‎‎Mt Kenya East leaders have renewed calls for greater economic and political empowerment, saying the region is seeking a stronger voice in national affairs to secure equitable allocation of resources and accelerate development.

‎Speaking during a funeral service at Kiang’ondu in Karingani Ward in Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency in Tharaka Nithi County, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku said the region’s campaign is to strengthen its bargaining position in government and ensuring residents benefit fairly from national development programmes.

‎Ruku said leaders from the region had resolved to continue supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that the decision was informed by the need to advance the area’s development agenda.

‎He dismissed claims that the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election would influence the political direction of Mt Kenya East, saying the region had already made its political choice.

‎”The outcome of the Ol Kalou by-election does not concern us. Every region is free to make its own political decisions but Mt Kenya East has already made its choice. We will continue working with the government to advance the interests of our people,” the cabinet secretary said.

‎Ruku said the region had for many years lagged behind in infrastructure and other development indicators, citing what he described as disparities in road infrastructure, electricity connectivity and appointments to senior public offices between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West.

‎He claimed that about 23 per cent of road infrastructure was in Mt Kenya East compared to 77 per cent in Mt Kenya West, while electricity connectivity stood at about 30 per cent in Mt Kenya East against 70 per cent in the neighbouring region.

‎The Cabinet Secretary said the region was now seeking increased government investment in infrastructure, public services and other development projects. He added that continued collaboration with the national government would help address the disparities.

‎He urged residents to remain united in supporting the government’s development agenda, saying this would strengthen the region’s capacity to negotiate for more projects, investment opportunities and equitable distribution of public resources.

‎Chuka-Igambang’ombe Member of Parliament Patrick Munene echoed the sentiments, saying leaders from Mt Kenya East would remain united in championing the welfare of residents and ensuring the region speaks with one voice on matters of development.

‎Munene said time had come for the region to chart its own political direction by by focusing on securing development projects that would improve the livelihoods of residents and argued that some parts of the region had experienced slower infrastructure development than others.

He called for major road projects, including expansion of the Makutano-Isiolo and Chuka-Meru highways into dual carriageways to enhance transportation and economic growth.

‎”We must stand together and speak as one region so that our people receive a fair share of national development. We also want major infrastructure projects, including dual carriageways from Makutano to Isiolo and from Chuka to Meru, to spur economic transformation,” Munene said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori

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