Nairobi: The Kisii county government is developing a 10-year spatial plan aimed at fostering economic growth and promoting sustainable development across the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the plan, which is set to be completed by October, will focus on the optimal utilization and management of natural resources, promoting habitable human settlements, and ensuring the proper use of available resources to drive economic development. During a stakeholder validation exercise in Kisii town, Grace Nyarango, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Physical Planning, and Urban Development, emphasized the plan's role in enhancing environmental management and conservation.
Nyarango highlighted that the spatial plan is designed to support the provision of adequate infrastructure to facilitate socio-economic development and improve connectivity for both internal and external movement. This initiative is expected to benefit residents by outlining the county's structure, zoning areas, and managing available spaces effectively.
Patrick Achoki, the County Director for Physical Planning, noted that once finalized, Kisii will be the 13th county to implement such a plan. He explained that the plan examines various aspects of the county, including human settlement, departmental resources, and sector-specific challenges, offering proposals to address these issues.
GeoDev Kenya Limited, the consulting firm involved in the project, is engaging technical experts and stakeholders across Kisii's 45 wards to ensure community input on agriculture, environment, water, and infrastructure. Achoki confirmed that a summarized spatial plan has been drafted and presented to stakeholders, including members of the Kisii County Assembly, for feedback.
Prof. Titus Musungu, team leader at GeoDev Kenya Limited, reiterated that the plan aligns with the Land Act, Vision 2030, and Governor Arati's manifesto. It aims to make Kisii a sustainable county where residents have equitable access to quality education, healthcare, clean water, and robust infrastructure. The plan discourages the subdivision of land into uneconomic units, addresses urban road encroachment, and recommends sustainable agricultural practices.