Nzaui: The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace, Teresia Mbaika, has called on political leaders, particularly those in the opposition, to conduct their political activities with respect and avoid confrontational rhetoric that could fuel conflict and undermine national development.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mbaika made these remarks during a fundraising event to support the construction of a girls’ dormitory at St. Teresa Mulala Girls High School in Nzaui Sub-county. She urged leaders to compete through policies, ideas, and development agendas rather than personal attacks. She emphasized that political competition should be guided by issue-based campaigns that offer practical solutions to the country’s challenges instead of incitement and divisive politics.
‘We do not want fights or goonism. We want leaders to conduct politics with respect. Let political competition be based on policies and ideas that will improve the lives of Kenyans,’ she said.
The Principal Secretary challenged political leaders to account for their development record and explain the initiatives they have undertaken to improve the welfare of wananchi instead of focusing on personalities. ‘Everybody should tell Kenyans what they have done for the people. Stop concentrating on personalities and instead present ideas that can transform the country,’ she added.
Mbaika highlighted the Kenya Kwanza administration’s ongoing efforts to implement its manifesto through various programs and projects aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding infrastructure across the country. She cited the ongoing tarmacking of the Ukia-Emali road as an example of a project that had been discussed for decades but is now being implemented under the current administration.
She also pointed to investments in markets, water projects, and improved infrastructure in schools as evidence of the government’s commitment to enhancing service delivery and promoting socio-economic development. ‘We are talking about visible projects such as roads, markets, water programs, and improved school infrastructure. I urge our community, especially women and young people, to support development initiatives that will uplift their livelihoods,’ she said.
Addressing local leaders, Mbaika urged Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu to support community empowerment programs instead of questioning the funding sources used to implement them. She explained that her position in the government had enabled her to establish partnerships and networks that mobilize resources for community development initiatives, particularly those targeting women and youth.
‘I have built networks that support empowerment programs whenever we organize community activities. Strong partnerships are essential in mobilizing resources for development,’ she said.
The Principal Secretary further encouraged communities to embrace collaboration and networking as key drivers of economic empowerment, warning that failure to build strategic partnerships had slowed development in some areas.
On education, Mbaika challenged students, particularly girls, to remain focused on their studies and avoid behaviors that could interfere with their education. She cautioned learners against early pregnancies, noting that they often interrupt schooling and reduce opportunities for academic and personal advancement. ‘You should prioritize your education, work hard and remain focused on achieving your dreams. Education remains the surest path to a brighter future,’ she told the students.
