Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has continued his tour of the Mt Kenya region, using a visit to Gatanga Constituency in Murang’a County to highlight government development projects and call for unity among residents.
Kindiki on Thursday met residents in Gatanga, where he said the government was committed to ensuring that development programmes are aligned with the needs and priorities identified by local communities.
The Deputy President assured residents that the government would continue implementing projects aimed at improving their economic well-being and creating opportunities for young people.
During his engagement with residents, Kindiki highlighted ongoing projects in the area, including the construction of 340 dormitory spaces at Gatanga Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution.
He said the government had allocated Sh145 million towards the construction of the dormitories, which are expected to improve accommodation facilities at the institution and support the growing demand for technical and vocational training.
Kindiki urged residents, particularly young people, to take advantage of the opportunities created by government-funded projects instead of being drawn into political activities that could lead to violence and destruction.
He cautioned residents against allowing politicians to use them to cause unrest, destroy property or turn against one another.
The Deputy President encouraged young people to seek employment and business opportunities arising from development projects in the area, saying productive engagement would help them improve their livelihoods and protect them from exploitation.
Kindiki also raised concern over the spread of illicit alcohol in the area, warning that the trade was having negative consequences on both young people and older residents.
He cautioned individuals involved in the manufacture and distribution of illegal alcoholic drinks, saying the government would continue taking action against businesses that endanger the health and welfare of communities.
The Deputy President's remarks come as he continues his efforts to strengthen engagement with communities across the wider Mt Kenya region.
His tour has focused on government development programmes while also providing an opportunity to address local concerns raised by residents.
Kindiki said the government would continue working with communities to identify and implement projects that respond to their needs, while urging residents to maintain peace and support development initiatives.
He further called on residents to remain united and avoid political differences that could undermine development gains in the region.
The Deputy President's visit to Gatanga is part of his wider tour of the Mt Kenya region, where he has been meeting residents and inspecting or launching development projects.
The government has increasingly emphasised technical and vocational education as a pathway to equip young people with practical skills and improve their access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
