The government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, food security, and grassroots development, with the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku calling for full implementation of e-government procurement across all ministries and county governments.
Speaking at Kamaindi Sub location in Igambang’ombe Constituency during the launch of the Subsidised Day Secondary School fees payment programme, the CS said the electronic system is designed to ensure accountability in the use of public resources.
“All government officials must embrace e-procurement because it guarantees transparency. Those who are not ready to comply should step aside and seek other jobs. We cannot allow misuse of taxpayers’ money,” the CS said.
The occasion also saw the distribution of food supplies for the third-term school feeding program targeting all primary and day secondary schools in Igambang’ombe, alongside the disbursement of Uwezo Fund cheques to community groups.
The CS assured residents that the government has secured adequate food reserves to cushion Kenyans living in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands against drought and hunger.
He said the government has prioritised some 23 counties through special programmes to guarantee food security.
“In regions where drought leads to loss of livestock, the government is implementing a restocking programme to ensure affected farmers are compensated and can rebuild their livelihoods,” he noted.
In addition, the CS announced that construction works at Kajuki Modern Market will begin in the coming weeks after a contractor was awarded the project, promising a modern trading environment for local traders.
Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene urged the Education Ministry to consider teachers in the constituency for hardship allowance, arguing that their working conditions are similar to those in neighbouring Ishiara, Embu County, where teachers benefit from the scheme.
Munene also called for support to operationalise a proposed sub-location and highlighted challenges in electricity access.
He cited a shortage of transformers and urged the ministry to expand the Last Mile Connectivity Programme to ensure more households are connected to the grid at affordable rates.
“These interventions will greatly improve the livelihoods of our people, empower households, and accelerate development in Igambang’ombe,” he emphasised.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
