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Kitui County Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Waziri Generali Fredrick Kimanga, on Thursday presided over the handover of newly installed solar-powered street lights at kabati and security lamps in Mutonguni areas, in a move aimed at enhancing security, improving the business environment, and accelerating urban growth.
The exercise saw the handover of 20 solar-powered street light posts, each fitted with a lamp, along key sections from the Kabati Form Sub-County Office to Kabati Tulia Junction, extending to Holy Family Parochial School, Kyondoni, and Bishop Dan areas. The project marks a major boost to night-time lighting in Kabati town and its surroundings.
In Mutonguni Market, Waziri Kimanga also handed over security lamp lights set for installation in several villages, including Kwambelu (two posts), Uvaani (two posts), and Kavaloni (three posts). Each post will be mounted with two security lamps, significantly improving night visibility and safety for residents and traders.
Addressing residents and members of the business community, Waziri Kimanga said the initiative aligns with Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s manifesto of ensuring all towns and market centres across Kitui County are well-lit to enhance security and promote economic activities.
“The Governor is keen on improving the business environment across Kitui County. Last time, we installed 12 street lights here in Kabati, and today we are adding 20 more. This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to development,” Kimanga said.
The minister further disclosed that plans are underway to construct modern markets in Kabati and Tulia, through a joint collaboration between the county government and the national government. He explained that the county government will provide land, while the national government will mobilize resources for construction.
“Next week, there will be a meeting involving the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and the Kabati business community. We want to jointly identify suitable sites for Kabati and Tulia markets,” he added.
Kimanga also noted that Kabati Market has already benefited from two skip bins, aimed at improving waste management and cleanliness within the fast-growing town.
He emphasized the importance of proper lighting in towns and market centres, saying it not only enhances security but also extends business hours, creates employment opportunities, and improves the overall quality of life for residents.
“When towns and markets are well-lit, traders can operate longer hours, residents feel safer, and criminal activities are reduced. Lighting is a foundation for development,” he stated.
Waziri Generali Kimanga, who is also the incoming Member of Parliament for Kitui West, was accompanied by the Chief Officer for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Evans mutemi. He described Kabati Market as one of the fastest-growing towns in Kitui County, noting that continued investment in infrastructure is key to sustaining its growth.
The street lighting and security lamp projects reaffirm the county government’s commitment to transforming urban centres and market hubs into safe, vibrant, and economically active spaces for the people of Kitui County.
The area mca mutonguni ward was present at kavaloni market where he urged the residents to take care of the projects since they belong to them
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