Nairobi — Residents of Kiambu have called on the government to complete projects that are still pending before embarking on new ones.

This was during a public hearing on the 2024-2025 national budget estimates by the National Assembly's Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Prudent use of public funds as well as prudent use of resources were also discussed.

Apart from Kiambu, the committee is also conducting similar hearings in 20 counties across Kenya with the goal of crafting a Sh3.9 trillion national budget.

The Kenyan Constitution mandates such meetings to ensure citizens' views are taken into consideration in the national budget-making process.

To support women, youth, and people with disabilities, residents recommend the expansion of the Uwezo Fund and Youth Fund programs through increased budgetary allocations.

Since the funds were introduced, they have been praised for promoting job creation among the above groups.

Moreover, the expansion of electricity connectivity to remote areas through the last-mile rural electrification program was supported.

Another key priority was supporting farmers involved in tea, coffee, milk, and macadamia production. Residents emphasized the need to strengthen the coffee cherry fund, which plays a crucial role in improving the livelihoods of coffee farmers.

Issues of water scarcity were also debated, with locals blaming the unavailability of water in their areas as it was directed to Nairobi.