Residents of three villages in Makueni County have delivered a stark message to the County government, demanding immediate action to address a range of critical issues impacting their livelihoods and safety.
During a heated public participation forum, the communities of Mulangoni, Musingini, and Kanyungu laid bare their urgent needs, from the lack of basic infrastructure in their markets to the devastating threat posed by marauding wildlife, painting a picture of a community struggling with fundamental challenges.
The lack of essential facilities in local markets took center stage, with businesswoman Cecilia Kioko leading the charge. She passionately called for the urgent installation of floodlights, emphasizing that the darkness not only hinders their ability to do business but also creates a dangerous environment. Kioko didn’t stop there, also demanding immediate funding for drainage improvements and the construction of basic sanitation facilities like toilets and sheds, describing the current market conditions as a breeding ground for disease.
“Our markets lack basic facilities like toilets and sheds, making it difficult for us to work in a clean and safe environment free of diseases,” said Ms. Kioko during the public participation forum.
Adding to their woes, residents voiced significant concerns about the agricultural sector. Emily Mumbua highlighted the crippling impact of delayed government provision of seeds and fertilizer. She explained that these crucial inputs consistently arrive late, coinciding with the end of the rains, leading to failed harvests and food insecurity.
“We rely on these seeds and fertilizer to plant, but every year, they come when the rains have already started or even ended, where this delay affects our food production and leaves us struggling to feed our families,” Mumbua lamented.
Perhaps the most dramatic and fear-inducing issue raised was the destructive presence of wildlife. Denis Mulandi delivered a powerful plea for government intervention to control animals from the nearby National Parks. He recounted harrowing tales of elephants invading farms, destroying entire crops, and leaving families with nothing.
Mulandi also spoke of the constant fear among residents, afraid to move freely due to the unpredictable nature of the wildlife. “These elephants invade our farms and destroy our crops leaving us with nothing to harvest. We are scared to move freely because we don’t know when they might attack. The government must act and ensure these animals are kept within national Parks,” Mulandi said.
The Kikumbulyu Ward Administrator, Alex Makau Nzambu, acknowledged the gravity of the residents’ concerns during the forum. He urged them to continue participating actively, emphasizing that their voices would directly influence budget allocations and policy decisions.
“This engagement allows residents to highlight their most pressing needs, which will inform budget allocations and policy decisions,” he stated.
