Nyeri residents outline key infrastructure projects for budget consideration

ACK St. Peter's Cathedral – Nyeri Town
Friday, May 16, 2025

Residents of Nyeri County have voiced a range of proposed infrastructure projects they believe should be prioritized in the upcoming Financial Year 2025/2026. 

This was during a public participation forum convened by the National Assembly's Budget and Appropriations Committee to gather citizen input on the national budget.

The session, held at ACK St. Peter’s Cathedral in Nyeri Town, brought together citizens, local leaders, and Members of Parliament to deliberate on development priorities across the County’s constituencies. 

The engagement is part of the committee’s nationwide initiative to align the budget with grassroots needs and promote inclusive governance.

Several Members of Parliament attended the forum, including Hon. Duncan Mathenge (Nyeri Town), Hon. Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), and Hon. John Kaguchia (Mukurwe-ini), who joined residents in presenting the pressing infrastructure challenges in their areas. 

The Head of Delegation, Hon. John Paul Mwirigi (Imenti South), led the committee in listening to submissions and responding to queries from the public.

Among the key proposals were the construction and rehabilitation of critical road networks, improved healthcare infrastructure, including the supply of essential medical equipment to public hospitals, targeted development programs for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and youth empowerment initiatives. 

Many residents cited deteriorating road conditions that hamper transport and access to services, especially in rural areas.

In Mukurwe-ini Constituency, stakeholders submitted memoranda requesting the drilling of boreholes and installation of solar-powered water systems in local schools, aimed at enhancing water access and supporting learning environments.

 Additionally, residents called for the expedited completion of the Mukurwe-ini Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus, which they say is essential for addressing the region's healthcare worker shortage.

Water provision emerged as a cross-cutting concern, with leaders from Kieni and Nyeri Town echoing similar sentiments. They emphasized the urgent need for sustainable water solutions to serve both domestic and agricultural needs in the face of erratic weather patterns and increasing demand.

Beyond infrastructure, residents raised concerns about transparency in government spending, urging the committee to prioritize accountability and introduce stringent oversight mechanisms. 

They cited frequent reports of corruption and mismanagement of public resources, stressing that new projects must be accompanied by strong safeguards to ensure value for money.

In response, Hon. Mwirigi acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns raised and commended Nyeri residents for their active civic engagement. He assured the public that all the proposals and feedback collected would be consolidated and presented during parliamentary deliberations on the national budget. 

He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring that public funds are allocated in a manner that directly benefits communities.

“This forum has been insightful. We have heard you clearly. The issues of water access, health infrastructure, roads, and youth development will be given serious attention,” said Hon. Mwirigi. “We must ensure that the national budget reflects the voice and needs of the people.”

The Nyeri forum is part of a broader public participation framework designed to democratize the budgeting process and ensure equitable resource allocation across the country.