Bahati Member of Parliament Irene Njoki has drummed up support for Government’s Affordable Housing and Social Health Insurance Fund(SHIF) initiatives.
The MP noted that the initiatives are key towards transformation of society.
Speaking on Monday March 25,2024 during the disbursement of NG-CDF Bursary Cheques worth 40 million shillings to school heads in Dundori and Lanet Umoja Wards, the Lawmaker stated that the the Affordable Housing Project will help transform society.
She reiterated President William Ruto’s sentiments that the affordable housing agenda will also offer job opportunities to youth.
MP Njoki who also sits in the Housing Committee of National Assembly revealed that Affordable Housing Project is soon coming to Lanet where 2000 units will be set up.
She told off those who have been opposing even the housing levy.
According to the MP, the levy is only for those who are employed to help other Kenyans too.
“This is a project that is timely. We know that for sure our young people will get jobs during the implementation. As a matter of fact we have affordable housing coming here at Lanet. We are final stages just awaiting the handing over of the project to the contractor,” she stated.
The MP once again drummed support for the new health insurance scheme.
The scheme dubbed Social Health Insurance Fund, she said is well structured to cater for all Kenyans.
“We are calling on Kenyans to register for Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) once registration is rolled out. Those against the scheme are ill advised. Let us support the government of the day even as it tries to address the issue of economy,” she said.
On the ongoing crackdown on illicit brew, the MP called on constituents to support Government’s effort on the same.
She revealed that tough measures have been put in place adding that even landlords whose premises are used to sell illicit brew will face it tough.
The government has decided that landlords who have businesses with illicit brew , their houses will be taken by government.
“The war on illicit brew si on and we all have a responsibility to support security team on the same. Long time ago alcohol was only taken after work, not before work but today we are doing badly ‘Baada ya kazi imekuwa badala ya kazi’,” she said.
The Lawmaker who recently visited Saudi Arabia on matters job opportunities for youth, called on unemployed youth in Bahati Constituency to visit her office and register so that they can be absorbed whenever opportunities arise.
She warned that though job opportunities are available, it requires discipline.
“We have job opportunities and that is why I went to Saudi Arabia some days ago to secure some jobs for our youth. Parents should also ensure they up their parenthood. No youth can be allowed to behave badly in foreign countries,” stated Njoki.
The first time serving MP in Parliament also used the meeting to assure constituents that matters infrastructure are being addressed.
She urged locals to understand the difference between the county roads and national ones.
“We are doing all we can on matters infrastructure. Those that are not under my jurisdiction, I will pass the message to the County so that they can be addressed,” she said.
On electricity connectivity, the Legislator revealed that the Government will be giving 50 million shillings every year for connectivity adding that she will continue to lobby to ensure that atleast more areas are in Bahati Constituency are connected.
Though water is not under MP’s mandate, the Lawmaker has commenced a project of ensuring all schools have boreholes for constant supply of water.
Issue of mental health also came up with MP Njoki revealing that she is already partnering with second Lady Dorcas Gachagua to see to it that those affected undergo counseling sessions.
“We want to help out people who might be going though depression and any other mental health issues. his will help our people who are affected with mental health issues,” she said.
It should be noted that Bahati NG-CDF allocated 60 million shillings for bursary kitty 2024.
The first disbursement for 2024 was sh 25 million-worth cheques issued to Form One students.
MP Njoki assured of transparency and accountability in the disbursement.
“We want to ensure Education for all in this constituency. Whatever I promised during campaigns, I will ensure I deliver the same. My office remains open to receive any complaints and what should be done moving forward,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the issue of schools struggling with burden of paying BOM teachers came up with MP calling for the need to have a meeting with NG-CDF and parents on way forward.
She pointed out that she is pushing hard so that BOM teachers can be absorbed by government so that parents cannot be overburdened.
School heads led by Julius Mutahi (Principal Bavuni Secondary School) called on Parliament to push the executive and ensure Education capitation for free secondary education is disbursed on time.
Mutahi noted that this will ensure smooth running in schools.
“As school heads, we are appealing to the government to disburse the funds to schools on time,” he stated.
Dundori Assistant County Commissioner Wilson Metito who attended both meetings, on lauded residents for the continued collaboration with security team in ensuring peaceful co-existence.
He revealed that there are positive stories in the villages of Bahati adding that continued good work of the MP has seen a smooth security operations in the area.
On illicit brew, the ACC reiterated Government’s effort in the fight against.
“We are continuing with the crackdown on illicit brew and we urge all residents to co-operate with us,” he said.
On Tuesday March 26, 2024 Bahati NG-CDF office under the patronage of MP Irene Njoki will issue the bursary cheques in Bahati, Kiamaina and Kabatini Wards.
Author: Pristone Mambili
A trained Journalist with passion for Radio and online Writing.