Nakuru leaders press on with quest for city status

Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, Deputy Governor Erick Korir, Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri and Nakuru Town West's Samuel Arama after a meeting in Nakuru on Saturday. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Political leaders who have been at loggerheads over the intended elevation of the municipality into a city now say they have resolved to bury their differences for the sake of unity and development.

The leaders said at a meeting on Saturday that they agreed to address the challenges facing the county because the problems required local solutions.

Attending meeting

Those at the meeting were Senator Susan Kihika, Deputy Governor Erick Korir (representing Governor Lee Kinyanjui), MPs David Gikaria, Samuel Arama, Kimani Kuria, Kimani Ngunjiri, Lisa Chelule and Jane Kihara.

Others were Finance Cabinet Administrative Secretary Nelson Gaichuhie and County Commissioner Erastus Mbui.

“As you are all aware, there has been some confusion on the elevation of Nakuru into a city. The confusion was brought about by individuals who have been acting as brokers. But we have agreed to work together to solve the matter,” said Mr Ngunjiri.

The elevation of the municipality to city status has been a source of conflict among leaders. Some want the process delayed for about 10 years while the governor insists that the process is unstoppable.

The meeting that was held at the county commissioner’s office came days after President Uhuru Kenyatta pledged to ensure development projects like the construction of Lanet Airport start before the year ends.

Development

Mr Gaichuhie said Nakuru’s elevation into a city was long overdue.

“A city will bring a lot of development and will open up Nakuru. I believe the time is ripe after having been a municipality for such a long time,” he said.

Dr Korir said it was good to have leaders work together for unity and development.

“The meeting has been good and we hope that it will improve the working relationships between elected leaders and the county government.”

Mr Mbui urged politicians opposed to the plan to grant Nakuru city status to resolve matters raised with the county government and get an amicable solution.

“The issue of city status rose during our discussion and we agreed that there shall be further consultations with the county government,” he said.