Huruma Ward Aspirant Questions Use of Development Funds as NYS Begins Works
Huruma Ward DCP aspirant Harun Maina
Huruma Ward DCP party aspirant Harun Maina has raised concerns over the utilisation of development funds in the ward, calling on the county government and the Office of the Auditor-General to account for budgetary allocations made in previous financial years.
Speaking during the launch of infrastructure works being undertaken by the National Youth Service (NYS) through the VIFAR programme, Maina welcomed the intervention by the county government and NYS, saying residents had waited for a long time to see tangible development in the ward.
“I want to first thank the county government because we have waited for long for work to be done in Huruma Ward,” Maina said. “We are grateful that you have brought NYS, and we have seen the governor officially launch the programme. Work has started, and that is something we appreciate.”
However, Maina questioned why NYS was now undertaking projects that had already been budgeted for in previous financial years, particularly road maintenance and pothole-filling works.
Referring to county budget documents for the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 financial years, Maina said funds had been allocated for tarmac pothole repairs in areas such as Gulab Lochab, but the projects were never implemented on the ground.
“If you go through the budget, especially for 2022–2023, you will see allocations for pothole filling of tarmac roads,” he said. “But today, that allocation seems to have been shifted to Maram, around schools such as Gakanu, where Bishop Delany passes. On paper, the work was completed, but on the ground, nothing was done.”
Maina alleged that county records indicate works were fully implemented, yet residents of Huruma Ward have not seen the projects materialise. He said his attempts to raise the issue in the past were dismissed as political attacks.
“There are documents showing that work was done and completed in county records, but if you go to the ground, there is nothing,” he said. “When I raised this issue before, I was told I was bringing politics. But now NYS has come, and it is clear there was a problem.”
He further questioned the process of project allocation and public participation, saying residents were never informed why certain areas were prioritised over others.
“We have never seen public participation where the whole ward agrees that resources should be taken to one specific area,” Maina said. “From Kengongo to the CBD, Huruma Ward has serious infrastructure challenges, yet allocations keep appearing in the same places.”
The aspirant called on the Auditor-General’s office and relevant county departments to publicly explain how funds allocated for roads and infrastructure in Huruma Ward were spent between the 2022–2023 and 2025–2026 financial years.
“We want the Auditor-General and the relevant departments to come and tell us where the money went,” he said. “There must be reports showing how these budgets were used. Before NYS came in, where was the allocation going?”
Maina also cited disparities between wards, noting that some areas such as Langas had benefited from projects like solar street lighting, with each ward reportedly allocated Sh3 million.
“If you go to Langas, you will see solar street lighting,” he said. “So we are asking the county government: where is Huruma Ward’s budget? When we ask these questions, we are told we are fighting politics, but now is the time to know the truth.”
Looking ahead to the next election cycle, Maina urged the county government to prioritise residents who have long suffered from lack of services.
“The election period is coming to an end, and we want to know where the people’s budget is,” he said. “Those who will vote, those who are suffering, those who are sick, must be given first priority. Even if there is little money, let it be used for the people.”
As NYS begins work in Huruma Ward, residents and leaders say they welcome the intervention but insist it must be accompanied by transparency, accountability and a full audit of past allocations to restore public trust in county development programmes.
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