The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
Email: [email protected]

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Tense budget meeting in Nyeri ends in disarray

Politics

By Lydiah Nyawira | Jun 18, 2016

Members of the public during public participation on Nyeri County’s 2016/2017 budget at YMCA Hall in Nyeri yesterday. [PHOTO: MOSE SAMMY/STANDARD]

A public meeting to discuss Nyeri County budget estimates 2016/2017 nearly degenerated into chaos as members of the public scrambled to have their views heard by the Budget committee.

Budget committee chairman Duncan Gituanja had a difficult time controlling the crowd of about 1,000 people from six sub counties who had attended the forum at Nyeri town YMCA hall yesterday.

While some frustrated residents complained that they didn’t understand the document, most people asked the MCAs to slash budgets allocated to buildings and construction within the county assembly totaling Sh50 million.

Wanjiku Mwangi, a resident from Mathira asked MCAs to scrap advertisements and billboards vote which had been allocated Sh70 million and increase funds for women, youth and persons living with disability.

“You have proposed to allocate women, youth and traders groups Sh30 million each but this is not enough,” she noted.

Keep Reading business

Police officers had to calm down the rowdy participants several times forcing Gituanja to cut short the proceedings to allow for order to be restored. Several women and youth had to be forcibly removed from the meeting by the police after they heckled the MCAs and demanded for a chance to speak.

“You will all get a chance to speak. There is no need for chaos in this meeting. All your views will be heard and recorded for implementation,” Gituanja said.

Charles Maina, who spoke on behalf of persons living with disability, said the refurbishment funds were unrealistic and not a priority for residents.

“Why are you buying machinery each year yet you are not specific about what kind of machinery you want? Do not buy wheelbarrows then label them machinery,” Maina said.

He said nursery schools which have been allocated Sh100 million should receive more money.