President Kenyatta: Register as voters to determine leaders you want

By PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta has appealed to Tharaka Nithi residents to register in large numbers so that they can have a voice in deciding who their leaders will be.

Saying the management of resources at the county level will be determined by the leaders elected by wananchi during the coming general election, President Kenyatta extend his call to all Kenyans to utilize the remaining period to register as voters.

“The new Constitution has devolved a lot of resources to the counties to cater for health, agriculture and water services among others. These resources which have a direct impact on your lives will be managed by the leaders you will choose. If bad leaders are elected, remember you will have to live with them for the next five years before you can make changes,” said President Kenyatta.

President Kenyatta said apart from the resources allocated to the county governments, Members of Parliament also manage kitties worth Ksh 100 million annually.

“MPs are also allocated public funds to manage through the Constituency Development Fund, bursaries, Youth and Women Fund. If you allow others to choose leaders who do not represent your interests, you have yourself to blame,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta, who was on the 8th day of his visits to the counties rallying Kenyans to register as voters in preparation for the next general election, began his tour of Tharaka Nithi by addressing thousands of wananchi in Gatunga market and Marimanti before heading to Kathwana.

He endorsed the decision by Tharaka Nithi leaders and residents that the county’s headquarters be located at Kathwana.

The President said the national government will adhere to the decision of the people on the location of the headquarters and ensure all the necessary infrastructure is in place for wananchi to access all the services they require.

“Just as it is in Chuka, we will also ensure all roads in Kathwana are tarmacked, street lights are installed and water services are provided,” he added.

Residents of Gatunga cheered as the President landed from Marsabit town. It is the first time in the history of Kenya for a Head of State to visit the place.

On the development of the county, President Kenyatta gave a one month period to the contractor awarded the tender to construct Gatungi-Chiakariga and Mitheru-Kanwa-Kathwani roads to start the work or else the contract will be cancelled.

He criticized the contractor for taking too long to start the work even after being awarded the tender one year ago.

“This road is being built for the benefit of wananchi not for the interests of the contractor. I, therefore, cannot tolerate someone who has been paid money to continue wasting our time,” said President Kenyatta.

The President also said the Government will continue expanding education facilities to ensure many Kenyans access quality education.

In this connection, facilities at the Gatunga campus of Chuka university will be upgraded to meet the demands for quality education in the area.

“The Government has allocated Ksh 70 million to Marimanti Technical Institute and will add another Ksh 50 million to build the capacity of the institute,” said the President.

Other projects being implemented by the Government include the construction Kibuuka high water grand falls which would ensure the locals get clean water for domestic and irrigation use.

Once completed, the project will cover Marimanti, Kamarandi, Maragwa and Chiakariga locations of Tharaka Nithi County.

President Kenyatta also addressed wananchi at Magutuni, Mitheru, Chogoria, Chuka University shopping centre and Chuka bus stage.