In the afternoon of Monday, May 6, 2024, members unanimously voted in favor of the Kirinyaga County Spatial Plan 2021 – 2031.
The plan gives an overview of existing land use patterns, projected future land use needs, and regulations which will guide planning in a particular area within the County.
Additionally, the plan aims to improve coordination of development in the County by providing linkages between different activities within the County and its hinterlands.
While speaking in support of the plan, Tebere Ward MCA who is also the Chairperson of Lands, Physical planning and Urban Development committee, was upbeat that the spatial plan will be a game changer in future planning of the County. “Mr. Speaker, if we fail to plan, we plan to fail” Hon. Karinga said.
His counterpart from Kiini ward who is also the Budget and Appropriation Chairperson Hon. Geoffrey Gakuru, noted that the plan will revitalize the County’s resource envelope which is crucial in accelerating development at the grassroots.
On his part, Kerugoya Ward MCA Hon. Eric Muchina, welcomed the plan with anticipation that finally, the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) will be allocated land for development.
In a twin debate regarding the 10 year Kerugoya – Kutus Physical and Land Use Development plan, Kangai Ward MCA Hon. James Wambu noted that it will be easier for the municipality to attract donor funding unlike in the past when donors were apprehensive because of lack of a comprehensive urban development plan.
Both the Kirinyaga County Spatial plan (2021 – 2031) and the Kerugoya/Kutus Physical and Land use Development plan (2020 – 2030), are contained in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) which gives an overall framework for development.