Tinderet MP Julius Melly has called for greater unity and increased investment in development initiatives so as to be able to address economic challenges facing the people.
Melly said development should remain at the centre of public discussions, noting that residents were more concerned about opportunities that could improve their livelihoods than political rhetoric.
He spoke during a fundraiser in aid of development initiatives at AIC Kombe District Church Council in Nandi Central.
“We must put development at the centre of everything we do because our people need better services and opportunities to improve their lives,” Melly said.
The legislator said education remains a critical investment in the future of the country, urging parents, churches and leaders to work together to ensure that children from poor families were not left behind.
He said education and skills development would enable young people to compete effectively for employment and business opportunities.
The MP called for greater support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, saying many bright children risked abandoning their education because of financial difficulties.
“Let us invest in our children because education is the surest way of giving the next generation a better future,” he said.
On economic empowerment, Melly urged residents to take advantage of available opportunities in agriculture, small businesses and other income-generating activities.
He said farmers needed better access to markets, affordable farm inputs, value addition and reliable extension services to increase their earnings.
He noted that agriculture remained a major source of livelihood for families in Nandi and called for increased investment in value addition so that farmers could earn more from their produce instead of selling raw commodities.
He urged communities to continue supporting development projects through collective initiatives, saying churches had an important role to play in complementing government efforts.
“Government cannot do everything alone. When communities come together and support projects, we are able to achieve much more,” Melly said.
Melly further encouraged young people to embrace entrepreneurship, saying formal employment opportunities were limited and that skills could enable them to create their own sources of income.
He appealed to residents to maintain peace and unity, warning that political differences should not be allowed to interfere with development.
Melly said political competition was inevitable in a democratic society but should be guided by respect and issue-based debate.
He commended the church and residents for mobilizing resources towards development, saying such partnerships demonstrated the importance of community participation in improving social services.
He urged leaders, churches, professionals and other well-wishers to continue supporting community projects, saying sustained cooperation would help create stronger institutions, improve household incomes and accelerate development across the County.
By Sammy Mwibanda
