DG Francis Mwangangi Sounds Global Alarm Over US Withdrawal from UN Agencies

Machakos County Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has issued a strong warning on the potential global consequences following the United States’ decision to pull out funding from key United Nations agencies, cautioning that the move could derail development gains made over decades.

Àaaaaaaa

Addressing journalists during a media briefing, DG Mwangangi described the withdrawal as a major setback to international cooperation, particularly for developing nations that depend heavily on UN-backed programmes to support health, education, humanitarian relief, and economic empowerment.

According to Mwangangi, the United States has historically been one of the largest contributors to UN agencies, with its support accounting for a significant share of funding that sustains life-saving programmes across Africa, Asia, and parts of Latin America.

“The decision by the US to disengage from critical UN institutions threatens the stability of global development systems. The impact will be felt most by vulnerable populations who rely on these programmes for survival and opportunity,” Mwangangi said.

He warned that reduced funding could lead to scaled-down operations in refugee assistance, disease prevention, climate resilience initiatives, food security programmes, and education support, with Kenya and other African countries facing increased pressure on already stretched national resources.

DG Mwangangi further noted that the move could weaken global multilateralism and reduce the effectiveness of international responses to shared challenges such as climate change, migration, pandemics, and conflict.

“When major global players retreat from collective responsibility, the burden shifts unfairly to developing nations, while global problems continue to grow unchecked,” he stated.

He called on the international community to urgently explore alternative financing mechanisms and strengthen partnerships to ensure continuity of critical UN operations.

Mwangangi also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to multilateral engagement, emphasizing that cooperation remains essential for sustainable global development.

“Global challenges demand global solutions. No country, however powerful, can afford to operate in isolation,” he added.

DG Mwangangi urged development partners to remain committed to international institutions, stressing that sustained global solidarity is key to safeguarding development achievements and protecting vulnerable communities worldwide.

Hon. Mwengi Mutuse, MP Kibwezi West, Delivers as Makindu Modern Market Nears Completion

The Makindu Modern Market is now nearing completion, marking a major milestone in the development agenda of Kibwezi West Constituency under the leadership of Hon. Mwengi Mutuse, OGW, MP for Kibwezi West.

The ground plus one-floor modern facility stands as a clear testament to focused leadership anchored on planning, vision, and people-centered development.

With construction works at an advanced stage, the market is expected to be fully completed within the next one month. Once operational, it will provide a clean, secure, and well-organized trading environment for traders, especially small-scale vendors and mama mboga, enabling them to conduct their businesses with dignity and improved standards.

The Makindu Modern Market is among several national government projects being implemented across Kibwezi West Constituency, aimed at transforming livelihoods, stimulating local commerce, and promoting orderly urban development. The facility is designed to address long-standing challenges faced by traders, including congestion, poor sanitation, and exposure to harsh weather conditions.

Hon. Mwengi Mutuse has consistently emphasized results-driven leadership, with development projects forming the core of his scorecard. The near completion of the Makindu Modern Market reinforces his commitment to ensuring that national government investments translate into tangible benefits for the people of Kibwezi West.

As anticipation builds ahead of its official commissioning, the market is expected to boost local trade, create employment opportunities, and enhance Makindu Town’s status as a commercial hub within the region.

The Makindu Modern Market stands as yet another reason why Kibwezi West continues to be recognized for steady and impactful development, underscoring the constituency’s position as a model of progress driven by accountable and visionary leadership.

Machakos Town Constituency on a New Path as MP Caleb Mule Delivers Development Across All Wards

Machakos Town Constituency has witnessed notable transformation since the election of Hon. Caleb Mule as Member of Parliament in 2022, with residents across the constituency citing visible development, inclusive leadership and improved service delivery as key outcomes of his tenure.

Elected with a resounding mandate, Hon. Caleb Mule has focused on practical, people-driven development, prioritizing infrastructure, education, security and social welfare. His leadership approach has emphasized equitable distribution of resources, ensuring that all wards benefit from national government programmes and constituency initiatives.

Infrastructure development has stood out as a major achievement. Several roads within Machakos Town have been opened, expanded and upgraded to improve accessibility, enhance trade and ease movement for residents. A major boost to the constituency’s road network came through Hon. Mule’s successful lobbying for the tarmacking of the Makaveti–Kyangala–Iiyuni road, a long-awaited project that residents say will significantly improve connectivity once construction begins.

The project is currently awaiting contractor mobilization, with optimism high among locals.

In the education sector, Hon. Caleb Mule has made deliberate investments aimed at improving both access and quality of learning. Through the NG-CDF, new classrooms have been constructed while older facilities have undergone renovation to address overcrowding and improve the learning environment. His bursary programme has been widely praised for its fairness, with all applicants receiving equal consideration, regardless of ward, promoting transparency and inclusivity.

Beyond NG-CDF support, the Caleb Mule Foundation has fully sponsored students from across all wards, targeting bright and needy learners. The initiative has enabled many students to continue with their education uninterrupted, easing the financial burden on families and opening doors to future opportunities.

Security, a key concern in an urban constituency, has also received focused attention. Hon. Mule has worked closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to strengthen safety within Machakos Town. Residents report improved security and a more conducive environment for business and social activities.

What has further distinguished Hon. Mule’s leadership is his accessibility and close engagement with residents. He is the first Machakos Town MP to consistently host thousands of constituents at his home during major festivities such as Christmas and Easter, sharing meals and support with wananchi.

These gatherings have reinforced his image as a leader who remains closely connected to the people he serves.

Across Machakos Town, residents express satisfaction with his leadership, pointing to visible projects, fair resource allocation and constant engagement as signs of effective representation.

As the country gradually moves toward the 2027 General Election, Hon. Caleb Mule is expected to seek re-election. With a development record that residents say is evident across all wards, his performance since 2022 is likely to be a key factor as Machakos Town voters assess their leadership and future direction.

MP Robert Basil Reaffirms Development Agenda and Commitment to Transform Yatta

Yatta Member of Parliament Hon. Robert Basil has reiterated his unwavering commitment to serving the people of Yatta with determination and a clear vision for inclusive and sustainable development, affirming that the constituency will not lag behind under his leadership.

Speaking on Friday at Matuu during the burial ceremony of the late Eva Wayua Ndawa, the mother of Matuu Ward MCA Hon. Judas Mbili Ndawa, the MP said his focus remains firmly on delivering meaningful development and improving the lives of residents who overwhelmingly entrusted him with leadership on a Wiper Party ticket.

“Under my leadership, Yatta will never lag behind development-wise. I was elected by the people to work, and that is exactly what I am doing,” Hon. Basil said.

The legislator emphasized that education remains a central pillar of his development agenda, announcing that the Yatta NG-CDF bursary issuance exercise will commence next week on Tuesday. He noted that investing in education is key to long-term transformation of the constituency.

“To me, education is the great equalizer. There is no way I can ignore this sector because when you educate a child, you uplift a family and transform the entire community,” he stated.

Hon. Basil highlighted several milestones achieved under his leadership, including the revival of Yatta KMTC in Matuu. He noted that the institution has been strengthened to improve access to medical training within the constituency.

“We revived Yatta KMTC so that our young people can train closer to home. This is part of our broader plan to empower the youth and build local capacity,” he said.

He further revealed that his office facilitated the drilling of a borehole at the institution, which now supplies clean water to the KMTC, nearby schools, and the surrounding community free of charge.

“This borehole is not just for the college. It serves nearby schools and the community at no cost. That is what people-centered development looks like,” Hon. Basil said.

In an effort to encourage youth enrollment, the MP called on interested students to apply to Yatta KMTC, announcing that those who join the institution will benefit from a Kshs. 10,000 bursary boost.

“I urge our youths to take advantage of Yatta KMTC. Any student who enrolls will receive a Kshs. 10,000 bursary boost to support their studies,” he announced.

He also encouraged young people to enroll at Yatta TVET in Katangi to acquire technical and vocational skills, saying skills development is critical in tackling unemployment and promoting self-reliance.

“Our TVET institutions are key in equipping youths with practical skills. I encourage those interested to join Yatta TVET at Katangi and prepare for employment or self-employment,” he said.

The MP stressed that his priority is service delivery rather than political contests, noting that the time has come to focus on fulfilling the promises he made to the people of Yatta.

“This is the time to work for the people who elected me with a massive mandate. I am not interested in endless politics; I am interested in delivering results,” Hon. Basil said.

He concluded by calling for political tolerance and unity among leaders and residents, emphasizing that harmony is essential for sustained development.

“Political tolerance is very important. We may differ politically, but development requires unity. Let us work together for the good of Yatta,” he said.

Hon. Basil maintained that visible progress across the constituency reflects a transformative agenda taking shape, adding that Yatta is steadily moving forward under his leadership.

Machakos County Finalizes Preparations for Launch of Second Youth Service Cohort

Machakos County has finalized preparations for the official commencement of the second cohort of the Machakos Youth Service (MYS), scheduled to begin on 19th January 2026 at the Agriculture Training Centre (ATC).

This follows a consultative meeting between senior county officials and Machakos Youth Service trainers and officers, convened to assess the overall readiness of the programme. The meeting reviewed the status of facilities, infrastructure, training equipment and logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth, well-coordinated and successful rollout of the programme.

Machakos County Secretary Dr. Muya Ndambuki emphasized the need for proper planning and collaboration among all departments involved in the implementation of the programme. He noted that the Machakos Youth Service is a key county initiative aimed at equipping young people with practical skills, discipline and values that prepare them for employment and productive engagement in society.

The County Executive Committee Member for Education, ECDE and Vocational Training, Dr. Consolata Mutisya, highlighted the programme’s role in advancing youth empowerment through vocational training and skills development. She underscored the importance of aligning training with labour market demands while nurturing responsibility, teamwork and self-discipline among the youth.

Also present were the Chief Officer for Machakos Youth Service, Dr. Juliana Wambua, and the Chief Officer for Vocational Training, Mr. Vincent Musili, alongside officers from various departments tasked with supporting the implementation of the second MYS cohort.

The officers provided updates on preparedness in their respective areas and outlined measures taken to address any remaining gaps ahead of the programme’s official launch.

The Machakos Youth Service continues to reflect the Machakos County Government’s strong commitment to youth empowerment through structured training, discipline and job readiness. As the second cohort prepares to report to the Agriculture Training Centre, the county leadership has expressed confidence that the programme is fully prepared to deliver meaningful impact and contribute to the socio-economic transformation of Machakos County by empowering its young people with relevant skills and opportunities.