State of Kiambu County

PRESS STATEMENT

The Kiambu County Coordinating Committee has held a meeting here at ACK St Pauls’ Church Kiambu on this 29^th day of February 2024 to reflect on the state of the county. The County Committee was joined by the Clergy, other church leaders, and the NCCK Regional Chair of the NCCK member churches in Kiambu County.

Delegates reflected on the state of the county and now wish to share the following message:

We plead with the government to listen to the cries of Kenyans. The level of stress and mental anguish due to the high cost of living has risen to unmanageable levels. If the situation is not resolved, the damage to the residents of Kiambu and the nation will be unredeemable.

The prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse is greatly affecting the population manifesting in increased criminal activities including insecurity and mental health issues. We urge the government to make a concerted effort to fight drug and substance abuse. We also want the government to regulate entertainment joints and clubs to reduce the manufacturing of illicit brews.

We appeal to the county government to prioritize issues facing the Mwananchi, specifically prioritization of provision of medicine in our hospitals to improve access to healthcare to the people of Kiambu, infrastructure, and education.

We have noted the political heckling in Kiambu County and we want to call upon the elected leaders to sit and dialogue to find solutions to the problems facing the people of Kiambu. We want you to be united to develop the County. We urge our politicians to allow those in leadership to do their work and give them space to perform and deliver.

Due to economic hardships, we want the county government to Review and amend the land rates bill. The County Government has issued new taxation demands where the freehold land owners are expected to pay land rates following the Kiambu County Valuation and Rating Act passed in 2016. According to the act, land rates are to attract a 3% penalty every month and are to be back-dated to when the act was enacted. This goes against the will of the people as the act and the directive is punitive.

Signed

Rev Simon Murigi

CCC Chairman Kiambu County