Murang’a County, located in central Kenya, is a key player in the country’s political landscape. Led by Governor Irungu Kang’ata, the county comprises seven constituencies, each represented in the National Assembly by a Member of Parliament (MP). These MPs are tasked with representing the interests of their constituents, shaping national legislation, and overseeing government functions. In the 2022 General Elections, all seven MPs in Murang’a County were elected under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, reflecting the party’s strong influence in the region.
List of Elected MPs in Murang’a County (2022–2027 Term)
Here is the current list of elected MPs representing the seven constituencies in Murang’a County:
| Constituency | MP | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Kangema | Peter Irungu Kihungi | UDA |
| Mathioya | Edwin Mugo Gichuki | UDA |
| Kiharu | Samson Ndindi Nyoro | UDA |
| Kigumo | Joseph Kamau Munyoro | UDA |
| Maragwa | Mary Wamaua Waithira | UDA |
| Kandara | Chege Njuguna | UDA |
| Gatanga | Wakili Edward Muriu | UDA |
Roles and Responsibilities of MPs in Kenya
Members of Parliament (MPs) in Kenya hold crucial roles in the country’s legislative framework. Apart from representing their constituencies, MPs are responsible for:
- Legislation: Making and amending laws that govern the country.
- Oversight: Monitoring government activities and expenditure to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Budget Approval: MPs have a say in the allocation of national funds, influencing development projects and national priorities.
- Constituency Development: MPs often play a pivotal role in initiating and supporting development projects within their constituencies through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Murang’a County Political Landscape
Murang’a County has historically been a significant battleground in Kenyan politics. The 2022 election results solidified the dominance of the UDA party in the region, following a wave of support for President William Ruto and his political allies. One of the most prominent figures from the county is Ndindi Nyoro, the MP for Kiharu, who has gained national attention due to his vocal presence in Parliament and his leadership in the UDA party.
Key Development Issues in Murang’a County
The MPs from Murang’a County are expected to focus on several pressing issues, including:
- Agricultural Revitalization: As a region that heavily relies on agriculture, particularly tea, coffee, and dairy farming, the MPs will likely focus on enhancing market access, addressing challenges such as low prices, and promoting value addition.
- Infrastructure Development: Improving road networks, especially in rural areas, remains a priority to enhance trade and connectivity within the county.
- Education and Youth Empowerment: Like many parts of Kenya, there is a growing demand for better education facilities and youth employment opportunities. MPs are likely to push for projects that address these needs, including expanding technical and vocational training centers.
The elected MPs in Murang’a County hold a crucial mandate to represent their constituencies and ensure that the region’s development goals are achieved. With all the MPs from the UDA party, they are expected to align closely with the national government’s agenda under President William Ruto’s administration. As Murang’a continues to play an important role in Kenya’s politics, the performance of these leaders will be under the spotlight, particularly as they tackle issues such as infrastructure, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
