Kisii County governor Simba Arati has reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible development projects, aimed at improving livelihoods of the people.

Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Igonga grounds in Bonchari Constituency, Arati said the county had made significant strides across various departments in line with the commitments outlined in his campaign manifesto.

The governor  highlighted the transformation of Etaya Park in Kisii town, saying the facility had been converted from a garbage dumpsite into a public recreational space.

“This project marks a remarkable transformation of the former Nyambera dumpsite, which had become an eyesore in the heart of Kisii town, into a green public space where residents can now walk, have fun, relax and enjoy recreational activities,” Arati noted.

He cited the park’s reported international recognition and a subsequent Sh130 million grant from the United Nations as evidence that Kisii was attracting international attention.

The governor expressed optimism that the county would secure further recognition through initiatives linked to the World Cities agenda.

Arati also defended the county’s early childhood development education (ECDE) milk programme, saying investments in children’s nutrition were part of a broader strategy to improve learning outcomes.

Launched in January 2026, the programme targets approximately 68,000 learners in public ECDE centres across all 45 wards, with milk provided three times a week.

Arati said the programme which benefits ECDE up to Grade two learners would be extended to Grade Four learners during his tenure in office, while also expanding ECDE infrastructure across the county.

He noted that criticism would not derail his administration’s development agenda, urging residents to assess projects based on their tangible benefits.

“As part of our ongoing solar-powered lighting programme, more than 74 high-mast floodlights have been installed across major markets.

The installations are intended to enhance security, extend business hours and create a safer environment for traders, residents and other users of our urban centres.

The impact of improved lighting is particularly important to our business community, mama mbogas, boda boda riders and other traders, who depend on these markets for their livelihoods because better-lit public spaces help deter criminal activity and allow businesses to operate with greater confidence,” Arati affirmed.

The governor also cited the recent launch of the Kisii County Action Plan, Model and Suites by the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Martha Koome, saying the initiative marks an important step towards bringing justice closer to communities.

In addition, Arati decried the rise in cases of teenage pregnancies, saying that statistics had indicated that young teenage mothers accounted for 40 percent of deliveries in public hospitals across the region.

“It is a shame that we still have people preying on schoolgirls and subsequently ruining their lives,” he said.

The governor urged police to investigate cases of sexual exploitation involving minors and ensure perpetrators are brought to book.

Meanwhile, Bonchari MP Charles Onchoke urged the government to apprehend people vandalizing electricity equipment in villages, saying the destruction of infrastructure inconveniences residents and disrupts power supply.

The County Commissioner James Kamau ordered the arrest of those involved in vandalizing electricity equipment and said security agencies would step up the fight against cattle rustling.

Kamau also called for closer collaboration between residents and security agencies to combat crime, protect public infrastructure and safeguard vulnerable members of the community.

By Mercy Osongo