Kiambu County risks losing Sh1.6 billion meant for infrastructural development including road projects.
This is due to an alleged failure by Governor Kimani Wamatangi to make key appointments of Municipal managers.
Leader of Majority at the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah expressed his concern in a letter addressed to the Governor.
"I am concerned that these pending appointments of Municipal Managers are not the only public offices in the Kiambu County Government yet to be filled with substantive officers,” reads the letter dated October 13, 2023.
Ichung’wah who is also Kikuyu MP noted that his sub-county would be affected since his constituents were to benefit from a Sh326 million project by the World Bank programme.
PS for Housing and Urban Development Charles Hinga had earlier raised the issue with Governor Wamatangi over the appointment of Municipal Managers.
Hinga in a letter dated October 3, 2023, had informed the Governor that seven out of the 12 municipalities in Kiambu will be benefiting from KUSP II funding.
Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) is a project whose objective is to establish and strengthen urban institutions to deliver improved infrastructure and services in participating counties.
However, the PS noted that the selected municipalities risk not getting the Sh1.6 billion.
“These municipalities may not access the requisite financial support in the Financial Year 2023-2024 due to failure to meet minimum conditions that include the appointment of Municipal Managers are required under the Programme,” reads the letter dated October 3, 2023.
PS Hinga urged the Kiambu County boss to make the appointments to ensure the municipalities get the required projects.
In addition, Ichung'wah said that he will have Governor Wamatangi commit to undertaking his constituency projects with county resources in the event the World Bank deal flops.
Ichung’wah emphasized that the delays by the Governor should not have in any manner affected service delivery to his constituents.
Some of the involved projects from Kikuyu include Kamangu Gardens, Kanyayo, the completion of Ondiri Hiuhu, and the second phase of Kidfarmaco roads among others.
The MP also sought to know the challenges Wamatangi is facing that have led him not to appoint the required officials
He said the failure of the selected municipalities not to receive the funds means that other counties that have proven efficiency and effectiveness in the absorption of the grant will be awarded.
“With this in mind, I therefore further seek your commitment that should there be further delay, you shall commit county resources to complete the projects,” Ichung’wah stated.
