The government is set to start implementing a Kes955.4 million Italian government-funded programme to improve the social and economic development of Malindi and Magarini Sub Counties of Kilifi County in July.
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) will provide a concessional loan to the Coast Development Authority (CDA), which will be used to implement the Malindi Integrated Social and Health Development Programme (MISHDP-II).
Principal Secretary for Regional Development and ASALs According to Idris Dokota, the initiative was created to advance the social and economic progress of the two sub-counties in terms of infrastructure, educational opportunities, student enrollment, and bettering access to and use of healthcare facilities.
Speaking at a Malindi hotel on Thursday during a national project steering committee meeting, Mr Dokota stated that the project will cost Kes944.5 million at the time, given the current exchange rate.
Among the major projects to be implemented are the tarmacking of the 11.5-kilometre.
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The construction of an intensive care unit (ICU) at the Malindi Sub County Hospital and the Mjanaheri-Ngomeni road, which links to the San Marco Broglio Space Centre owned by the Italian government, have each received funding of Kes565.5 million and Kes55.08 million, respectively.
A further Kes43.6 million would be allocated for infrastructure improvements at Ngomeni Secondary School, built during Phase I of the programme. To keep Burangi Primary School from being washed away by the Sabaki River, Kes27.6 million has been earmarked to have it transferred to a new location.
Other projects include the construction of a footbridge across River Sabaki to connect Burangi and Sabaki villages Kes58.6 million as well as the provision of educational facilities at Rasi and Midodoni Primary Schools, the construction of a CDA office and the rehabilitation of the Ngomeni assistant chief’s office.
The Principal Secretary hailed the programme, saying it touches the bottom of the pyramid in line with the government’s Bottom-Up economic agenda.
He said the Governments of Kenya and Italy signed a loan and financial agreement for the programme on January 26, 2022.
He noted the MISHDP II was designed to improve the social development of the Coastal region, with a particular focus on Malindi and Magarini Sub Counties through the improvement of educational facilities and school enrolment, improving health facilities and access as well as improving infrastructure and access in the two sub-counties.
