Members of the Kirinyaga County Assembly have unanimously agreed to introduce an automated system for processing building plans throughout the county.
This decision, aimed at streamlining the construction approval process, follows recommendations outlined in the Kenya National Housing Policy of 2004, emphasizing safe housing development and the use of appropriate building materials.
Chairing the committee on Lands, Physical Planning, and Urban Development, Tebere Ward MCA Peter Karinga highlighted the potential benefits of this automation.
He stated, “The move will not only expedite approval processes but also tackle the rampant corruption that has plagued various parts of the country.”
The implementation of the automation system in Kirinyaga promises to enhance efficiency, while also serving as a centralized database for construction-related information within the county.
Karinga emphasized the urgency of this step by referencing past tragedies, such as the collapse of buildings in Huruma in 2016, where 52 lives were lost due to inadequate regulation of construction procedures.
Geoffrey Gakuru, the MCA for Kiini Ward, expressed optimism about the motion’s timing, stating that digitization would save time, reduce bureaucracy, and combat corruption.
Additionally, Nominated Member Jane Mugo highlighted the potential for increased revenue generation through the prevention of corrupt practices and better urban planning.
Peter Karinga, the initiator of the motion, expressed gratitude to fellow members for their support, foreseeing a future where unprofessional conduct in the construction sector becomes obsolete.
He pledged to collaborate with the Department of Finance and Planning to allocate funds for the project in the upcoming financial year.
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