Professionals push for Meru, Tharaka-Nithi unity

From left: Gatunga University College principal and Ameru Professionals Association chairman Prof Peter Muriungi, Water CAS Winnie Guchu, Public Service CS Margaret Kobia and Chuka University VC Erastus Njoka during Ameru Professionals Association meeting at Chuka University on July 21, 2018. PHOTO | ALEX NJERU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Local lawmakers did not attend the professionals meeting that was held at Chuka University.
  • Public Service CS Margaret Kobia, who is a member of the lobby, also insisted on the need for a united Meru region.

Ameru professionals have vowed to unite Tharaka-Nithi and Meru counties for the sake of peaceful coexistence and development.

Members of Ameru Professionals Association (AMPA) met on Saturday at Chuka University in a forum led by the principal of Gatunga University College, Prof Peter Muriungi.

“We came together as Ameru professionals to spearhead peaceful coexistence and development in our region,” said Prof Muriungi.

Chuka University Vice Chancellor Erastus Njoka faulted local lawmakers, who are also members of the group, for shunning the meeting.

“After ascending to power with our help and endorsement, the politicians have decided to run away from us and even ignore our phone calls,” said Prof Njoka.

NAME CHANGE

He said though professionals have suggested change of names for Tharaka-Nithi and Meru counties to Meru South and Meru North respectively, it is just a proposal and politicians should not feel that their jobs are threatened.

Mr Njoka said he was aware some politicians wrote to National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) accusing him of spearheading the name change drive. The leaders argued the name change would cause animosity among residents.

 He, however said it was just a proposal from professionals which is aimed at uniting the Ameru people for the sake of peace and development.

“The issue of the county name change is a proposal and politicians should not run away from realities because the change has a lot of benefits,” said Prof Njoka.

Cabinet Secretary Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs, Prof Margaret Kobia who is also a member, also insisted on the need for a united Meru region.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Ms Kobia urged youth in the region to take advantage of the technical institutes that the Jubilee government has established in each constituency in the country.

“Not a single youth with technical skills is unemployed or idle at home and that is why government is pumping a lot of resources in our technical institutes,” said Ms Kobia.

Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Sanitation Winnie Guchu called on professionals in the country to support President Uhuru Kenyatta in achieving his Big Four agenda.

She said availability of enough water for both domestic and irrigation purposes will play a pivotal role in realisation of the government’s agenda.