Lands CS Alice Wahome has stepped up consultations with Murang’a residents as she considers challenging Governor Irungu Kang’ata in the gubernatorial race.
Wahome, who served as Kandara MP for three terms before joining the Cabinet, said she would focus on issues affecting residents if she decides to contest the seat.
She spoke during a meeting with Kandara residents on August 23.
The CS highlighted healthcare, roads, early childhood education and the regulation of bars among the issues discussed during the meeting.
She spoke about Kandara Subcounty Hospital, referring to its current Level 3 status and recalling efforts to upgrade the facility to Level 4 while she served as MP.
Wahome also raised questions about food supplied to ECDE centres, particularly the preparation and transportation of porridge.
The CS also spoke about services at Murang’a County Referral Hospital, citing medicines, bed capacity and the facility’s digital systems among the areas discussed.
The administration last year completed a 115-bed hospital wing to expand services, including the outpatient department, maternal and child health unit and critical care department.
The county government has also installed internet connectivity in health facilities as part of its move towards paperless services.
Wahome further discussed the Smart Cities programme, which has seen streets in several shopping centres upgraded to improve the business environment.
She said more attention was needed on feeder roads connecting the centres to surrounding areas.
“When you raise these issues, people say you want their jobs, and it’s true because after five years there’s always competition for all seats,” the CS said.
Wahome said Murang’a would have received more than Sh50 billion from the national government over the five-year period and discussed how the funds could be used to improve services.
The CS also raised concerns about the number of bars operating in rural areas, saying some were located near schools, churches and residential areas.
She said local administrators had submitted reports to the county government recommending the cancellation of licences for some outlets.
Wahome said she would prioritise addressing alcohol and drug abuse among young people if elected.
Wahome would become the first woman to contest the Murang’a governorship if she proceeds with her bid. She has not disclosed the political party through which she intends to seek the seat.
She said she would rely on residents to determine her political direction as she continues consultations across the county.
Wahome said she would continue engaging residents before making a final decision on her political vehicle and formally launching her gubernatorial campaign.
