Trans Nzoia leaders meet ahead of Ruto's visit

President William Ruto. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

Trans Nzoia leaders held a consultative meeting, ahead of the two-day visit to the region by President William Ruto.

During the day-long meeting at Westside Hotel, on Monday, which was attended by Governor George Natembeya, the leaders discussed issues they want the Head of State to address on his tour on Friday and Saturday.

Ruto is expected to preside over the national farmers' registration to benefit from the subsidized fertiliser.

The president will also attend the installation ceremony of Fr Henry Juma Odonya as the Kitale Catholic Bishop on Saturday.

A source who attended the meeting told The Standard that the leaders will push for the establishment of a public university in the county and the resettlement of squatters.

The leaders also want the appointment of former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and former Women Rep Janet Nangabo in the national government.

"The meeting came up with several proposals to be presented to the president, key among them is the establishment of a university in the county and appointment of Dr Wamalwa and Mrs Nangabo to positions in the national government," said the source.

The leaders want about 1,000 acres of land to be axed from Agricultural Development Corporation in Kwanza sub-county to accommodate the university.

They will also push for the construction of key roads in farming areas to boost the transportation of produce.

"The leaders also identified some roads that they want the national government to tarmac to boost agricultural activities," said a leader who attended the meeting.

Robert Maikuma, a resident, said they expect the president to address the issues of squatters in the county.

"We expect the president to give direction and offer a solution to the squatters' problem. These families have suffered for a long time and need to be resettled," said Maikuma, an aide to former Cabinet minister, Dr Noah Wekesa.