Don't elect the corrupt, minister urges

Planning minister Wycliffe Oparanya has urged Kenyans to guard against electing corrupt individuals in the next polls.

He also said his Ministry will ensure that CDF money will be used to invest in agricultural activities.

"Citizens must guard against being cheated by corrupt people during next elections for county positions. Integrity of candidates must be beyond doubt," he said.

He was speaking in Mukurweini, Nyeri over the weekend where he lauded area MP Kabando wa Kabando for steering CDF projects in his constituency.

"My Ministry is working towards ensuring that all CDF offices across the nation engage in productive agriculture projects to guard the nation and indeed the constituencies against famine, as a priority towards achieving vision 2030," said Mr Oparanya.

He said Mr Kabando had managed CDF well and also praised President Kibaki for developing the country's infrastructure and overseeing economic growth.

“This CDF is well managed under the leadership of my colleague Kabando. He is an active MP and a nationalist. Let us give credit where it is due."

The minister spoke after touring CDF projects in the area and said most were excellent.

Mr Oparanya also lauded the many agri-business projects and observed the retention of many bright students in school under CDF Bursary scheme in this area.

He opened Gatura water project completed under CDF, which is currently serving over 10,000 people in 2,000 homesteads.  

Mr Kabando wa Kabando, who is also Sports assistant minister, urged that the bursary and water programmes under CDF be retained even as counties take charge of other funds after the next elections.

“This will allow for continuity of education of thousands of needy but bright children currently in midstream in schools and colleges. Water projects expansion and completion will insure against food insecurity," Mr Kabando said.

The MP also cautioned against balkanisation of regions into mono-ethnic fiefdoms, saying they are drawbacks to national development.

Mr Oparanya urged voters to keep their leaders in check and push for the full implementation of the Constitution for them to realise the full benefits of a modern Kenya.