Mosoriot set for major upgrade as county launches multimillion-shilling projects
GEOFFREY SATIA-KNA
The little-known town of Mosoriot in Nandi County will soon be upgraded to a municipality following the launch of multimillion-shilling projects.
Located approximately 10 kilometers from Eldoret International Airport, the town is home to Koitalel Samoei University, Kenya Medical College, and Mosoriot Teachers’ College. These institutions are transforming the once quiet center into a hub of activity.
The growing population has placed strain on the limited infrastructure, creating the need for an upgrade.
Through the World Bank, the Second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Program (KISIP 2) has approved nearly Sh300 million to support infra structure development in Mosoriot.
According to Jonah Kipruto, the Chief Officer of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, Ur ban Development, Water, Environment, and Climate Change in the Nandi County Government, some projects are already underway.
He confirmed that the initial Sh30 million has funded the installation of three high-mast lighting towers, and a modern stage has been constructed to accommodate the many travelers visiting the town daily.
“We have been able to complete three out of the planned five high mast streetlights,” Kipruto said at Mosoriot town while meeting national KISIP 2 officials on their tour of the project’s progress.
Kipruto said that a contractor was successfully awarded the tender of the remaining Sh270 million after conforming to rigorous tendering process.
“This is a settlement where we are doing infrastructural works, for example we have completed 35 units of market stalls in this passenger vehicle stage which we intend to transfer to women vendors who are now trading along the road,” he said.
The Chief Officer revealed that the intention to move small traders and passenger vehicles from along the road is aimed at reducing accidents and creating order in a Nandi fast growing town.
He said the intended construction of up to three kilometers of road into bitumen standard within Mosoriot town are part of the infrastructure works planned to overhaul the town standards.
“All these activities happening here have created employment especially to the youths and women, a situation which drastically has reduced crime within the town,” Kipruto revealed.
According to him, the cost of buying land has suddenly skyrocketed within Mosoriot town from Sh1 million to Sh2 million per point plot as demand for residential and commercial houses pushed beyond the limits.
Robert Kiptoo KISIP 2 Mosoriot project community representative said the project had employed more than 100 young men and women who are paid at least Sh700 daily.
“They used to sell illicit brew for survival but since they were engaged in KISIP 2 works, the consumption and sale of outlawed liquor within Mosoriot town has reduced,” he said.
Nandi County Government Finance Chief Officer Priscah Muge said thorough publication was done before identification of the projects and that her department which oversees finance will ensure the projects are completed within one year contract period.
“Once these programs are completed, we anticipate that this township will be elevated into a municipality status given the development programs milestones that will be achieved,” the Finance Chief Officer said.
She reiterated that many institutions around Mosoriot town are enabling infrastructures to attract more investors to invest in the township. Muge also expressed confidence that the challenges of drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and many other social issues will be managed as KISIP 2 has a budget for creating awareness on addressing social issues.
David Kemei, Nandi County World Bank Funded Projects Coordinator assured that all conditions set by the World Bank KISIP 2 projects were attained before commencement of the works.
“We will not compromise quality, we have been very strict, working together with consultants and engineers,” Kemei promised.
Jane Mwangi Project Assistant Resident Engineer said the work is eleven per cent citing heavy rains experienced in the region as part of the challenges during ongoing work.