Kisii: Backlog in disbursement of capitation to schools will be cleared during the holiday break to ensure smooth learning during the third term, Gusii leaders affiliated to the Kenya Kwanza government have said. Speaking to about 3000 participants during a stocktaking event with various stakeholders at a Kisii hotel, the leaders acknowledged there were delays in clearing the pending bills but assured that efforts were being made to settle the matter.
According to Kenya News Agency, South Mogirango Constituency MP Silvanus Osoro stated that all pending capitation disbursements will be sorted by the time learners are opening schools in September this year. Osoro also reiterated the government's plans to end its contract with a contractor mandated to undertake the over Sh3 billion Kisii Cancer Centre due to a lack of commitment to complete the works in time despite having been paid the full amount. Osoro, who is also the National Assembly chief whip, noted that such projects were derailing development and giving the government a bad name in the area.
Japheth Nyakundi, the Kitutu Chache North MP and treasurer of UDA, said the residents had raised serious matters, including stalled projects in the area, some of which have been delayed by up to 10 years. Nyakundi emphasized that residents wanted fertilizer to reach grassroots from major towns to ward and constituency levels. He mentioned that Sh 9.3 billion has been allocated specifically for electricity connectivity in Kisii, which is among the counties with low connection rates. He assured that the railway line meant to cover Nyamira, Kisumu, and Malaba borders will be completed soon.
On Dr. Fred Matiangi's bid for the presidency, Nyakundi criticized his supporters, stating that he was yet to announce his 2027 bid in the Gusii region. However, Nyakundi noted that anyone was free to contest for the seat and that Dr. Matiangi is yet to meet the residents of Kisii to request their support.
Other leaders present were Steve Mogaka, MP for West Mugirango; Japhet Nyakundi, MP for Kitutu Chache North and treasurer for UDA; Doris Aburi, Kisii County Woman Rep; Jerusha Momanyi, Woman Rep for Nyamira County; and Alpha Miruka, MP for Bomachoge Chache.