Kingi criticised for failing to account for billions meant for agriculture

Kilifi Governor Aspirant Gideon Mung'aro (center) falnked by Magarini Constituency MP(left) and Mustaffa Idd (Kilifi South Constituency) during the launch of his manifesto at Mnarani club on Wednesday 19.7.2017 evening

Kilifi governor candidate Gideon Mung'aro has unveiled his manifesto, promising to invest more in healthcare and food production.

Mr Mung'aro said all health facilities would be equipped and more staff hired to enable them to operate round the clock.

"We will stock all our health facilities with drugs and equipment in order to deliver quality services to residents wherever they are. No dispensaries will be closed at 4.30pm," said Mung'aro.

The Kilifi North MP, who is contesting on a Jubilee Party ticket, will battle it out with the incumbent, Amason Kingi, and Kadu-Asili's Kazungu Kambi.

Speaking to The Standard, Mung'aro faulted the current county government for spending a lot on purchasing ambulances but failing to stock health facilities with drugs.

He also promised to allocate more funds to harvesting rainwater for irrigation as residents have relied on relief food for decades.

In the manifesto dubbed, 'Kilifi Kwanza,' Mung'aro also said his administration would be accountable, adding that he would embrace proper public participation in the formulation of the budget.

Criticised Kingi

He criticised Mr Kingi for failing to account for the Sh4.7 billion set aside for agricultural activities during his tenure.

Mung'aro said the county would construct strategic grain reserves to store food harvested from farmers.

"We will enter into agreements with farmers so that after we have provided them with farm inputs and capacity building for quality farming, they will give the county a certain percentage of the harvest for storage."

He also promised to create a conducive investment environment by lowering rates and offering investors in Kilifi incentives. In return, he said, the industries would create jobs for youths and women.

Mung'aro said if he was elected, his administration would create a talent hub for youths and women as well as children protection centres.

On education, Mung'aro said his administration would complement the national government by building new classrooms in schools.

Mung'aro, who is Jubilee's point man in Coast region, also revealed that if he was elected, he would revive the ailing tourism sector to create work for youths, who depend entirely on tourism for survival.

He also promised to introduce free Wi-Fi zones in all seven sub-counties.

"Each sub-county will be connected to Wi-Fi. It's possible. It's not as expensive as many perceive it to be."