President Ruto proposes reforms in county assemblies to enhance accountability
Nairobi
By
PCS
| Mar 11, 2024
President William Ruto has urged Kenya Kwanza Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to understand the political alliance's manifesto so that they can explain it to Kenyans at the grassroots.
He said the government is implementing a host of programmes aimed at transforming the lives of Kenyans. He cited subsidised fertiliser, universal healthcare, housing and ICT hubs, among others.
Noting that some farmers have not received subsidised fertiliser because they are unregistered, the President asked MCAs to mobilise them for registration in their wards.
"We will make sure that every region gets adequate fertiliser. Our goal is to increase food production and eradicate hunger," he said.
He made the remarks on Monday during the Kenya Kwanza Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) consultative meeting at State House, Nairobi.
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President Ruto explained to MCAs that the government is building 500 fresh produce markets across the country, and equipping them with cold rooms in an effort to reduce post-harvest losses.
To address the serious national challenge of unemployment, the President said the government is implementing housing, ICT hubs, Special Economic Zones and export of labour programmes.
On health, the President said four laws have been enacted to smooth the way for the implementation of universal health coverage, thus guaranteeing access to quality healthcare.
"We must always remember that delivering to the people is our mandate," the President said.
The President said the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to changing the politics of the country by keeping its promises to the people.
He said that it was no longer fashionable for leaders to give and then break promises after being elected.
"We are going to implement our manifesto to the letter. As leaders at the grassroots, let us focus on the delivery of our plan," he said.
The President told the MCAs that Kenyans are fed up with ethnic and tribal politics, adding that they are interested in issue-based politics.
He pointed out that he was not elected President because of the size of his community, but on the ideas he presented to Kenyans.
"Let us engage in politics that will unite the country," he said.
The President asked the county legislators to consider amending their Standing Orders to allow County Executive Committee members to answer questions in the assemblies as is the case now in the national Parliament.
"We want to enhance transparency and accountability," he said.
President Ruto commended MCAs for collaborating with the National Government to deliver services to the people.
"You are dedicated in passing Bills that have facilitated the implementation of key development programmes at the counties," he said.
Present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Governors Ann Waiguru, Cecily Mbarire, Ken Lusaka and Susan Kihika, Majority Leaders Aaron Cheruiyot (Senate) and Kimani Ichungw'a (National Assembly).
Others were MPs Naomi Waqo, Steve Lelegwe, Boni Khalwale and Sylvanus Osoro, UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala and Jubilee Party Leader Sabina Chege.
Mr Gachagua called on MCAs to work with the government to ensure the delivery of the development agenda.
He also urged the MCA to enact laws that will support the government's fight against alcoholism.
Ms Waiguru urged MCAs to support government programmes at the grassroots.
"There will never be a better government than the one we have today," she said