Kitale Municipality is charting its course for the future with the formulation of a robust five-year Integrated Development Plan (IDEP), designed to guide its activities and initiatives. Led by County Executive Committee Member Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama, the municipality is fostering a culture of stakeholder involvement and practical goal-setting to ensure tangible progress and community satisfaction.
During a three-day workshop convened to discuss the IDEP, Mutama stressed the plan’s pivotal role in steering the Municipal Board’s endeavors over the next half-decade. She underscored the importance of public participation in shaping the plan, highlighting the input received from residents in identifying priority projects and initiatives.
A key focus of the workshop was the municipality’s aspiration to secure funding through the Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP2), administered by the World Bank. Mutama emphasized the necessity of meeting specific criteria to access these funds, including staffing requirements, functional capacity, and project financing capabilities.
In addition to outlining the municipality’s developmental vision, the IDEP also serves as a blueprint for enhancing collaboration and transparency within the Municipal Board. Mutama articulated the board’s commitment to fostering partnerships to attract additional funding and support for municipal projects, signaling a departure from past negative perceptions towards a more inclusive and cooperative approach.
Reflecting on past IDEP cycles, Mutama emphasized the importance of learning from both successes and shortcomings. By setting realistic and achievable goals, the municipality aims to demonstrate tangible progress and enhance accountability to its residents.
Furthermore, Mutama unveiled plans to elevate Kiminini town’s status and initiate the process of upgrading other sub-county headquarters into towns. This strategic move aligns with the municipality’s broader vision of fostering development across multiple municipalities within the county, ultimately benefiting the entire region.
Throughout the IDEP formulation process, stakeholder input has been paramount. Irine Nang’ole, the Kitale Municipal Board Manager, elaborated on the plan’s evolution, emphasizing ongoing engagement with community members and relevant stakeholders. Nang’ole highlighted the collaborative nature of the IDEP, where projects are identified based on community needs and realized through partnerships with various county departments and donors.
As the municipality charts its developmental trajectory, Nang’ole emphasized the importance of adhering to the board’s legal mandates, ensuring that projects align with core responsibilities such as urban infrastructure development, waste management, and market oversight.
The workshop, attended by Kitale Municipal Board members, technical staff, and stakeholders, exemplified the municipality’s commitment to inclusive governance and participatory decision-making, setting the stage for a dynamic and transformative period of growth and development in Kitale.
