NYANDARUA, Kenya, Mar 18 – Planning and National Development Minister Wycliffe Oparanya has urged his colleagues to focus on development instead of engaging in political campaigns.
Mr Oparanya said it was unfortunate that some politicians were politicking as Kenyans face severe food shortages and economic crisis.
"Politicians should be in the fore front uniting Kenyans and help them improve their living standards," he said.
Mr Oparanya urged members of the Grand Coalition to stop fighting and work together for the benefit of Kenyans.
He said politicians must lead by example.
"The problems facing the country are as a result of the current bickering among political parties and unless there is a total paradigm shift in ethics, Kenya will remain in the woods," he emphasised.
Mr Oparanya also urged Kenyans to shun ethnic animosity and be wary of divisive politics advocated by selfish leaders.
His statement came a day after President Mwai Kibaki warned Cabinet Ministers against bickering or face the sack.
Mr Oparanya made the remarks at Ndaragwa constituency during the opening of a dispensary that was set up through the assistance of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Area MP Jeremiah Kioni said there was a need for the government to channel more funds to dry areas so as to enable the locals initiate development projects that would boost their income and way of living.
The facility was built at a cost of Sh4.3 million and is expected to support more than 20,000 families.
The minister revealed that the government has received a total of Sh1.4 billion shillings from IFAD to support such programmes within Central Kenya Dry Area Smallholders and Community Service Development project.
"These programmes are aimed at facilitating the creation of more opportunities for the local communities to participate in development of project that will help alleviate poverty as envisaged in the Vision 2030," he said.
Mr Oparanya said such ventures would create employment for the youth and also enable them to contribute to national development.
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