The Mountain Journal
Murang’a traders and professionals have spelt
out the need for lower levies charged by the county government, calling for
future consultations before publishing the finance bill.
Led by Newton Mwangi, Francis Manyeki, Ben Mburu, Philomen Kibiru and Samson Kaguma( (tea farmers said it would
be prudent for the holders of the governor’s office to be considerate to the
traders and the general public who are the majority oppressed with high levies
imposed on them in efforts to raise revenue.
The stakeholders met Senator Irungu Kang’ata
when he shared his governorship vision on Sunday night in Murang’a town.
Others who have declared interest to run for
Governorship are Water and Irrigation Principal Secretary Joseph Wairagu wa
Maai, former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau, MP Sabina Chege, Chairman of Tea Lobby
Sector Irungu Nyakera among others.
They were campaigning to
succeed Governor Mwangi wa Iria who is campaigning for Presidency through
Usawa Kwa Wote Party.
Mwangi regretted that Murang’a town has failed to attract investors thus rendering the
youth idle with the majority plunging in alcoholism and drug use.
“ It is the high time we scout for a
governor with capacity and who will lure investors in the county to
empower our educated youth,” said Mwangi.
The senator said his administration will
ensure the performance of the devolved units, as he will look for investors
ready to set up industries, to create employment for hundreds of the youth.
The PSV, Manyeki recounted how despite
the hard times the assembly had failed to represent their interests with a
monthly charge of operating in the terminus charged at Sh2,500 per month.
“ The slot of the governor is very powerful
and we would like a leader who will work hand in hand with the
public transport sector with approximately 4,000 vehicles,” said Manyeki.
Kaguma, the chairman at Gatunguru tea
factory, said Murang’a has 10 tea processing factories, thus leadership
to support farmers in the formation of a tea marketing agency.
“ With the highest number of tea factories in
Kenya, Murang’a is working to set the pace through establishing our tea agency
similar to KTDA for the interest of the growers,” said Kaguma.
Kang’ata said he was ready to meet
grassroot leaders who know the problems and their solutions.
He drummed up support for Deputy
President William Ruto saying he has the ability and capacity to take the
country to another level upon the exit of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“I have been born and brought up in Murang’a
town and know many of the problems facing the locals. It is the high
time that leaders support my vision for the growth of the county,”
said the senator.
