Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has proposed the removal of public participation as a mandatory step in implementing development projects, arguing that it slows down critical national initiatives. Speaking on Monday during a development tour in Wundanyi, Taita Taveta County, with President William Ruto, Junet expressed frustration with the constitutional requirement, which he believes hampers the government’s ability to deliver on its mandate.
“The government is elected to serve its citizens, yet it is repeatedly hindered because it must seek permission from Kenyans, civil society, the Judiciary, Parliament, and religious organizations. When will the government actually work?” Junet questioned.
His remarks came during a meeting attended by Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and several MPs from the Coast region.
Junet cited the recent cancellation of a deal with India’s Adani Group as an example of the challenges posed by public participation. The agreement, which involved refurbishing the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), was scrapped following public outcry.
“This thing of asking for permission from everyone must end. Our airport is in a poor state; investors came from outside to help us refurbish the airport, [but] the President said if citizens don’t want it, we have to drop it,” Junet lamented.
He further defended the Adani Group, highlighting its successful partnerships in neighboring countries. “In Tanzania, they are working with the same investor to improve their airport. Does that mean Tanzanians are mad?” Junet asked, challenging those who opposed the deal to propose viable alternatives.
“This airport must be upgraded,” Junet asserted, underscoring the need for urgent infrastructural improvements to boost Kenya’s competitiveness.
