Kabarnet — Head of Public Service Felix Koskei launched WiFi hotspots in public places in Baringo County on Saturday, as part of the government's initiative to roll out 25,000 hotspots throughout the country over the next five years.
"This project will help in job creation and reduce unemployment among the youth," Koskei, who is also President William Ruto's Chief of Staff, said in Kabarnet town as he switched on hotspots at a market and a matatu terminus.
Koskei said digital connectivity would also enable Kenyans to access higher education cheaply, especially through the Open University of Kenya, which was recently launched by President Ruto.
He was accompanied by Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Senator William Cheptumo, Woman Rep Flowrence Sergon, Baringo Central MP, Joshua Kandie, and ICT Principal Secretary, Eng. John Tanui.
Proposed public university
He called on the county's leadership to finally resolve soon the issue of the location of the proposed public university, whose establishment has dragged on for nearly a decade now.
Koskei said more National Police Reservists would be deployed to boost security in the Kerio Valley. Normalcy has largely returned to Baringo, Turkana, West Pokot, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties after the government deployed the military to containt banditry in the region.
He further said that the government will speed up the settling of long-running disputes at Mochongoi settlement scheme, including issuing titles deeds to the land owners soon.
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Koskei also called on the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to intensify the fight against drug and alcohol abuse in the county, which he said was destroying scores of the young generation.
At the same time, he called on public servants to maintain a high level of professionalism and work ethic, warning that absconding duty and engaging in corrupt practices would not be tolerated in the public service.
Later, Koskei attended thanksgiving day at Bartolimo High School in Baringo North constituency. He urged students to put extra effort into their studies since education will open new frontiers for them in the future.
Other leaders present included MPs Joseph Makilap (Baringo North), William Kamket (Tiaty), Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, Baringo County Speaker Vincent Kemboi, MCAs, and a host of elected and appointed leaders. - Presidential Communication Service
