To uplift the economic status of Mwatate constituents, the Member of Parliament for Mwatate,Peter Shake made bold promises during his campaign. He pledged to form companies for locals, particularly targeting people living with disabilities, women, and youth, to enable their participation in the tendering process. However, almost two years since his election, these promises remain unfulfilled, leaving many wondering, "What went wrong?"

One of the key promises was the formation of companies within six months of the MP's election. These companies were meant to facilitate equity in the procurement of tenders in Mwatate constituency. Sadly, there has been no sign of progress on this front, leaving many constituents disillusioned.

Recently, in Mwatunge, Modambogho sub-location, Mwatate ward, the national government offered to build a market to boost the local economy. The tender for this project was awarded to FEPP General Contractors Limited , raising eyebrows among the locals. They are puzzled as to how the tender was awarded to this particular company, with many feeling left out of the process. 

By urging residents to serve as mere brokers of construction materials rather than actively participating in the construction process through locally established companies, the MP's actions appear to contradict his earlier commitments to promote local empowerment and inclusion in development initiatives. This discrepancy has left residents questioning the sincerity and integrity of the MP. 

The dissonance between the MP's earlier commitments and his current encouragement for residents to engage solely as brokers raises significant questions about the discrepancy between promises made and actions taken.

The ownership of the project has sparked a dispute between the area MCA, Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha, and the MP. The MCA was handed over the project by the technical team from Nairobi, as the MP was reportedly unaware of its existence until notified by his groundmen. 

The manner in which the tender was awarded and the lack of transparency in the process have exacerbated the situation. Locals are now relegated to providing cheap labor, with no substantial benefits accruing to them. There are also concerns about the display of the contract signboard, which fails to provide details about the tender amount, further adding to the lack of transparency.

The residents feel neglected and taken advantage of by their elected leaders, who seem more interested in personal gain than in fulfilling their promises to the community. The need for accountability and transparency in tender processes is paramount to avoid such controversies in the future. 

It is imperative for the MP to address the discrepancies between his promises and actions, and to provide clarity and accountability to the constituents. Residents deserve transparency and honesty from their elected representatives, as well as genuine efforts to promote local empowerment and economic development.  

Elected leaders must prioritize the needs of their constituents and ensure that promises made during campaigns are fulfilled for the betterment of the community.

Leaders listen even a female Kangaroo listens, despite being in hurry to jump around...

14 months now down the line and leaders in Taita Taveta generally can’t show citizens anything to smile about. The governor of Taita Taveta County has been notably playing the escape game for reasons He may need time to find donors or investors to boost own source revenue for the county. Politics continue to heat up but for some reason, netizens think Mwadime the Governor is very slow and feeble not to even answer criticism.

If the criticism was constructive not infuriated by political alignments and suspected of powerful people playing from dark curtains then perhaps The governor could come out and answer the criticism to Narrow down the line and avoid the blame game. Proper implementation and development are being witnessed from Taveta and Wundanyi, which is Hon.Bwire and Hon.Mwashako.

Hon. Canon Peter Shake I guess he should be canonical and noble to achieve his agenda as the Mp Mwatate constituency, in his campaigns he dearly promised to make Mwatate a very new heaven by dusting the legacy if there that the former MP now the governor could have left behind, during his tenure. 

These were Hon. Canon Peter Shake promises during campaigns,

1. Recruitment of youth to Kenya Defense Forces,
2. To continue feeding program in schools after being elected
3. To make sure that the parks around Taita Taveta are giving CSR to the community by raising the percentage and if not possible he will mobile the local community to demonstrate for the benefit of them.
4. To form village companies so as to make it fair in the tenderpreneurship process in NGCDF
5. He promised to act on this quickly in his first days in office
6. He promised to attend to the issue of gemstones and minerals which he could have vaguely achieved, let us do a half smile for that.

HON. SHAKE he is a good guy, he recently paid pending bills to all of the monies of that financial year, was that a development under the agenda he previously sang? 

HE IS A VERY SOFT-SPOKEN person and a humble character maybe this is why he is failing to accomplish what he promised, or he is lacking support from the surrounding clique. But no, he is the elected leader. 

Then if so can he publish the names of the companies that were paid pending bills and for which projects and to what amount each project, can he come that clean and remain a good Canon? He may be a very big elephant in the room by launching projects that are not funded with funds from NGCDF it is okay.

Maybe citizens will use razor blades to slay it out. Maybe he took a very high and accidentally fell or fell, we can only do two things, be quiet and hear the falling thud he will drop with, or Prepare our feeble joined hands to receive him before he hits the ground. With concern there are individuals who won’t agree with this concept It is okay you don’t have to agree with either, just wait for the above two things to keep. If Governor Mwadime continues to play hide and seek, it will look ugly and harsher than Kishushe dry lands in sunny seasons.

The question is how do you afford to eat sleep, wake up, walk to the bank, and withdraw money that has been paid to you as a leader through tax that citizens contribute, Taita Taveta belongs to everyone let us build it. No one is dirty or clean only if you think you are or if this gets you bitter and furious. See how Taita Taveta citizens are languishing in poverty while we are busy giving political alignments, just see.

See how Mwatate Sub County, the richest of all, not even a youth or a mother can survive a funeral without contributions. 

Such a disparity. 

See how leaders are escaping citizens by playing and keeping the thought that they need handouts.

Anyway, Citizens would really like to get answers from Hon. Peter Mbogho Shake - MP Mwatate as to why we are witnessing the unfortunate collapse of MTTI at Kirughurunyi just 8 years after completion. It will be prudent to get answers from you not only as the area MP but also as the Contractor who was awarded that job for a whooping Kes 53.9 million yet to get very substandard work done, not even ramps were done, no gutters were done, (you just did recently with fresh funding by you as the MP), at this century!

It is open that in the proposal of the financial year 2022-23, Elijah Mzae secondary school in Wusi Kishamba ward had an approved allocation of Kes 6 million for the construction of a science laboratory for 50 capacity sitting students. 

However, as we talk now Elijah Mzae Secondary School has not received the allocation because the funds were re-allocated to do repairs to the crumbling Mwatate Technical Training Institute (MTTI) which you constructed at a whooping 53.9 million in the year 2016 ( 8 years ago). 

I am sure Hezron Mwashighadi the now coordinator of the MP office, Hon Shake can start seeing the gaps please don’t fill the gaps with sand, inform your boss, again don’t get sad inform your boss, things are getting messy, he is very brilliant, eavesdrop might be the incoming MCA that ward, no threat. 

Let us plant more trees but in schools, the survival rate will be high, again, let us remember we have initiatives like Mwatate CBO and others, and they could be funded for the same.

Is MTTI an emergency, and what has warranted it to be an emergency project?

Is it the crumbling state of MTTI due to an unforeseen occurrence or is it due to the shoddy work that you did as the contractor?

Please follow the next update on taitadaily.com, Chawia ward blunders and cocktails, where we sing we sing, where we cry we cry.

In the beautiful landscapes of Taita Taveta County, it's disheartening to witness the careless disposal of garbage that mars the environment. Our environment reflects the state of our collective responsibility, and it's time for a wake-up call. Let's put politics aside and focus on efficient waste management and environmental preservation for the betterment of our community. 

The Department of Waste Management and Environment in Taita Taveta County plays a pivotal role in maintaining the cleanliness of our region. Instead of engaging in political wrangling, let's urge them to prioritise their mandate and provide effective services to the community.

Businesses that pay for waste collection services must remember that it doesn't grant them the privilege to indiscriminately dump garbage. It's imperative that influential and respected business premises set an example by ensuring their waste is disposed of responsibly, preventing water waste from running into the paths of our towns. 

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) must not only talk but also act. With numerous policies and frameworks at their disposal, it's time for them to implement practical solutions to address environmental issues. Let's remind NEMA that the well-being of our residents, particularly those who cannot afford health insurance, is at stake.

Taita Taveta County is our home, and we need to protect it. Instead of polluting the air and risking health problems, let's come together to preserve our environment. We are all interconnected, and it's crucial that we prioritise the health and well-being of our fellow community members.

We must acknowledge the efforts of the Environment Department in Taita Taveta County. They work tirelessly to manage our environment, and their dedication deserves recognition.

However, there's a challenge with the incineration of garbage in the town centre. Gas emissions from burning waste can lead to respiratory issues, eye problems, and unpleasant odours in the central business district. We need to address this issue promptly.

To attract serious investors, we must pay attention to town planning. Placing garbage receptacles in the heart of the town doesn't present an appealing image. It's time to demolish these receptacles and relocate them to the outskirts of town for a cleaner and more attractive environment.

We have community-based organisations, such as MWATATE CBO, dedicated to town cleaning. Collaboratively, with the support of the environment department, they can ensure the proper collection and disposal of day-to-day garbage, contributing to the revitalization of Mwatate. 

The responsibility for a cleaner and healthier Taita Taveta County lies with each of us, from residents to businesses to government departments. By respecting our environment and working together, we can make Mwatate great and set an example for sustainable living.

Follow taitadaily.com to replenish yourself with information

One of the world's largest sisal estates, located in Taita Taveta County, is set to change hands. The impending sale or lease of this vast agricultural and industrial complex has raised questions about the sustainability of its assets and their potential impact on the local community.

Bidding value estimated at USD 180 million, equivalent to ksh. 26.1 billion exchange today.

This intriguing development, led by Governor Andrew Mwadime and the county government, has left many speculating about the motives behind it.

get more news updates on https://www.taitadaily.com/politics/mp-mwatate-peter-shake-lectures-county-officials-on-pending-bills-matter

Local political Analysts think it is very wrong for Mwadime to engage in such practises; they feel like buying your own land.

A social media post made by a youth in a  political arena,  Roger Ngoo, projected the feelings of many.

"......If the lease has ended, it can only be renewed upon approval or vacate the land for other investors, not the county buying its own land! Infact  Government is not allowed to venture into profit making unless it establishes parastatals and acts on governance are enacted by the respective County assembly to guide the institutions, not the way things are done currently!....." The post read.

Political critics feel Andrew Mwadime,the governor, is being misled,either by his advisors or influenced by higher ground, for benefits that are not even open to him as a person or the people of Taita Taveta County.

get more news on https://www.taitadaily.com/weather/be-prepared-of-el-nino-weatherman-warns

Sustainability at Stake

One of the foremost concerns surrounding this transaction is the long-term sustainability of the estate's assets. From tractors and livestock to hotels and various income-generating activities, this estate is a multi-faceted economic powerhouse. The fate of the more than 4,000 staff employees, most of whom reside in Mwatate, hangs in the balance. The sudden closure of such a massive operation could have dire consequences for the local economy.

Political Influence or Economic Necessity?

As with many high-value transactions, there is always room for speculation about political influence. Is this move an attempt to settle political scores, or is it a strategic decision to boost the county's own source of revenue? While the finer details of the deal, including profit-sharing and corporate social responsibility initiatives, have not been publicly disclosed, there is a need for transparency to allay concerns and suspicions.

Learning from Mumias Sugar

The cautionary tale of Mumias Sugar, another once-thriving enterprise that ultimately closed its doors amid political turmoil, looms large. The repercussions of such a closure could be devastating for Taita Taveta County. High unemployment rates, increased crime, heightened poverty levels, and a surge in drug abuse are all potential outcomes if the sisal estate were to meet a similar fate.

ALSO READ this/ https://www.taitadaily.com/politics/this-land-of-400-000-people

Hope for a Brighter Future

Taita Taveta citizens are left in a state of uncertainty, with their hopes resting on the outcome of this pivotal transaction. The destiny of the estate, its employees, and the broader community is at stake, making it imperative for all stakeholders to engage in open dialogue and ensure that the best interests of the county are served.As this intriguing story continues to unfold, it is essential for Taita Taveta residents and the wider public to closely monitor developments and demand transparency in this high-stakes deal.

In his first year as MCA of Mwatate ward, Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha demonstrated unwavering commitment to his constituents. Despite facing challenges in project implementation, he remained resolute in fulfilling his promises to the people of Mwatate. With a determined spirit, he accomplished significant milestones, including providing bursaries to 1,366 needy students across 172 institutions, designing the impactful Dimisha Sponsorship Programme, and actively leading efforts to resolve land issues and mitigate environmental pollution.

Empowering Education

• Bursary Issuance: Providing essential support to 1,366 needy students across 172 institutions.
• Secondary School Bursaries: Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha, MCA of Mwatate ward, granted 1,164 bursaries to the neediest students, totaling Kes. 4,194,360.
• Higher Education Opportunities: Assisting 54 college students (Kes. 197,640) and 82 in higher education (Kes. 300,120).
• Inclusive Support: Extending help to 13 students with special needs (Kes. 47,580) and 71 in vocational training centres (Kes. 259,580).

Dimisha Sponsorship Programme

• Fighting Poverty: Joseph Mwalegha's initiative has empowered over 79 young men and women through training in driving, beauty, and utility skills.
• Commitment to Overcome Challenges: Despite obstacles, Mwalegha remains dedicated to fulfilling his promises to the people of Mwatate.

Land and Environmental Stewardship

• Chair of the Lands and Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution Sectorial Committee to address land issues and ensure fair compensation.
• Water Connectivity: Allocating Kes. 2 million to pave the way for water connectivity from Josa and continuing to invest Kes. 2 million for project completion.
• Road Improvement: Committing Kes. 2 million for the grading and murraming of the Landi to Mdidinyi road.

• Environmental Advocacy: Championing the removal or mitigation of the Landi dumpsite to prevent negative health impacts on the community.

Ongoing Projects

• Mlambenyi Social Project: A Kes. 2 million allocation for project completion.
• Peleleza Public Toilet: A Kes. 1 million investment to finalise construction.
• Kipusi Public Toilet: Allocating Kes. 1 million to ensure its completion.

Community Support and Social Programmes

• Continuous Contribution: Committing to ongoing support and contributions to community development.
• Social Group Assistance: Issuing Kes. 1 million worth of tents to social groups in the community for their events, including weddings and funerals.

Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha's dedication and persistence in the face of adversity reflect his strong commitment to improving the lives of the community he serves.

In the remote Singila Majengo village of Mwatate, Kenya, David Sanguli has spent the last 16 years haunted by the loss of his right arm.

The tragic incident that changed his life forever occurred in 2007 at Teita Estate sisal farm, leaving him grappling with not just physical trauma but also the exorbitant cost of retrieving his severed limb from Wesu Hospital Mortuary. 

It was a fateful evening in May 2007 when Sanguli's life took a devastating turn. While working at the Teita Estate sisal farm, his right hand was severed by a machine as he fed sisal leaves into it. The excruciating pain, shock, and panic set in as his colleagues rushed to switch off the power.

Police Involvement and Mortuary Bill 

Sanguli's severed hand was taken by the police to Wesu Hospital Mortuary. As he received treatment at Moi County Referral Hospital in Voi, he learned about the fate of his limb.

In April 2008, a police letter finally allowed him to retrieve it, but it came with a staggering mortuary bill of KSh 106,000. Sanguli couldn't comprehend why preserving an arm for 355 days would demand such an exorbitant sum. 

With his medical condition, raising the money was impossible, and his pleas for a waiver fell on deaf ears. The mounting bill now stands at an unthinkable one million shillings.

Disposal Dilemma

 Worse still, the Public Health Act, Cap. 242, mandates the removal and disposal of unclaimed bodies from the mortuary after just fourteen days. The possibility of his arm being disposed of hangs like a grim cloud over Sanguli's quest for reunion and closure. 

A Glimpse of Hope 

Despite the odds, David Sanguli remains hopeful that one day, he will not only be reunited with his missing limb but also find the closure he so desperately seeks through a proper burial. His enduring faith fuels his determination to see this heartbreaking journey through.

For David Sanguli, the quest to retrieve his severed arm is a harrowing tale of perseverance and hope. His story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges individuals face when seeking justice and closure after traumatic incidents.

The question of whether his arm remains in the mortuary freezer or has been disposed of remains unanswered, leaving him in agonizing limbo.