An MP in Kiambu County has challenged residents to stop depending on handouts from politicians.
Speaking on Tuesday in Thika when he met various self-help groups, Thika Town MP Patrick Wainaina asked his constituents to stop asking politicians in the county to give them money to provide for their families.The MP called on residents to come up with viable business ideas that will enable them to earn an honest living. "No one was born poor in this world. It is high time Thika constituents came up with good business ideas because I am ready to offer financial support to them to set up small businesses to boost their living standards," he said. He challenged locals who are already in groups to maximize their output in a bid to benefit fully on the available opportunities such as government tenders and funds. "No tender will be given to foreigners in Thika Town constituency if locals join groups and apply for the available tenders such as road construction and upgrading. I am committed to ensuring that my people's living standards improve in a bid to reduce the over-dependence ration," he added. Wainaina criticised his predecessors for ignoring the needs of the people despite being in a position to help residents grow economically by setting up small businesses for them. The lawmaker promised to fight poverty in the region before his five-year term comes to an end.