Demolition Row Erupts in Nandi as Leaders Clash Over DCC Residence and Health Project.

A fresh political and administrative dispute has erupted in Nandi County following plans to relocate the residence of the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) in Aldai to pave way for the construction of a new Mother and Child unit at Kobujoi.

In a detailed statement, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang defended the county government’s decision, saying the land currently hosting the DCC residence is part of the parcel allocated to Kobujoi Forest Dispensary, which is earmarked for upgrade to a Level 4 Sub-County Hospital.

Governor Sang explained that consultations on the planned relocation were held between the Office of the DCC, the County Department of Health, and the hospital management committee under the leadership of the Aldai Sub-County Administrator. According to the governor, it was mutually agreed that the residence would be relocated to allow expansion of health infrastructure.

He added that the county had already provided budgetary allocation in the current financial year to construct a new residential house for the DCC. However, delays were experienced due to initial challenges in the rollout of the e-government procurement (eGP) system. With the system now operational, procurement is set to begin, and construction is expected to be completed within three months.

As a temporary measure, the county has leased and paid for an alternative residence for the DCC at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary within Kobujoi Township, pending completion of the new house.

Further, the governor announced that the county has secured resources from a private sector development partner to build and equip a modern Mother and Child unit, describing it as a key addition to the county’s expanding health ecosystem and a boost to maternal and newborn care.

However, the move has drawn sharp opposition from Aldai Member of Parliament Marianne Kitany, who accused the county government of planning to demolish national government property without adequate notice or consultation.

In her statement, Kitany argued that the DCC residence is a critical national government facility, noting that Aldai Constituency, which also serves as Nandi South Sub-County, has no other designated residential house for the DCC. She called the planned demolition abrupt and lacking transparency, warning that it undermines due process and intergovernmental coordination.

Kitany urged Governor Sang to halt any demolition plans until proper consultation is undertaken and alternative residential arrangements are fully secured, emphasizing that national government operations must not be disrupted.

Governor Sang, on his part, said he had directed County Secretary Dr. Francis Sang to liaise with all key stakeholders, including the Office of the Member of Parliament for Aldai, to resolve any outstanding issues. He also linked the Mother and Child unit project to President William Ruto’s Universal Health Coverage agenda, citing its importance in improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.

As the standoff continues, residents of Aldai are watching closely, with many hoping dialogue will prevail to ensure both uninterrupted government operations and timely delivery of critical healthcare infrastructure.