On Thursday, residents of Maraka Ward, Webuye East Constituency, gathered for an important meeting to discuss various development projects they would like to see implemented in their area, with a particular focus on improving education. The meeting, which took place at Nangili area, provided a platform for community members to voice their concerns and offer suggestions on the types of projects that would benefit the local population.
The session was opened with a briefing on the roles of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) by Mutali Murunga, the CDF Chairman, and Dancun Kodii, the NG-CDF Funds Manager. The two officials emphasized the importance of understanding the distinctions between national and county government projects, and the need for transparency and accountability in the allocation of resources.
Education Takes Center Stage
Education was a key topic during the meeting, with Joseph Kiberenge, the headteacher of Lufwindiri Primary School, leading the charge on behalf of local head teachers. Kiberenge highlighted the need for equitable distribution of development projects across schools within the constituency. He noted that larger schools have often received more attention, while smaller schools in remote areas continue to miss out on necessary improvements and infrastructure.
“We urge the government to ensure that all schools, regardless of size, receive fair and equal support to enhance learning environments for our children,” Kiberenge said.
Calls for Transparency in Bursary Disbursement
In addition to education, residents raised concerns about the disbursement of bursary funds by the NG-CDF Webuye East. They called for greater transparency in the process, demanding that the criteria for awarding bursaries be made public and that the distribution be done in a fair and open manner to ensure that the most needy students benefit.
Naomi Wabwire, the head teacher of Maraka Pefa Primary School, echoed these sentiments, stating that Maraka PEFA primary school was given the CDF (Constituency Development Fund) for the year 2021/2022, and that is when the funding was allocated. The school has a block of four condemned classrooms; two of them have already collapsed, leaving two remaining. This means that by the time the school opens in 2025, pupils will have no place to take their studies.
Contractor Accountability
The meeting also saw some residents voice frustration with contractors who were accused of delivering subpar work on various infrastructure projects funded by the NG-CDF. Several members of the community, including Collins Masinde and Paul Khaemba, expressed their dissatisfaction with the quality of construction on several ongoing projects in the area.
“These projects are critical to the development of our community. We cannot afford to let contractors cut corners or deliver poorly executed work,” Masinde stated.
Feedback to Authorities
In response to these concerns, the local CDF office assured residents that their feedback would be forwarded to the relevant authorities for further action. The office emphasized that the opinions and recommendations of the community are vital in shaping the direction of future development projects.
Mutali Murunga, the CDF Chairman, promised to take the residents’ concerns seriously and work closely with the authorities to ensure that their voices are heard. “We are committed to ensuring that development projects in Webuye East meet the needs of the people and are carried out with transparency, accountability, and fairness,” he said.
Moving Forward
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from the community and local leaders to continue engaging in dialogue to push for better development and educational opportunities. The residents expressed optimism that with increased awareness and collaboration, Webuye East can achieve more balanced and sustainable growth.
As the feedback from the meeting is processed, the NG-CDF Webuye East and local authorities are expected to take concrete steps to address the issues raised, with a focus on improving transparency, equity, and the quality of public service delivery.
