Mandera, Kenya – On Thursday, January 16, 2025, the County Government of Mandera launched a new fleet of motor vehicles and motorcycles, marking a significant milestone in enhancing service delivery and improving accessibility across the region.
Speaking at the launch event, the Governor emphasized the importance of modernizing the county’s infrastructure, particularly in logistics and transportation, to address challenges posed by Mandera’s vast and often remote terrain.
“Devolution is now in its 12th year, and much of our infrastructure, including vehicles, motorcycles, and hospital equipment, has become obsolete. Today, we take a crucial step in replacing these assets to boost our service delivery capacity,” the Governor said.
Investment in Modern Infrastructure
The newly procured fleet includes:
- 3 ambulances to improve emergency medical response.
- 10 motor vehicles for government departments to enhance mobility and operational efficiency.
- 40 motorcycles for rural and hard-to-reach areas to support essential services like agriculture outreach and revenue collection.
The ambulances will be managed by the Department of Health, while the other vehicles will be overseen by the Directorate of Transport as shared resources. Sub-counties will also receive vehicles to support service delivery, project supervision, and stakeholder engagement.
Enhancing Capacity for Service Delivery
The Directorate of Transport now manages a fleet of 132 vehicles (88 serviceable, 31 grounded, and 13 new) and 293 motorcycles (199 serviceable, 54 grounded, and 40 new). With over 100 drivers and 13 plant operators, the Directorate is tasked with maintaining and optimizing the fleet’s performance.
“Logistics are crucial for effective governance, connecting us to communities, enabling vital services, and facilitating the movement of goods and people,” the Governor stated. “This investment reflects our commitment to Mandera’s development goals and to ensuring services reach every corner of our county.”
Immediate and Long-Term Benefits
The Governor highlighted the impact of this initiative on various sectors:
- Health: The ambulances will ensure faster emergency responses, improving access to medical care.
- Government Operations: Increased mobility for staff will enhance project supervision, stakeholder engagement, and revenue mobilization.
- Rural Development: Motorcycles will play a vital role in reaching remote areas, ensuring efficient delivery of services like agriculture outreach and health programs.
Commitment to Mandera’s Growth
The Governor reiterated the county’s commitment to continued investment in infrastructure, human resources, and technology, aligning with a broader vision for sustainable development.
“This is part of our effort to make Mandera County a thriving, accessible region. Together, we are building a better future for all our residents,” the Governor said.
The event was attended by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), senior government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders. Attendees lauded the initiative as a step forward in ensuring efficient governance and service delivery in Mandera.
As the county moves forward with this modernization effort, the focus remains on fostering development and improving the quality of life for all residents.
