I like my work to speak for me

By Wanjohi Nderitu/Home News

It is rather amusing how and why the number of youthful aspirants for the Ndaragwa Parliamentary seat at the year 2027 election has been rising particularly after the sitting MP George Gachagua took a political stand at the national level that apparently did not amuse a section of the constituents, more so the elected Members of the Nyandarua County Assembly.

At least three MCAs from the constituencies are among the lot that have publicly announced that they will be running against Gachagua who will be defending his seat for a second term.

The major reason is simply because the MP did not oppose the impeachment of the second deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua when the unpopular motion went to the National Assembly. But Gachagua has boldly defended his decision, saying he had had no option after realising that the die had been cast for the DP and that his one vote could not have saved him.

But more importantly for him, the people,of Ndaragwa had sent him to Bunge to in the first place navigate government services, address local concerns, provide support for social welfare programs and to advocate for policies that benefit them.

“I am not the kind of person who looks forwand to be relected or have political favour out of talking. I want to work, I like my work to talk more than me making noise out there,” Gachagua says.

The precedent that he has set in servant leadership, prioritizing action over rhetoric can be termed as “commendable”. With a proven track record in transforming the educational landscape and enhancing infrastructure, Gachagua will likell show the opponents ‘dust’, as the saying goes.

Commitment to education

As the patron of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), Gachagua has made significant strides in improving educational facilities. Recognizing that investment in education is crucial for long-term community development, he has focused on upgrading schools from dilapidated wooden structures to modern institutions that provide conducive learning environments.

With a remarkable achievement of constructing 33 new classrooms and initiating renovations in various schools across the constituency, in every electoral Ward, Gachagua’s efforts are laying the foundation for a brighter future. The schools include Kahutha, Mutanga, Kimaru, Kiandege, Subuku, Kametha, Pesi, Pondo Park View, among others.

He emphasizes that while the immediate impact of supporting university and TVET students through bursaries may not be visible, the long-term benefits of nurturing future professionals—engineers, doctors, pharmaceuticals and other essential roles—will ultimately serve as substantial assets to the community in the by and by. The CDF kitty is worthy Sh 60 million per year.

Infrastructure development

In addition to educational advancements, Gachagua is committed to improving the constituency’s infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for residents. Thanks to his close working relationship with the Head of State, Cabinet Secretaries and Permanent Secretaries, significant plans are underway to tarmac at least 106 kilometers of roads during this term. Improved roads will not only facilitate better connectivity but also promote economic growth by easing transportation for goods and services.

Ndaragwan MP George Gachaggua (in cap) interacting with his constituents. Photo/Home News

Five kilometres of the Mairo Inya Ndogino-Karamton road were recently done up to Kiboya, with promise to proceed when the due procurement procedures are completed. The tarmacking of the section has transformed the area in regard to transport, with matatus that had abandoned the route for many years are now reaching Ndogino trading centre. Motor cycle bodaboda operators are also a happy lot.

“I promised my people of Ndaragwa that roads shall never be a campaign topic, and I am endeavoring to make sure that arpound 106 Kms will be tarmacked, and fortunately, I ve been in conversation with the president and he is of the idea that he’ll help me make sure that this will be done,” he says.

He explained that the Mairo Inya Karamton road has been a nightmare, such that during the campaign, it was the people’s top priority. Other already tarmacked roads include the SubukuMuhakaini and Makereka-SubukuGakoyo roads.

Commercial irrigation

Furthermore, Gachagua is actively overseeing the rehabilitation and expansion of several dams to bolster commercial irrigation—an essential step towards ensuring food security and supporting local farmers. The introduction of boreholes equipped with elevated tanks for water distribution will also address the critical issue of access to clean water, thus improving living standards in the community. With a Bachelors degree in Environmental Planning and Management from Kenyatta University, a Master’s Degree in Land and Water Resources Management, Certification in Remote Sensing from Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development. and a member of Hydrological Society of Kenya, water is his line for which he has a great passion.

The ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of Simbara earth dam irrigation project, which is funded by the national Government’s ministry of water and sanitation, desiltation of Kihara and several other dams are practical examples. “In this my first term, I want Ndaragwa people to compare the number of dams and boreholes that I will do, with those the ones that my predecessors combined did,’ he says.

Commitment to energy and security

Gachagua’s vision for Ndaragwa extends beyond education and infrastructure; he is also focused on expanding electricity access through initiatives such as the “Last Mile” project. This effort aims to ensure that even the most remote areas can benefit from reliable electricity, fostering both economic and social development.

In addressing security and administrative needs, he is investing in the construction of offices for administrative officers – Chiefs and Assistanc County Commissiuoners. This move is aimed at enhancing governance and ensuring that local leaders are well-equipped to respond to the community’s needs efficiently. “in most of our chief’s offices, there has been no privacy or confidentiality especially in domestic cases. We are constructing good administration blocks for ACCs and chiefs so that we enhance privacy and stem out scandals and gossips due to eavesdropping Tangible blocks are at Ndogino, Mwangaza, Wanyoike, and Kihara police station.

Listening to the community

One of the hallmarks of George Gachagua’s leadership is his commitment to listening to the people he serves. By understanding the community’s development priorities, he practices a form of leadership that is truly responsive to the electorate’s needs. His soft-spoken demeanor and approachable nature have endeared him to many, further solidifying the bond between him and the wanjiku of Ndaragwa.

A surprising turn of support

As Gachagua gears up for his re-election campaign, political detractors might underestimate the level of support he has fostered through his transformative style of service.

His hands-on approach, commitment to development, and genuine care.