By MKT Correspondents
A caucus of top government appointees has urged the residents of the mountain region to support development initiatives being undertaken in the area and further crusade for President William Ruto’s reelection in 2027.
Despite ever growing criticism over the high cost of living and unfulfilled promises by the current administration, members of the Jamii Imara Mashinani caucus say all will be well and no pledge will go unfulfilled.
Last Saturday, the caucus comprising of Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Chairpersons, Directors and Chief Executive Officers of State Corporations from Mt Kenya and its diaspora was at Kahugu-ini Primary School grounds in Ng’enda Ward, Gatundu South where members highlighted various efforts by the government in terms of development and service initiatives.
Working under the leadership of Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Ms Mary Muthoni, the caucus works under the theme; ‘Tukutane, Tujadiliane na Tushirikiane’ where members of public actively interact with them, raising issues that they feel the government should look at.
The Saturday meeting was attended by several of the caucus members, led by Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome.
Others were Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura, several Principal Secretaries including Ms Muthoni, Salome Beacco (Correctional Services), Mary Muthoni (Public Health), Alex Wachira (Energy and Petroleum), and Elijah Mwangi (Sports).
The CS disclosed that her ministry had made significant progress in digitizing land processes to enhance transparency and curb fraud, adding that the full implementation of the initiative requires an estimated KSh35 billion.
Principal Secretaries Muthoni and Beacco urged young people to shun drug and substance abuse, which they said continues to derail the potential of many youth in the region.
They encouraged them to take advantage of government programs such as Ajira Digital, Affordable Housing, and NYOTA to secure a better future.
“Drug abuse remains a serious problem in Central Kenya. That’s why we are moving around to sensitize our people about its dangers,” said Ms Muthoni with Beacco adding, “We have many young people in prison today because of drug and alcohol abuse, which often leads to crime. We want to urge them to protect their future by avoiding such habits.”
The government Spokesman said the Kenya Kwanza administration has delivered on key promises, citing the reduction of fertilizer prices, employment of teachers, and job creation both locally and abroad.
“This government has done what no other has achieved. We have employed more teachers than any administration since independence, reduced the cost of fertilizer, stabilized the economy, and created new job opportunities,” he said.
During the one-one engagement, the caucus members, led by Ms Muthoni encouraged the residents to continue enrolling in SHA so that their families have access to affordable health care.
The locals were also informed how the government is committed in promoting skills and entrepreural capacity to the Youth through the NYOTA program that is set to benefit more than 100,000 youths across the Country with a capital of 50,000 each.
They were also further informed how President Ruto’s administration is making significant strides in various sectors, including establishing sports academies in every constituency to empower children and youth, investing KSh409 million to connect over 2,200 households to electricity in Kiambu County, and combating corruption and land-related issues through the Arthi Sasa digital platform.
Additionally, they were told, Sh49.3 billion has been allocated for affordable housing and market development in Kiambu County, with projects underway in Ruiru, Limuru, Thika, Kikuyu, Gatundu, and other areas.
The Kiambu forum which came after similar ones held in Murang’a, Embu and Kirinyaga counties was convened amid growing discontent among residents of the area over the rising cost of living, heavy taxation, and perceived slow implementation of campaign pledges.
The caucus members however assured the residents that the government was addressing their concerns and will in due course be worked on.
The caucus hopes that with such forums, the millions of locals will as the 2027 General Elections approaches will change their perception on Kenya Kwanza administration.
