Waiguru’s Ksh. 440M Ward Development Funds enhances implementation of local development initiatives

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru says the ward development funding model has greatly enhanced the implementation of development initiatives at the local level.

The model in which each ward is allocated funds for localized initiatives has seen residents benefit from economic empowerment projects identified by the local communities in collaboration with respective Member of the County Assembly (MCA).

In the current financial year, Waiguru allocated Ksh. 440 million to be shared equally among the 20 wards that make up the county.

She has said that having funds specifically dedicated to local projects is essential in that it empowers the local communities by allowing them to prioritize development projects that directly affect their daily lives and enabling the tailoring of projects to suit the unique needs in each ward.

Speaking in Inoi Ward on Thursday while distributing assorted socio-economic empowerment items to community groups, the governor emphasized on the importance of undertaking community-driven projects since they speak to specific needs of a particular community.

Waiguru noted that the ward funds allocation for this year was an increment from last financial year’s budget of Ksh. 300 million that was disbursed to the wards. She said that prioritization of projects is usually carried out through a rigorous public participation program by the county government. The model also improves accountability and transparency leading to more efficient implementation and sustainable development.

Some of the projects that the funds have supported include graveling of roads, supply of domestic and irrigation water, agriculture and entrepreneurship projects, supporting self-help and welfare groups with assorted items such as tents and chairs. Other wards have prioritized Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE), construction of health facilities, youth empowerment and sports talent development through distribution of sports kits to teams.

In Inoi Ward, the Governor said that Ksh. 22 million Ward Development Funds will go to funding projects such as construction of phase 1 of Mubethu Tea Buying Center, procurement of garbage skips, gravelling of roads, water projects and repair of broken floodlights among others

During the event, Waiguru issued tents to three self-help groups, 270 plastic seats to four groups, school uniforms and stationery for 381 ECDE learners who include 186 girls and 195 boys and 638 water pipes for Mutuma Water project.

The county government has also supported 40 common interest groups from the ward to undertake projects such as tomato, avocado, dairy, chicken, fish, pigs, bee keeping and dairy goats.

At the same time, the Governor promised to construct a new market in Kwa-Eliud area to provide a conducive environment for business in the area. She also noted that Ksh.  5.79 million has been set aside as bursary for needy children from Inoi in this financial year.

She noted that Inoi ward which is in Kirinyaga Central constituency has also benefitted from flagship projects such as upgrading of Kerugoya Hospital from level 4 to level 5, affordable housing project in Kerugoya town, and construction of Kagumo market and installation of 10,000 square meters of cabro in Kagumo town.

Waiguru emphasized on continued collaboration between residents, county assembly and the executive for successful delivery of services.