Elgeyo Marakwet County to benefit from Safaricom Network connectivity in Elgeyo Marakwet is set to increase following plans to install more boosters by Safaricom.
Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa said the leading telco had identified 15 sites to install boosters across the county which is expected to improve mobile network connectivity in the area.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call to Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich over the weekend, Mr Ndegwa said the leading telco would also consider the Governor’s request of improving maternal health in the county through Safaricom Foundation.
“We have listened to the governor and I am happy that he has good plans for this county. On our end, what matters is how to transform the lives of Kenyans.Safaricom will join hands with him to ensure that maternal healthcare in Elgeyo Marakwet is improved. We will be having a further discussion on thesame.”
Governor Rotich had requested the CEO to consider the county in equipping health facilities especially those in far flung areas to arrest maternal deaths as a result of expectant mothers travelling for long distances to deliver. “In some areas mother’s choose to give birth at home instead of travelling to the health facilities because of insecurity. When there is good network coverage, the community can always report to security officers of any threat,” he said.
He said urged the CEO to expedite the installation of boosters and laying of a fibre optic cable across the county. “Most parts of our county are yet to be connected to any network. My administration will waive any wayleave charges so that the process is fast,” he said.
He said his aim is to ensure that all the Sub-county and Ward offices are connected to internet so that it would be easier for residents and students to access online government services on time and without incurring any travel expenses.
“It will also provide an opportunity for the youth to enjoy digital services and opportunities like application for jobs among others which often forces them to travel for long distances.It will also address insecurity challenge as residents will be able to make reports to our security officers,” he added.
He said the county is in the process of automating all payments.”As at now we are contracting our farmers into coffee,tea, sorghum and cotton production. Once this comes to fruition, we expect our farmers to be paid through a cashless transfer. It will also help them pay for their NHIF contributions through direct check off.”
Mr Ndegwa welcomed the Governor’s idea of automating payments in the county. “We will support your programs. Most of the things we have discussed are progressive,” he said.
He added that Safaricom was going to support Governor Rotich’s climate action plan which targets establishment of more tree nurseries across the County which is expected to increase the county’s forest cover.
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