Residents from eleven informal settlement schemes which are spread across various Wards can now breath a sigh of relief after Members yesterday approved a ten-year land use development plan. Kiburu, Kagumo, Kamuiru, Rwambiti and Githogondo informal settlement schemes, will now form part of the beneficiaries of the ten-year land use development plan.

Others are Ndindiruku, Mukinduri, Kibirigwi, Kiangoma, Kimunye and Ithareni informal settlement schemes which are spread in various parts of the County.

The plan, which covers a period of between 2024 and 2034, will guide development projects in informal settlements and also speeded up provision of land ownership documents for residents domiciled in the earmarked areas.

Speaking during the debate to approve the plan, Chairman of the lands and physical planning committee and Member for Tebere Ward Hon. Peter Karinga, said that the initiative would uplift the living standards of residents noting that key support infrastructure would be installed within the specified period.

“Mr. Speaker sir, failing to plan is planning to fail. The development plan could not have come at a better time” Hon. Karinga said. His sentiments were supported by Hon. Bernard Gichangi who noted that Mutira ward stands to bennefit especially now that Kagumo and Kamuiru informal settlements have been identified in the plan.

In another separate motion, Members unanimously approved the Kerugoya- Kutus Municipality Integrated Development plan which will cover the period between 2024 and 2028.

Chairperson of Lands and physical planning committee Hon. Peter Karinga, thanked Members for approving the plan which will now see the County receive a financial boost from development partners.

“Mr. Speaker, I must commend members for approving the Municipality Integrated Development Plan because it will unlock a total of Kes. 37 million from the donor community for development purposes” Hon Karinga said.

However, in a rebuttal, Kabare Ward MCA Hon. Dr. Isiah Mbogo, urged Members to be on the lookout and ensure that the intended implementation by the executive is spearheaded.

“Mr. Speaker, we should be keen not to feed a lion that will eventually swallow us. As Members, we must pay special attention when it comes to implementation of projects within the Municipality” Dr. Mbogo said.

Similar sentiments were aired by Kerugoya Ward MCA Hon. Eric Muchina who said that the plan has not specified the exact location of the proposed fire station in Kerugoya Ward. His counterpart from Mukure Ward Hon. Thomas Muriuki, urged the committee on lands to fastrack establishment of Kagio – Sagana Municipality saying that the area is in dire need of a Municipality.

Kerugoya – Kutus Municipality is established pursuant to section 41 (3B) of the urban areas and cities act [2011] and covers Kerugoya, Kangai, Inoi, Nyangati, Baragwi, Kanyekine and Kabare Wards.