Makueni residents give key proposals for consideration in fy 2025/26

Saturday 17th May, 2025
Makindu, Makueni County

Hon. Florence Jematia (Baringo County) today led a delegation of Members of the Committee on Budget and Appropriations in a public participation exercise for the FY 2025/26 Budget Estimates at Kibwezi West Constituency NG-CDF office, Makindu town, Makueni county. 

The locals during the exercise called on the government to allocate funds towards tarmacking of Emali-Ukia Road. They stated that the stalled progress of the road has resulted in post-harvest losses, restricted access to markets, hospitals and schools.

They also called for completion of Thwake Multipurpose Dam in Makueni-Machakos border saying that it will solve the prolonged water insecurity and reduced agricultural yields due to low rainfalls in the county.

While advocating for job opportunities for the youths, the residents also proposed the completion of Wote Stadium.

“Despite heavy investment the project remains incomplete and has denied youths opportunities and the region potential sports tourism revenue,” Francis Mbatha said.

School going children who were also present during the exercise, called on the government to increase allocation to school feeding programs and ensure there is supply of clean water in schools because lack of these disrupts their learning.

On bursary allocation, the students asked the government to increase allocations disclosing that it has boosted transition from Primary education to secondary education and equally reduced the level of school dropouts due to lack of school fees.

Teachers’ representatives who also took part in the exercise called on the government not to withdraw hardship allowances that they have been benefiting from.

“With the new Curriculum in place, we need Model CBC centres in Mtito Andei, Kambu Township, Machinery Township and Kinyambu Primary Schools. We also lack facilities such as laboratories to facilitate the JSS students,” Mr. Morris Nduva told the Members.

Among other proposals made to be considered in the upcoming budget were: Kibwezi West TVET, settlement of squatters, new public school at Emali and street lights within Emali town.

Hon. Jematia while responding assured the residents that all their proposals had been noted. She however called on them to take care of the existing amenities. She stated that funds used to repair vandalized structures could have been used for new projects.

Also present was the area MP, Hon. Mutuse Mwengi who equally made a pledge to the residents that the Committee would factor in all their proposals.

“It is good to understand the fiscal environment we are in which is very tight and we don’t want to introduce more taxes that will hurt Kenyans. We will do our best to factor in every proposal you have given us today,” said Hon. Mutuse.

Kilome MP, Hon. Naambia Kithua also addressed the issue of lowering the age of the senior citizens eligible for monthly stipends from the government.

According to him, a Bill seeking to reduce the age from 70 years to 65 is already in Parliament and once passed into law, all the deserving senior citizens are set to benefit.