Elgeyo Marakwet: Elgeyo Marakwet county leaders have opposed the move to degazette the county as a hardship area which will see civil servants and teachers in the area lose their hardship allowance. The county women’s representative, Caroline Ngelechei, expressed her concerns, stating she has been advocating for the county’s inclusion among the arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) due to its challenging climatic conditions affecting 60% of the land.
According to Kenya News Agency, Caroline Ngelechei was surprised by the decision to degazette the county from being a hardship area and has drafted a petition to be presented in parliament to maintain its status. She emphasized the necessity of the allowance for those working in the region under severe conditions.
Marakwet West MP Timothy Kipchumba also addressed the issue, warning that the removal of the hardship status could hinder the county’s development. He noted that many teachers and public servants might seek transfers to other regions. The hardship allowance, he explained, incentivizes public officers and teachers to continue working in remote areas like Tot despite the environmental challenges.
The legislators have raised questions about the rationale behind the decision and are demanding a clear legal framework that led to the county’s degazettement as a hardship area. They voiced their concerns after a public participation exercise for the NG-CDF, where residents showed unanimous support for its constitutional entrenchment. The fund, they noted, has significantly contributed to the county, particularly in providing bursaries and constructing schools and offices, ensuring that resources reach even the grassroots level.