Mathioya MP Peter Kimari wants money which is factored in the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) increased.
Kimari said the 2.5 percent catered for sports in the kitty is not sufficient to facilitate sporting activities at constituencies.
The MP now wants the matter deliberated and the money increased to more than 5 percent to ensure various games are done at the grassroots for a longer time.
With the current budget, he observed that the money allocated can only support sports for about two months.
Kimari was speaking Sunday at Nyangiti stadium during finals for various games by teams drawn from Gitugi division of Mathioya sub county.
“With increased funding for sports, we will be able to organize various games for a longer period. The money we are currently allocated can only facilitate games for not more than one month. Most of the money usually goes for uniforms and balls,” explained the legislator.
At the same time, he underscored the need to engage young people in sporting activities from the very early age so as to tap and nurture their talents.
“Many talents go to waste if not identified and nurtured from an early age. So with the increased sporting activities at grassroots we will be able to support those talented in different sports,” he added.
During the occasion, various games were played including soccer, volleyball and athletics with the finals for the constituency slated for January 31.
Kimari said in the near future he will invite teams from outside the county to play the local teams to help them be exposed to the national sports arena.
Meanwhile, the MP has reiterated his support for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) saying the report advocates for more funding to grassroots.
He stated that Mathioya is among the protected constituencies, since it does not meet the population threshold required by the law, saying BBI will ensure the constituency is not dissolved.
“The people against BBI are doing so for their personal interests. The proposed constitutional changes will ensure more funds come to grassroots. I will continue drumming support for the BBI,” he reiterated.
The MP also castigated a section of MCAs drawn from Mount Kenya region who had earlier stated they are not backing the changes.
“How can MCAs who are in the frontline to benefit from this report object allocation of ward development funds? I think those that met at Thika Greens on Saturday were not genuine and were being compromised to reject the report,” he said.
However, Kimari lauded the government for various development projects being implemented in Murang’a citing millions of shillings that have already been set aside to upgrade roads and boost water connection in the county.
By Bernard Munyao
