BY SHABAN OMAR
A section of Kwale residents has called on elected leaders to fulfil the development promises made during the last election campaigns.
The residents said several years into the leaders’ terms, little progress has been made, with most pledges either stalled or completely forgotten.
According to the residents, tangible development remains minimal, and many of the projects that were launched have since stalled while new initiatives remain rare.
Led by Mwalinyenzi Hamis, a village elder from Masindeni in Kinondo ward, voiced concern over the deteriorating state of essential public services such as healthcare, road infrastructure, and access to clean water.
“During campaigns, they promised us modern hospitals, piped water, and tarmacked roads. But up to now, our dispensaries lack medicine, the roads remain dusty and impassable, and the water shortage continues to affect us,” he said.
Mwalinyenzi added that despite the community voting overwhelmingly for some leaders, they feel neglected and betrayed by those they entrusted with power.
He made the remarks during a community dialogue forum with grassroots elected leaders held at Kilole Social Hall in Kinondo, Msambweni Sub-county.
The civic education forum, organized by the Muslim Women Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP), aimed to empower residents with knowledge of their constitutional rights and enlighten them on the specific roles and responsibilities of elected leaders at various levels.
Mwalinyenzi emphasized that leaders must hold themselves accountable and provide regular updates to the electorate on the progress and future plans of development projects in their respective areas.
He, however, expressed disappointment that a majority of the leaders have gone silent since assuming office, only resurfacing during election seasons with fresh promises that rarely materialize.
“Our leaders have abandoned the people. They only come back when elections are around the corner, with the same sweet lies. This cycle must end,” he said.
Mariam Mwakulola, a resident of Mkwambani village, decried the high levels of youth unemployment, saying local leaders had promised to create job opportunities but have since failed to deliver.
Mwakulola criticized the shift in tone by some leaders, who now claim it is unrealistic to provide employment for everyone, despite making bold promises during the campaign period.
“Leaders must work hard to create employment for our youth; there should be no excuses,” she said.
She noted that the lack of job opportunities is not only frustrating the youth but also placing a heavy burden on families and the wider community.
Mwakulola said when young people are idle, many turn to drugs and crime, which fuels insecurity and breaks down the social fabric.
A youth from Kilole village Salim Malumbo further called on Members of the County Assembly and the County Executive to step up and fast-track the completion of key infrastructure projects and create employment opportunities.
Malumbo said locals need to see action, not endless excuses.
“We’re not asking for luxuries, just the basics: medicine in our hospitals, clean water, good roads, and support for our youth and women,” he said.
He also called on the elected leaders to source for investors and create employment opportunities.
Malumbo further urged the national government representatives to conduct regular follow-ups and audits of projects funded through devolved and national funds, to curb corruption and ensure value for money.
However, Kinondo MCA Juma Maone lauded residents for demanding accountability but urged them to remain patient.
Maone said delays in the disbursement of funds have stalled development efforts, but assured that leaders are committed to ensuring all pending projects are completed and residents receive the services they deserve.
“The truth is, there’s a lot to be done, but resources are limited. Nonetheless, we are working closely with the governor to deliver better services and tangible development,” he said.
The MCA appealed to residents to remain hopeful and give their leaders more time to fulfil their promises.
