Elgeyo marakwet county: County Commissioner John Korir announced that both the national and county governments, through the department of health, will begin a campaign to educate residents on safe health procedures ahead of the circumcision season for boys. This initiative is in response to past incidents where several boys lost their lives due to improper practices during the circumcision period.
According to Kenya News Agency, Korir expressed his concerns during a speech at Bugar Primary School, where he read the presidential speech. He highlighted the unfortunate trend where the ancient tradition of circumcision has become commercialized, compromising the health and safety of the participants. He emphasized that while the government respects the sacredness of the ceremonial sites, it would intervene to ensure safety standards are met to protect life.
Further into his address, Korir shed light on the government’s success in restoring peace in the Kerio Valley area, noting that there had been no incidents
reported in the last three months. He also mentioned the operational status of the new Kerio Valley sub-county and ongoing consultations for building its headquarters in Chesongoch.
The commissioner revealed the reopening of Lomut and Kolowa markets, previously shut down due to security concerns. He announced that Eldoret Catholic Bishop Dominic Kimengich would lead a unifying prayer session and officially open Chesegon market next month. Korir underscored the importance of these markets in facilitating community interaction and boosting local government revenues.
Additionally, Korir encouraged local residents to register with the Social Health Authority to access free health services, noting the ease of registration via phone.
In the same event, Governor Wisley Rotich, represented by his deputy Prof Grace Cherserek, discussed measures his administration is implementing to increase home ownership and regularize land in the region. With the assistance of the Food Agricultural Organisation (FAO), a community
land inventory is underway to aid in the registration and adjudication of unregistered community lands along the Kerio Valley.
Rotich also reported significant earnings from cereal sales by farmers in the region, with projections indicating a potential increase in revenue in the current planting season due to an expansion in cultivated acreage.
Overall, the county’s leadership is focusing on health, security, economic growth, and land management to improve the welfare and prosperity of its residents.
