Wavinya's inner circle defends public participation forums
Machakos County Finance and Economic Planning Executive Member Onesmus Kuyu addressing journalists on August 29, 2024, at Kathaana village in Kangundo Sub-County after public participation forums on the 2025/2026 County Annual Development Plan. Photo/Gastone Musyoka
Some Members of Parliament (MPs) have been accused of opposing public participation forums being conducted by the County Government of Machakos.
Proponents of the forums told AVDelta News that the MPs are misleading the public as the activity is anchored in law.
Machakos County Finance and Economic Planning Executive Member Onesmus Kuyu said such MPs seem to be unaware that it is Parliament which makes laws and the laws have to be applied to the letter.
Among MPs from Machakos County who have in the past been accused of speaking out against Governor Wavinya Ndeti-led public participation forums include Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, and Masinga MP Joshua Mwalyo.
Addressing journalists on Thursday at Kathaana village in Kangundo Sub-County after public participation forums on the 2025/2026 County Annual Development Plan, Mr Kuyu along with other Executive Members who represented the governor, defended the exercise saying implementation of projects without proper public participation would jeopardize the projects, and attract legal consequences.
"There are people misleading the public that Governor Ndeti is doing too much public participations yet they are the ones who make laws. According to the law, you cannot commit government funds to projects before having the projects in a CIDP confirmed by the people," said Mr Kuyu.
He said such people should be dismissed as noisemakers as Machakos County was recently ranked position two(2) among 47 counties on budget transparency by a credible international agency.
Mr Philip Maithya, a youth from Mitaboni Ward appreciated Governor Ndeti's efforts in addressing the growing challenges facing the youths.
Mr Maithya urged the County Government of Machakos to support talent and also fast track rehabilitation of young people who are into drugs.
Governor Ndeti has directed that the law on 30 percent of government tenders to the youths and people living with disabilities (PLWDs) be implemented.
She has also announced the establishment of the Machakos Youth Service among other measures aimed at economically uplifting the youth.
Among major projects that the County Government is undertaking include construction of Muindi Mbingu Speciality Hospital, County Integrated Aggregation Centres, construction of Mavoko Level 4 Hospital, and tarmacking of four(4) key roads.
