DP Ruto roots for Nakuru to become fourth city

Deputy President William Ruto (pictured) has backed the county government in its bid to transform Nakuru town into a city.

Ruto, who spoke during the launch of Nakuru AIPCA Cathedral in Flamingo estate yesterday, said he was ready to support the county government achieve the dream 'in the shortest time possible'.

“Once you are done with what is in your power, I will be waiting for you, ready to support this nobble dream. This will be a dream come true for our people getting the first city in Rift Valley region,” he said.

Ruto said the cosmopolitan county, which once served as Rift Valley's regional headquarters, deserves city status, adding that the Jubilee administration has lined up many projects for the county.

“Nakuru is of great significance in national politics and also in the country’s economic development. The national government is committed to ensuring this town gets what it needs to be a city,” he said.

He added that the national government intends to spend Sh1 billion for electrification of 25,000 households in the county this financial year.

The DP said the government is committed to ensure the county has sufficient water supply and proper road network that can help propel its economy from agricultural to industrial.

“Issues bedeviling the Itare Dam project are being resolved. This will ensure residents have access to water for domestic and industrial use. Chemususu Dam, which shall serve parts or Rongai, is also near completion."

To address congestion along the Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret highway, the Deputy President said the Government will construct a four-lane dual-carriageway from Nairobi to Mau Summit.

He added that the proposed Naivasha Industrial Park, which is set to provide employment to thousands of residents, will start soon. “We have planned for job creation through the industrial park, which will employ over 50,000 youths directly."

Ruto later launched a Sh15 million water project in Subukia, providing a major boost to Suka Dairies - a cooperative society that is producing processed dairy products.

Governor Lee Kinyanjui said plans to achieve city status were progressing well and the town would be granted its city status charter before the end of the year.

“The executive and the county assembly are working closely with the rest of elected leaders and stakeholders to make Nakuru the fourth city in Kenya by December,” said Mr Kinyanjui.

THE STANDARD