Kitale Municipality has unveiled a five-year Strategic Plan (2025–2029) aimed at redefining urban management and service delivery in the fast-growing Trans Nzoia County’s capital.
Officials from the municipal board, county technical staff, and sector heads on Monday, August 4, 2025, launched what they termed a “transformative urban blueprint” that seeks to align Kitale’s growth with national and global development frameworks.
“The strategic plan is not just a document—it’s a compass,” said Phanice Khatundi, the acting County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development.
“It ensures alignment of development goals with citizen needs, drives efficient decision-making, and strengthens transparency and accountability,” she added.
Khatundi further said the plan conforms to national and global benchmarks such as the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), Kenya Vision 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP).
She added that its foundation is legally anchored in the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011, reinforcing compliance with urban governance standards.
Key focus areas for Kitale Municipality development roadmap
The strategy, which focuses on six pillars—urban infrastructure, waste and sanitation, economic development, environmental management, housing and land planning, and safety and disaster preparedness also prioritizes community engagement.
“It’s not about paperwork; it’s about people,” said Dr. Roselyne Nasiebanda, Chief Officer for Lands and Urban Development.
“Our goal is a livable, competitive, and sustainable municipality. Kitale can be a model for others to follow.”
The plan builds upon the recently completed Integrated Development Plan (IDEP), a framework that outlines specific action points to operationalize the strategy.
“We are not starting from scratch. IDEP gives us the roadmap. Now, we have the compass and the will,” said Irine Nangole, the municipal manager
However, officials highlighted the uneven development of municipalities across Kenya. According to Wilberforce Wamalwa, Chair of the Kitale Municipal Board, only 79 out of 120 municipalities are fully functional.
“We can’t talk about urban transformation without real devolution,” he said. “Counties must support their municipalities, and the national government must complete the transfer of functions. Otherwise, we’ll always be playing catch-up.”
Are municipalities well funded?
The Chairman of the Caucus of Chairpersons of Cities and Municipalities in the Country Wanyonyi Buteyo who is also the Chairman of Kimilili Municipality, in Bungoma echoed the concern, calling for enhanced resource allocation and policy support at the national level to unlock the full potential of urban areas.
“This strategic plan wouldn’t be possible without political goodwill,” Khatundi noted. “The governor’s leadership has enabled us to take bold steps.”
The municipality plans to implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, integrate public reporting systems, and engage donors and development partners for sustainable investments.
