Murang'a Ward reps hold on to Sh700m

The county assembly has rejected Governor Mwangi wa Iria's amendments on the budget and maintained estimates that allocated the contentious Ward Development Fund (WDF) Sh700 million.

Rejecting the amendments, the MCAs described the fund as their lifeline following public participation forums that proposed allocation of funds to the kitty similar to Constituency Development Fund (CDF) managed by MPs.

Members unanimously rejected the amendment motion tabled by Leader of majority Peter Kihungi insisting they will support a budget they approved last month with allocations to the fund.

All the 45 present MCAs voted against Mr Iria's amendment.

In a communication to the assembly, through Mr Kihungi, the governor indicated that the estimates presented for approval had been distorted creating a new budget which the executive is not able to approve.

Ng'araria MCA James Kariuki said the local assembly should remain independent to review the budget as demanded by the public during their participation forums.

Mr Kariuki said the ward fund would be a catalyst of development at the local level that will address issues directly.

"The MCAs will not manage the kitty but will ensure equitable distribution of development in all parts of the ward," said Kariuki.

Kariara MCA David Muhoro condemned the executive over failure to respect the wish of the public in the creating of the development kitty.

The county Secretary for Finance George Kamau had presented a Sh7.1 billion for approval on April 30.

Stern measures

The assembly slashed many of the allocations, among them Sh500 million for establishment of a mini hydro power station,  to allocate money to the development kitty.

Meanwhile, A transport sacco in Murang'a has introduced stern measures on their crews to ensure they abide by traffic rules and regulations.

The management of MTN Sacco yesterday read the riot act to the drivers and conductors telling them to ensure compliance with National Transport and Safety Authority regulations or face fines, suspension and subsequent dismissal from employment.

MTN Chairman Newton Mwangi said the matatus will now have tracking systems.