Kiambu MCAs table five major bills and intensify scrutiny of stalled development as debate on Governor’s Address continues

Kiambu County Assembly on Monday held a packed plenary session, introducing five major bills and resuming debate on the Governor’s Address, in a sitting marked by both legislative progress and growing frustration over slow development across the county.

The session, chaired by Speaker Charles M. Thiong’o, saw MCAs table bills on sanitary towel provision, vocational training, a county investment corporation, fire and rescue services, and early childhood education. All five bills were committed to their respective sectoral committees for review over the long recess, with the Assembly expected to resume in February.

Speaker Thiong’o urged committees to prioritise the bills, saying the legislation will play a key role in strengthening service delivery and supporting vulnerable groups across Kiambu.

During debate on Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s October 8 address, Majority Leader Godfrey Mucheke highlighted achievements in ECDE, including the completion of 312 classrooms and delivery of economic empowerment programmes such as piglets, chicks and fertilizer to households.

However, he criticised Gatundu North MP Elijah Kururia over the demolition of a county-built ECDE classroom, arguing that the dispute should have been resolved amicably and the facility preserved while long-term plans for the land were settled.

MCAs from multiple wards raised concerns over the slow rollout of projects — particularly in roads, infrastructure and public works. Limuru East MCA Macharia Wambui questioned why streetlights worth Ksh10 million under his Ward Fund had not been installed. Karuri MCA Peter Wainaina echoed similar frustrations, saying streetlights procured in May were still lying idle in stores.

Ng’enda MCA Joe Kigara criticised departments for “focusing on secondary issues” while feeder roads across the county remain in disrepair, despite annual budget allocations.

Kahawa Sukari MCA Kennedy Obudho raised the alarm over increased land rates in several wards, saying residents were still being charged despite the Executive’s directive waiving arrears for the past three years. He said many landowners were facing “unbearable” charges despite the Assembly passing the Kiambu County Valuation and Rating Act, 2024 to ease the burden.

Obudho further questioned persistent failures in the revenue collection system, noting that despite Kiambu being ranked among top counties after collecting Ksh5.4 billion, huge losses continue especially from parking fees due to system breakdowns.

MCAs urged the Executive to seal loopholes, speed up stalled works and restore public confidence in service delivery.

Debate on the Governor’s Address is scheduled to continue on Tuesday before the House proceeds to recess.