be elevated to a city, the Senators said that a lot has to be done as the town journeys to a new status.
"To whom much is given, much is expected," Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula said.
Wetangula went ahead and criticized the town's ability to handle traffic.
"When Murkomen and Senator Pogishio drive home, from Lanet to drive through Nakuru town takes you two hours sometimes even three, you remain on the same sport for hours, a small town that can't handle traffic," Wetangula said.
While noting that Nakuru has always been a dear town to Kenyans, Wetangula was quick to add that the leaders of Nakuru ought to put their differences and work together.
"I have seen sign posts all over Nakuru saying a home of unlimited opportunities. I hope those unlimited opportunities are not traffic jams," Senator Wetangula said.
Weighing in on the debate, West Pokot Senator Samuel Pogisho asked the leaders of Nakuru to stand together in unity.
"The Governor of Nakuru whether their are differences with other leaders should put their differences aside and work together to build the city of Nakuru," Pogisho said.
The West Pokot Senator further told the House that Nakuru has land. It has big farms. And a capacity to be good city.
"There is a big catchment for this town called Nakuru. Presidents, members of this house have interest in Nakuru that they can support and raise the funds Nakuru needs in transformation to city status," Pogisho said.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen in his submission, asked Nakuru County government to be firm on the architectural design of buildings in the town as it journeys to a city status.
"We don't want to have a city where buildings look like boxes. The County Government of Nakuru must put in place a proper planning department with a clear message of those who want to invest in Nakuru to have a unique architectural design.." Murkomen said.
When governor Lee Kinyanjui took over as the county boss, he formed a technical committee to steer the process.
Two weeks ago, when tabling the report of Senate Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations Committee chair Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay) told the House: “After scrutiny, the committee has approved the application by Nakuru County to have Nakuru Municipality given city status.”
Approval of the report means the House will now debate it and a vote taken to determine the town’s status.
