Ngenga Condemns Tana River Incident, Unveils Development Plans for Mwingi West
By Peace Muthoka
Mwingi West parliamentary aspirant Jonathan Ngenga has condemned the recent Tana River incident, raising concern over the safety of motorists and travellers who depend on routes serving the region and warning of the disruption that could follow if movement across the area is affected.
Ngenga said the incident should prompt leaders and relevant authorities to examine the safety of people and vehicles using the routes connecting Mwingi to other parts of the country. He questioned what would happen to motorists who regularly pass through the area if movement was restricted.
“What happens to the vehicles passing by Mwingi? What if the border is closed?” Ngenga asked, while stressing the importance of keeping transport routes open and safe for residents and businesses.
Speaking during an exclusive interview at the SKM Centre, Ngenga also outlined some of the commitments he said he would pursue if elected to represent the people of Mwingi West.
Education featured prominently in his plans, with the aspirant promising to complete classroom projects that are currently pending in the constituency. He said his administration would prioritise the completion of the classrooms once he assumes office.
Ngenga said completing unfinished education projects would help ensure that resources already committed to such developments deliver the intended benefit to learners and communities.
He also highlighted a shoe distribution initiative targeting students in the region. According to Ngenga, students have already had their measurements taken as preparations continue for the distribution of shoes.
The initiative is among the programmes he said are aimed at addressing some of the practical challenges facing learners, particularly those from families that may struggle to meet the basic requirements needed for children to remain comfortable in school.
Beyond education support, Ngenga said he has also been involved in skills development programmes that have trained about 400 people. He said the initiative was intended to equip residents with skills that could improve their chances of securing employment and becoming economically independent.
According to Ngenga, seven of those who have undergone the training have already secured employment. He said the progress demonstrated the importance of creating practical opportunities that can help residents move from training to income-generating activities.
Ngenga said he would seek to expand such initiatives if elected, with a focus on completing stalled projects while introducing programmes that directly respond to the needs of residents, particularly in education and skills development.
His remarks come as political aspirants in Mwingi West continue to present their priorities to residents ahead of the next elections, with development, employment opportunities and access to essential services expected to remain key issues in the constituency.
