Muranga Leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza government defended the ongoing empowerment programmes across the country, insisting that the programmes are designed to stimulate community-based development and economic growth.
Speaking in Kimorori grounds, Maragua Constituency, during an economic empowerment forum, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki dismissed critics of these empowerment initiatives, observing that most of them were disconnected from the reality of ordinary Kenyans.
“We are here to support chamas and groups that have called on us to walk with them in their journey towards economic independence.”
“Those opposing this programme do not know what hunger feels like because they have been disconnected from the reality on the ground facing the ordinary Kenyan today,” he said.
He clarified that the empowerment funds were not handouts but were about restoring dignity and creating opportunities for the rural households to earn a livelihood by enabling those with businesses to restock and keep their businesses running,” he asserted.
The DP challenged those who were criticising the empowerment forums to stop doing so from the comfort of social media but to openly visit and engage with Kenyans on the ground.
“Let them come here in Maragua and oppose the programmes because, as far as we know, the people are in support of the empowerment programmes to uplift their lives,” the DP declared.
During the empowerment forum, the DP also outlined various infrastructure projects that the government had lined up.
“The government has already released funds to resume the construction of the Ichagaki –Gikomora road which had stalled and while at it, a new 16-kilometre road linking Gwa-thamaki to Mbombo Maragua will be constructed so as to open the remote areas to more economic activity and create more opportunity for the local residents,” he disclosed.
He also noted that the KMTC Maragua will be constructed as earlier directed, while efforts to connect over 16,000 Murang’a residents to electricity through an ambitious programme costing about Sh 1.1 billion will significantly boost local development and improve livelihoods.
The area MP, Mary Wamaua, noted that over 84 women enterprises through social business groups were among those who had greatly benefited from the empowerment that had proved impactful in the rural settlement across.
“We are committed to improving the lives of our people and the empowerment forums have proved to be an impactful avenue for doing this,” she said.
On her part, Betty Maina, the County Women Representative, urged the residents to uphold peace, which is an ingredient towards economic development.
She cited recent demonstrations that left many business owners in the country counting losses running into millions.
She emphasised that while peaceful protests are allowed, they should not result in destruction of property, which not only cripples the local economy but also robs people of their livelihoods.
Other leaders present at the event included Information, Communication and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo; majority leader of the national assembly, Kimani Ichungwa; nominated senators Karen Nyamu and Veronica Maina; and nominated MP Sabina Chege, among others.
By Florence Kinyua and Leslie Linus
