Lawmakers across the 290 constituencies are racing against time to deliver on their campaign promises, as this remains the only scorecard that will convince voters and facilitate their re-election in 2027.
A research Firm known as Dependable Brands, in a poll, has indicated that despite the current political heat in the country, including the fallout between the legislature and executive over corruption allegations, lawmakers are rushing to implement and complete development projects in their constituencies.
President William Ruto has recently launched a scathing attack against parliament, which he said has become a breeding ground for corruption. He threatened to have MPs implicated in graft scandals arrested and prosecuted.
The Move by the Head of State is set to dent the re-election bids of many MPs who will find themselves on the receiving end of the graft purge. This has now left lawmakers with one option: so:lto solidify electoral bases by fulfilling promises to their electorates.
Dependable Brands CEO Joe Mutheki, in an interview, said that MPs are already preparing to retain their positions after the next polls, which will only be achieved by fully implementing crucial development projects, including roads, markets, schools, security, and electricity, among others, in their respective constituencies.
Prudent utilisation of the National Constituency Development Fund (NCDF), especially in facilitating and improving education through bursaries and the construction of educational facilities, has been touted as a major score for the majority of lawmakers.
“For example, in Juja constituency, more than three new schools, including St George, Dekoma, and Witeithie primary schools, have been put up to decongest the existing facilities and to promote quality education for learners. Impactful projects will give the current lawmakers an upper hand against their opponents come 2027,” Mutheki said.
At Chuka Igambangombe constituency, led by MP Patrick Munene, alias Pato, Mutheki noted that key educational infrastructure has been put in place as part of a project aimed at raising academic standards in the area.
Implementation of these projects has been actualised through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF). Among the major projects is the construction of the Chuka KMTC.
“Parents with students in secondary schools are paying sh 1000 per term while the NGCDF settles the rest of the school fees. These are some of the projects that are ensuring that learners don’t skip classes or fail to attend school, which will in turn improve academic performance,” he said.
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He quipped that recent polls and research indicate that most lawmakers have resolved to tone down their political activities in their respective areas and instead are now launching, inspecting, and commissioning development projects.
“We are committed to delivering high-quality, data-driven insights that reflect the true voice of the Kenyan people. Our recent findings suggest that most MPs are struggling to meet the deadlines they set for themselves to deliver on their promises to their constituents. Most of them have completed several notable projects, while others are still in the implementation stages. This is what Kenyans want, work,” Mutheki said.
The poll, conducted in 35 constituencies, indicates that development politics will likely override party and tribal politics in the next general elections. “The response we have received from Kenyans in different constituencies is that all they want is developments that will improve their living standards and offer solutions to a myriad of problems they face in their lives,” Mutheki said.
Among the constituencies where the polls have been conducted are Konoin, led by Brighton Leonard Yegon; Karachuonyo (MP Andrew Adipo); Sotik (Francis Kipyegon), Nambale (Geoffrey Mulanya), Chuka Igambang’ombe (Patrick Munene), Yatta (Robert Basil), Kilome (Thaddeus Nzambia), Kitutu Chache South (Anthony Kibagedi), Laisamis (Joseph Lekuton) and Embakasi Central, represented by MP Mejjadonk Benjamin Gathiru.
Other MPs involved in the pollster include George Koimburi (Juja), Charity Kathambi (Njoro), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Joseph Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Bishop Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Lilian Achieng (Rangwe), Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), Jackson Lentoijoni (Samburu East), Kassim Tandaza (Matuga), Julius Mawathe (Embakasi South), Joseph Kimutai (Kipkelion East), Falhada Iman Dekow (EALA) and Richard Yegon (Bomet East).
Women Representatives are also engaging in empowerment activities through the National Gender and Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) as they seek to gain a competitive edge in the next elections.
Some of those involved include Zam Zam Mohammed (Mombasa), Rael Chepkemoi (West Pokot), Lydia Haika (Taita Taveta), Jematiah Sergon (Baringo), Beatrice Adagala (Vihiga), Christine Ombaka (Siaya) and Catherine Omanyo (Busia).
Senators Ali Roba (Mandera), Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri) and Peris Tobiko (Nominated) are also involved in the pollster.
The MPs are aware that the population they lead is informed and will vote based on their performance in terms of developments and legislation.
By John Kamau
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