Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago during his first address to the County Assembly on September 21, 2017 [Photo/ Joe Khisa]
Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago has spelt out key areas that his administration intents to prioritise for the next 5 years.
While giving his first address to the County Assembly on Thursday, Mandago said he would prioritise in improving productivity in Agriculture, fisheries and Livestock, provision of water to the residents and health services.
The governor who is serving his second term in office noted that during his first term, he had put emphasis on the departments of Roads and infrastructure, Health services and Water.
"The rural population in particular, derives its livelihood on and off the land. It is from agriculture that school fees are paid, health bills are met, and it is agriculture that puts food on the table," Mandago noted.
"Agriculture is, therefore, a key lever for improving rural livelihoods as well as providing food for the urban population. To this end, we will focus on boosting agricultural production both in dairy and crop production to enhance production and increase earnings for our farmers," he added.
The County boss further said he intends to reinforce existing programs in agriculture, promote and support agro-processing initiatives for value addition, and enlarge the cooperative movement and trade sector by providing them with loans at 5% interest.
In the Health sector, Mandago pointed out that he will seek to complete and operationalize the six sub-county hospitals, equip over half of the medical laboratories of county dispensaries and increase ambulances from the current thirteen to thirty.
"In the water department, we intend to purchase four borehole drilling machines and other assorted equipment required for desilting of dams and construction that will ensure all schools, hospitals and any other public institution and the residents in all wards access clean water," noted the governor.