- Wavinya blamed MCAs for frustrating development through the county budget standoff.
- She said the impasse forced her administration to halve the planned certified seeds distribution.
- The governor defended her agricultural programmes and urged farmers to take advantage of the ongoing rains.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti on Monday accused Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of sabotaging development in Machakos after she was forced to slash a certified seeds distribution programme by half due to a budget standoff.
Speaking during the launch of the programme in Mbiuni, Mwala Sub-county, the governor said she distributed only 20,000 kg of seeds instead of the planned 40,000 kg.
“Today I was supposed to distribute over 40,000 kg of certified seeds, but I have distributed only 20,000 kg because your MCAs refused to pass the budget. I am operating on 50 percent of the annual budget,” Governor Wavinya said.
She said the budget impasse was not about her but was directly hurting ordinary residents who depend on county programmes.
“The budget was not meant to benefit me personally but was for the people of Machakos. They think they are punishing Kalonzo and Wavinya, but it is you they are punishing,” she said.
Wavinya, who appeared visibly agitated, defended her administration’s flagship programmes. She said those opposing them should come up with alternatives instead of frustrating hers.
“They also opposed the Machakos Youth Service. Why can’t they start their own programmes to assist the youth? I assure you I have no time for nonsense. You gave me work, which I am doing,” she added.
The governor also said her administration will strengthen food security and advance her Chakula Mezani, Pesa Mfukoni initiative.
READ:
Murkomen tasks new cybersecurity board to shield digital systems
“I have launched the Certified Seed Distribution Programme, targeting over 20,000 farmers across Machakos County with 40 tonnes of certified seeds. This initiative is geared towards enhancing agricultural productivity, increasing food production and improving household incomes,” the county boss added.
She also said she is proud that Machakos County was recently ranked sixth nationally in maize production, a milestone that reflects the county’s continued investment in agriculture and the dedication of its farmers.
“So far, my administration has distributed 408,090 kilograms of certified seeds, 75,050 cassava and sweet potato cuttings, and 28,000 avocado seedlings, reaching vulnerable farmers across the county and strengthening food production at the household level,” she added.
She urged all farmers to take advantage of the ongoing rains to plant on time, nurture their crops and embrace good agricultural practices to maximise yields.
Meanwhile, Roads and Public Works County Executive Committee Member Nathaniel Nganga said the county government had upgraded access roads in the area to open up rural areas, allowing farmers to transport their produce to market with ease.
Nganga called for more funds to be devolved to counties to spur development. He said governors need strong allies in the Senate to champion devolution.
By Gastone Valusi
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
