Trans- Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has called on residents to scrutinize their local Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in a bid to ensure they receive their fair share of development projects.
Speaking at a function in the county, the firebrand county boss activated residents to follow up with MCAs for development noting that the ward representatives have no excuse for not delivering, especially on the roads, water and ECDE schools since his administration has already disbursed over 100 million shillings to wards for development projects.
Natembeya said that only residents can hold MCA’s accountable as his government has made efforts to devolve funds to the wards equitably and the MCA’s must work with locals to identify the most pressing needs in their respective areas.
“You (mwananchi) must hold your MCA to account. I don’t want to start hearing that Natembeya’s county administration has given roads to this and that area and neglected the other areas. Since I came to office, we have given over 100 million for roads and 400 million for other projects. My government in Kitale has only 70 million shillings while all the other development funds are at the wards so the MCA’s must work for the people,” Governor Natembeya said.
“I urge the public to take an active role in the development of your ward through the Ward-Specific Funds that I have allocated to bring resources closer to the people. Ensure your voice is heard in selecting and prioritizing projects in your ward,” Natembeya added.
While emphasising on the need for public participation, the Governor noted that it is an essential component of development and is required in shaping initiatives that government undertakes.
” You have heard even national government projects fail for lack of public participation so it is important that you get involved and plan with your MCA on the most pressing needs of your area,” he said.
” You will find a place with a good roads network, good schools, water supply and other services while others are still behind. Ask your MCA what they have done with thief ward county allocation because every ward has money. Get to strategize on your most important needs as a ward and work on them because only with the participation of the public that development can be achieved,” he emphasized.
Governor Natembeya said that he will continue devolving funds to the ward level so that TransNzoia achieves uniform development even as he called on MCA’s to involve the public in all their projects.
