Leaders countrywide decry high cost of living, hit out at 'poor' CSs

Kiisii Governor Simba Arati (left) joins a local musician in a dance during Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Cardinal Otunga High School Kitutu Chache South on December 12 2023. [Sammy Omingo, Standard] Calls for the government to address the high cost of living and alleged underperformance by critical ministries dominated speeches as counties marked Jamhuri Day. There was fanfare as some families took advantage of the free entry to national parks and museums. Governors united in calls for the national government to strengthen counties by disbursing funds in time. In Kakamega, Governor Fernandes Barasa said the timely release of the funds will facilitate good governance. "The late passage of the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill by Parliament; delayed disbursement of the funds even after the passage of the Bill; and the introduction of bureaucratic red tape in accessing the conditional grants are just but links of the chains of neo-colonialism," said Barasa at the Bukhungu Stadium. Governor Anyang' Nyong'o of Kisumu decried high taxation, saying it is threatening the economy. Speaking at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground, Prof Nyong'o faulted the plan to raise money to pay debts by increasing taxes, which affects ordinary Kenyans and businesses. "This avalanche of taxation was not to be used for investment and wealth creation but for debt repayment," he noted. In Busia, local leaders decried escalating insecurity and urged the national government to intervene. Governor Paul Otuoma, Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya and MCAs said many lives have been lost in unclear circumstances. The Governor said he is pushing for the establishment of a municipality in Nambale Town, Bumala, and Port Victoria. In Nandi, leaders used the celebration to advocate against gender-based violence. Governor Stephen Sang and County Commissioner Caroline Nzwili raised concern over rising defilement and bestiality cases. "We have enough of such cases, which have ruined our teenage girls but we cannot relent," said Sang. Elsewhere in Nyeri, Governor Mutahi Kahiga hit out at some Cabinet Secretaries. "There has been a series of power blackouts, which are negatively affecting the economy. The President is working hard to revive the economy. Those Cabinet Secretaries who want to pull back the Kenya Kwanza agendas should leave the office with immediate effect," he said. Kahiga said there was a need for proactive and diligent leaders to drive the development agenda. "Kenya is at a critical juncture in its developmental journey, and it requires leaders who can address the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead." In Kirinyaga, Governor Anne Waiguru said she would initiate talks with President Ruto to stop the privatisation of the Mwea Rice Mill. Speaking at the Good Samaritan Secondary School, Waiguru said farmers were against the move. Instead, she proposed that the farmers be given 54 per cent shares of the mill, citing the case of tea and coffee farmers. In Laikipia, County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri warned parents who will not enrol their children to school. Speaking at Ol' Moran, Kanyiri has said it was the prerogative of every parent to ensure that their children go to school. Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, while celebrating the day at the Rurinja Stadium in Njabini, pledged to help the families of Mau Mau veterans. In Kajiado, the county government used the day to launch a drive to enhance the Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Governor Joseph Lenku deployed 2,100 community health promoters with the aim of increasing beneficiaries to 50,000 in one year from the current 25,000 households. He said the workers have been equipped to carry out preliminary tests before referring residents to hospitals. Lenku also issued NHIF cards to residents aged above 65. He urged the volunteers to focus on the elderly, the poor and the disadvantaged. "This drive is taking UHC to the lowest levels at the grassroots. Earlier, there were challenges of health personnel to reach all corners. Now we have the manpower needed to reach people at the grassroots in all wards," said Lenku. The health promoters will be pushing the Mbuzi Moja, Afya Bora Program in which families are urged to invest in a goat and pay for the NHIF insurance. The goats are sold in a public auction and the proceeds are remitted to the fund by the county government. County Commissioner Jude Wesonga hailed the initiative. [Clinton Ambujo, Sharon Owino, James Munyeki, Kiprono Kurgat,Edward Kosut, Amos Kiarie, Jane Mugambi, Benard Lusigi, Isaac Mpaka and Peterson Githaiga]

Leaders countrywide decry high cost of living, hit out at 'poor' CSs

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