Embu county. [Photo/File]
The Embu Ward Representatives have welcomed Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata’s proposed Ward Fund Equalization bill that would see them receive Sh15 million development funds annually.
Led by Makima MCA, Philip Nzangi, the Ward Reps welcomed the move, saying it would complement the funds that counties receive from the national government for development.
They said MCAs especially those who differ with Governors will now be able to develop their areas without having to beg for help from the county governments.
“In some areas, Governors have shown discrimination in implementing projects. The funds would be helpful as MCAs will at least be able to do something,” said Nzangi.
His sentiments were echoed by Kirimari MCA, Morris Nyaga, and his Mwea counterpart, Harrison Mwaluko who called on Senators to pass the bill, saying it would reduce underdevelopment in the country.
In the proposed Bill, Kang’ata is pushing to have wards receive Sh21billion annually directly from the National Treasury to fund minor projects.
Such projects include the development of nursery schools, rural roads, water projects, bridges, installation of street lighting among others.
Mwaluko told Members of Parliament and Governors to support the Bill that he noted was not meant to outshine them in the eyes of the electorate.
He said they will gain independence in initiating projects that relate to residents as well as make them offer oversight without making them beggars to the governors.
This comes as MCAs from Mbeere South and North Sub Counties accused Governor Martin Wambora of discriminating their regions while making appointments to his cabinet as well as in initiating development projects.
MCAs from the Kamba region have complained that they have not been given any chief officer’s slot while those from Mbeere have gotten two.