The Kisii county government is coming up with a County Spatial Plan (CSP)that will inform on budget and resource allocation.
The 10-year spatial plan that will be finalized in October this year will promote optimal utilization and management of natural resources, promote well-balanced, orderly, functional and liveable human settlement, promote use of available resources to spur diverse economic development and enhance good governance for coordinated development.
Speaking after presenting a validation of the draft to stakeholder across all wards and to the county executive, the County Executive Committee (CEC) member in charge of Lands Physical Planning and Urban Development Grace Nyarango said the plan will also promote prudent environmental management and conservation for sustainable development, guide provision of appropriate and adequate infrastructure to support social economic development alongside enhancing connectivity for internal and external movement to support economic growth.
“The plan has major deliverables. It will spell out the structure on how the county looks, mark zoning and tell how to manage the available spaces. Upon approval by the assembly, it will highly benefit the people of Kisii County and help Governor Simba Arati deliver on his campaign manifesto,” said Nyarango.
The county Director in charge of Physical Planning Patrick Achoki said, when finalized, Kisii will be the 13th county to have the spatial plan.
“The CSP covers the entire space of Kisii County, examines human settlement, all departments and looks at the resources the county has in terms of opportunities, issues facing each sector and comes up with proposals on how the issues are going to be addressed amicably,” said Director Achoki.
He observed that, the consultant GeoDev Kenya Limited is having deep engagement with technical experts in all departments, interacting with stakeholders in all levels across the 45 ward noting that residents have given their views on what affects them in terms of agriculture, environment, water, infrastructure among other major areas.
“We now have a summary draft plan which the consultant has presented to the stakeholders. The consultant has set up a discussion with the County Assembly Members as one of the major stakeholders, and held a meeting with CECs and Chief Officers who have given their much-needed output,” said Ochoki.
The Director said the plan is a critical document for the county and a constitutional requirement that directs that the land and spaces occupied must be planned, besides, it is a requirement by the county government act and various legislation organs.
GeoDev Kenya Limited team leader Prof. Titus Anunda Musungu disclosed that the plan will enable Kisii to be a thriving and a sustainable county where all residents will enjoy equitable access to quality education, healthcare, clean water and robust infrastructure while promoting economic growth through agriculture and local industries underpinned by good governance and active citizen engagement.
“The GIS based document is in line with Governor Arati’s manifesto, the Land Act, Vision 2030 and has taken into account the political aspects of the County,” he said adding that among other issues, it discourages land sub vision into uneconomic units, address road encroachment in urban areas recommends on sustainable agricultural practices among other key issues
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