Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called upon Kenyan youth who are not registered voters to turn up and register in order to participate in the coming general elections.
The Deputy President who spoke at General Kago Stadium in Kangema town on Friday during Kangema Constituency Economic Empowerment forum, said the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s ongoing registration intends to ensure the eligible youth are included in the voters’ roll, asking them to take full advantage of it.
He called upon the residents of Murang’a and the entire country to ensure that all those who have attained the required age (18 years) register as voters.
“Kenya is led according to the constitution and for anyone to be able to choose the leaders they want, they must have a national identity card and be a registered voter,” he said
“Those who know any young people that are not registered voters, inform them that the voter registration process has started,” he added
He urged all Kenyans to get registered as voters, highlighting it is the only way they can elect the leader they desire and take part in determining the leadership of the country.
At the same event, Prof Kindiki highlighted government-funded development projects worth Sh17.4 billion currently underway in Murang’a County.
He said 23 modern markets valued at Sh3 billion are under construction, including Karugia and Kagira in Kangema constituency.
In addition, Sh11 billion has been allocated to affordable housing projects in Makuyu, Makenji, Gatanga and Kiharu.
The education sector is also set to benefit, with Sh3.4 billion set aside for new hostels at Murang’a University of Technology, Murang’a Teachers College, the Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTC) and various TVET institutions in the county.
Kangema constituency will further benefit from Sh270 million, which will support 3,170 households as part of a Sh1.2 billion last-mile electricity connection programme across the county.
Prof Kindiki also noted that Sh60 million has already been disbursed for road carpeting in Kangema, with another Sh30 million to be released soon, and pledged an additional Sh50 million.
The Deputy President announced that the General Kago Stadium in Kangema would be upgraded to international standards, while Kangema Level 4 Hospital would be equipped with better facilities and medical staff.
Prof Kindiki praised Murang’a leaders for working closely with the government to secure these projects, urging politicians to focus on finding solutions to people’s challenges rather than lamenting.
“The major role of leaders is to listen to the people and address their issues. It is not right for a leader to lament alongside wananchi while they are in a better position to provide solutions,” he said.
He also defended the government against what he termed unfair criticism. “We are not against correction, but let the criticism be just and based on facts,” he said.
The forum was attended by senior leaders, including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Murang’a Woman Rep Betty Maina, nominated MP Sabina Chege, Senator Veronica Maina, and several MPs and MCAs from across the country.
by Purity Mugo & Bernard Munyao
