Three Embu towns earmarked for municipal status
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The County Government of Embu has embarked on a process of establishing and chartering three new municipalities in a bid to bring services close to the people and attract external donor funding.
The three towns earmarked for elevation to municipal status are Runyenjes in Runyenjes Constituency, Kiritiri in Mbeere South Constituency, and Siakago in Mbeere North Constituency, which will supplement the existing Embu Municipality in Manyatta Constituency that serves as the county headquarters.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of lands, Raymond Kinyua, said the process is already underway following the inauguration of ad hoc committees two months ago by Governor Cecily Mbarire that will oversee delineation and review of boundaries for the proposed municipalities.
He said the move was a major milestone for the devolved unit in its urban development agenda as they lay the foundation for a well-planned, sustainable, and inclusive entity that will enhance service delivery and unlock greater socio-economic opportunities for residents.
Speaking to the press from his office on Wednesday morning, CECM Kinyua said the new municipalities will be key in driving sustainable development and improve the quality of life for the people.
“Municipalities directly attract donor funding and grants locally and internationally, lead to improvement of infrastructure such as roads, efficient governance, and also build investor confidence,” he said.
He said they are expecting to receive a report from the ad hoc committee by December before the tabling of individual charters for debate, review, and approval by the County Assembly before the award by the Governor.
“We are looking at the possibility of having the report before the close of the year and thereafter embark on establishing the governance structures for the proposed municipalities,” he stated.
He said they are projecting to have the municipalities in place and up and running by April next year.
Kinyua further said they are also exploring the idea of working with the County Government of Kirinyaga with a view of also elevating Makutano Town, which touches the two counties and is a major transport and economic hub at the intersection of the Kenol-Marua Dual Carriage and the Embu-Meru Highway.
“Makutano Town is the gateway to Embu and a rapidly growing business hub, and so its elevation to municipality status will be a big boost for the economy of the area and county at large,” he reported.
By Samuel Waititu
Reporting originally appeared via Kenya News Agency. Read the full source for additional context.