Chuka: Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri has pledged to deliver concerns raised by the people, directly to the top authorities in the country, assuring all Kenyans that their grievances would not be ignored by the government. The former Cabinet Secretary was speaking at Chuka Picnic Grounds in Tharaka Nithi County during a welfare groups' empowerment program that brought together leaders, grassroots organizations, and residents.
According to Kenya News Agency, top on the agenda was the new Social Health Authority (SHA) annual contributions, with residents rejecting the proposed four-month payment cycle. Instead, they insisted on monthly payments, arguing that most low-income households cannot manage lump-sum contributions. Kiunjuri promised to escalate the matter to the highest levels of government, noting that healthcare reforms must remain sensitive to the economic realities facing ordinary citizens.
Residents also decried the high cost of fuel, which has pushed up transport and food prices. Kiunjuri acknowledged the hardships being experienced by the majority of Kenyans, assuring Wananchi that the call for a review of fuel pricing structures would be presented to the relevant ministries. The Laikipia East MP also assured area residents that the long-awaited redesigning of the Nithi bridge, a critical link for trade and mobility in the region, would be completed within the next two years.
He also highlighted the government's investment in modern market facilities across the country, urging residents to embrace and utilize the new spaces as part of efforts to boost small-scale trade. Turning to the plight of young people, Kiunjuri emphasized that the government is committed to creating opportunities for the youth. He cited the recent recruitment of teachers, expansion of the Kazi Mtaani program, and pledged that a youth theatre will be constructed in the county to nurture local talent.
'The government is not just focused on formal employment. We also want to empower young people to showcase their creativity and skills,' he said. On national cohesion, Kiunjuri condemned the emerging culture of violent protests, while cautioning demonstrators against engaging in acts of lawlessness. At the same time, he called on the police to guard against the use of excessive force while quelling protests, stressing that peaceful dialogue remains the most effective path to resolving disputes.
On his part, Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, who also attended the event, echoed residents' frustrations with SHA, pointing out disparities between how leaders contribute monthly, while the poor are compelled to pay annually. He called for urgent adjustments to make the program equitable. Kiunjuri, who attended the empowerment event on behalf of President William Ruto and Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, reiterated the government's commitment to grassroots empowerment and inclusive development.
'The people's voice must always reach the highest levels of leadership. This government belongs to wananchi, and their concerns will be addressed,' he affirmed. The Chuka meeting was part of a broader empowerment drive, aimed at strengthening welfare groups as engines of community development, with leaders promising to align government policy more closely with citizens' daily realities.