Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi has been nominated for a national award in recognition of his firm stance on controlling land use and development in the county. Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi elated after being nominated for land use award. Photo: Kimani Wamatangi. Source: Facebook The policies have at times put him at odds with developers pushing for unregulated projects. The nomination was announced by the Town and County Planners Association of Kenya (TCPAK), a registered professional body for town and physical planners. Why Wamatangi was nominated for land use award
In a letter seen by TUKO.co.ke, the association said Wamatangi’s administration had demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting sustainable land and building development in line with the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and TCPAK’s motto, “Better towns, counties and country.”“Your excellency, we note and recognise your great achievement as the governor and Kiambu County Government in promoting sustainable and controlled land and building development in the county. We are therefore pleased to nominate you and the Kiambu County Government for the County and Town Excellence (CTE) Award,” TCPAK stated in its nomination letter. Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Wamatangi welcomed the recognition, saying it reflected his administration’s efforts to balance growth with sustainability. He noted that while Kiambu had experienced remarkable growth in recent years, the transformation had come with serious challenges. “While our county has experienced remarkable growth over the years, it has not come without challenges. Chief among them is the unsustainable conversion of fertile agricultural land into commercial and residential developments,” he said.
How Wamatangi reacted to County and Town Excellence award nomination The governor warned that unchecked expansion and environmental degradation were putting pressure on infrastructure and threatening the agricultural base that supports Kiambu’s economy. “Agriculture remains the cornerstone of Kiambu. It sustains household incomes, contributes significantly to our national GDP, and keeps us among the leading producers of coffee, tea, dairy, and horticultural products,” he told TUKO.co.ke. Wamatangi added that Kiambu’s strategic location as the “bedroom of Nairobi” had created enormous growth opportunities but also demanded responsible planning. He emphasised the need to strike a careful balance between food security, housing, and investment to safeguard livelihoods. He also cited the passage of the Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plans (ISUDP) by the county assembly, which provides zoning guidelines and framework to ensure controlled and sustainable land use.The County and Town Excellence (CTE) Award will celebrate counties that demonstrate outstanding leadership and innovation in promoting sustainable urban and regional planning across Kenya. Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi speaking during a previous event.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
