Awakening Kitutu Chache North, "The ball is in my court", says MP Nyakund

BY ERIC ABUGA

MP Japheth Nyakundi is determined to awaken the Kitutu Chache North Constituency, stating, "The ball is in my court."

For years, Kitutu Chache North has been plagued by issues such as the killing of the elderly due to witchcraft allegations, the jigger menace, and the rampant production of illicit brew. 

Here, a seemingly meek grandmother can easily be suspected of witchcraft, leading to tragic outcomes, including the killing and burning of several elderly individuals.

The constituency has suffered from a lack of proper school support and poorly maintained structures, which have contributed to poor educational performance. The collapse of classrooms and a scarcity of essential facilities, such as toilets and clean water, have created unsafe and uncomfortable learning environments.

According to MP Nyakundi, the constituency has been ranked the lowest in Kisii County for nearly six years. "We made a collective decision among all education stakeholders in the area to change the situation," he explains. 

Upon my election in 2022, I resolved to reshape our education system by reviewing teaching methodologies, ensuring timely financial support, and closely monitoring management systems. Our efforts are already yielding positive results," Nyakundi says.

Nyakundi also highlights the long-standing issues of illicit brew production and drug use in the area. “This has troubled me for far too long. We cannot have a society where women are brewing Chang'aa.”

He emphasizes, “We have held meetings with security officers and agreed to address this menace together. The goodwill is there." 

Now, two years after his election, the 34-year-old MP and National Treasurer of the ruling UDA party is focused on transforming the future of his constituents. 

“Previous leaders did their part, but the structures either need renovations or a complete overhaul. We have no choice; the electorate expects fulfillment of our campaign promises," Nyakundi asserts.

He notes that some schools have already been designated for learners. "We have schools that were leaking, and teachers had to send students home early to avoid rain while sheltering in those buildings."

In terms of electricity access, only about 25 percent of households were connected in 2022. However, the MP has managed to connect nearly 700 homes to the power grid in the past year. 

"There are villages in my area where people could go home and sleep as early as 7 PM, leading to an entire village going silent at sunset. The economy cannot grow without proper road infrastructure, improved agriculture, a robust healthcare system, and electricity access," he explains.

He adds, "Schools and homes must be illuminated. Our children should not have to endure the miserable lives their parents and guardians faced. 'Giza tumepiga marufuku' (Darkness is prohibited). My happiest moment is when I fulfill the promises I made to my people."

In less than one year, Kitutu Chache North has seen the improvement of over 80 kilometers of roads to bitumen standards. What were once muddy, dusty, and inaccessible roads have been transformed, allowing locals easier access to shopping centers.

A staunch supporter of the Kenya Kwanza regime, Nyakundi believes that his collaborative approach has secured key development projects for the constituency. 

"Many of the projects launched in my constituency are a result of close cooperation with the National Government. We formed the current Government and chose to remain committed to it."