Kamba leaders convene to chart region’s future

Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua led a high-level meeting aimed at strategising key developmental priorities for the Kamba community.

The gathering at Ol Donyo Sapuk Resort in Matungulu, Machakos County, brought together politicians, government officials, professionals, and members of the Ukambani Agenda Technical Team.

Following a previous gathering at Maanzoni, the meeting focused on establishing a concrete roadmap for economic empowerment, leadership opportunities, and infrastructure enhancements in the region.

“There is a need for unity among Kamba leaders in tackling challenges faced in the region,” Mutua emphasised.

Notable attendees included MPs Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), Caleb Mule (Machakos Town), Joshua Mwalyo (Masinga and Nominated Senator Beth Syengo, alongside various MCAs and technocrats.

To ensure the development agenda aligns with community needs, the leaders announced plans for meet-the-people tours throughout the region, covering Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties, as well as Kamba-populated areas in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Taveta, Embu, and Kwale.

These engagements will aim to gather firsthand feedback from the community to inform the broader development strategy.

A major highlight of the meeting was the focus on empowering the Kamba populace through leadership and professional growth.

Leaders pledged to advocate for increased representation in key sectors, ensuring the Kamba community's involvement in vital decision-making roles within both governmental and private entities.

Mutua highlighted that such empowerment is critical for progress and stressed the importance of creating opportunities for the people of Ukambani.

Development priorities identified during the deliberations included infrastructure, education, and employment—areas requiring immediate attention.

The participants emphasised transparency and accountability in decision-making processes as foundational principles for initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods in the region.

One significant outcome of the meeting was the decision to engage directly with President William Ruto to present the region's development agenda.

Topics for discussion included improvements to road networks, educational enhancements, access to clean water, electrification efforts, and job creation for the youth.

Additionally, the leaders expressed the need for better business support for local entrepreneurs, increased access to credit, and greater representation of Kamba professionals within the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The importance of investing in youth empowerment programmes was another focal point.

Acknowledging the crucial role of young people in shaping the future, leaders resolved to initiate mentorship and skills development programmes aimed at preparing them for leadership and professional opportunities.

Mutua cautioned that neglecting youth empowerment would jeopardise the region's long-term growth.

The upcoming “Maanzoni 2” function is anticipated to fortify these resolutions, providing a platform for continued discussions and ensuring the timely implementation of the agreed-upon strategies.