MPs in race to complete development projects as 2027 beckons, new urvey

As clock ticks towards the 2027 General Election, parliamentarians are in a rush to implement and complete development projects in their constituencies, a new survey shows.

According to the survey by Opinion Sphere, a research firm, the legislators are keen on retaining their positions in the next polls, which will only be achieved by fully implementing crucial development projects including roads, markets, schools, security, electricity among others, in their respective constituencies.

The cooling of political temperatures in the country since the Gen-Z-led protests in June 2024 has also allowed the lawmakers to make inroads in their respective areas while trying to fulfill the promises made to their electorates during the last General Election.

Joseph Mutheki, the firm’s director, revealed that recent polls and research indicate that most MPs have toned down their political rhetoric and reduced political activities in their areas and instead they are seen launching, inspecting and commissioning development projects.

“Our recent findings indicate that most MPs are running against time to deliver what they promised their people. Most of them have completed several notable projects while others are still in the implementation stages. This is what Kenyans want, work,” said Mutheki.

He added: “Our work supports businesses, political institutions, nonprofit making organisations and government agencies in making informed decisions grounded in credible research.”

In Chuka Igambang’ombe constituency, for instance, area MP Patrick Munene has ensured that key educational infrastructure has been put in place in a project aimed at raising academic standards in the area.

Implementation of these projects has been actualised through the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF). Among the major projects includes construction of the Chuka Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).

“Parents with students in secondary schools are paying Sh 1,000 per term while the rest of the school fees is settled by the NG-CDF. These are some of the projects that are ensuring that learners don’t skip classes or fail to attend to school which will in turn improve academic performance,” Mutheki stated.

The survey showed that the Chuka lawmaker has also lobbied for construction of key roads including the 30-kilometer Kibugua – Itugururu – Ishiara road which has improved transport and opened the region for investments.

Also, through the Economic Stimulus Programme, construction of Chuka market has been completed providing traders with a conducive environment to trade in, a project which has in turn impacted on the livelihoods of thousands of residents.

“We have also identified other projects in the security sector like construction of Chief’s, ACC and DCC offices as well as ensuring deployment of security personnel,” Mutheki noted.

In Yatta constituency, area MP Robert Mbui has undertaken key infrastructural projects including rehabilitation of roads like Nduti-Ndalasyani and Makutano junctions that have been implemented.

Also water projects like the innovative hydrum pump in Mutyambo, boreholes in Kwa Nzini and Necaka have been done.

“In our research, we also realised that the many mud-walled classrooms in the area have been replaced by brick and mortar. This is an indicator that the lawmakers are now focusing on their core job of fostering developments at the grassroot levels,” said the researcher.

Similar projects were also witnessed in other constituencies including Nambale and Embakasi Central led by MPs Godfrey Mulanya and Benjamin Gathiru alias Mejja Donk respectively. Focus is mainly on education, water, roads and infrastructure, electricity, security as well as youth empowerment.

“In Nambale, a village called Fatana has been in darkness for some time but locals now have a reason to smile after the area MP lobbied for installation of electricity across the village. It’s one of the components of growth and locals are upbeat that businesses will blossom in the area,” the Director noted.

In Embakasi Central, the newly built Komarock primary school by the area NG-CDF came as a reprieve to learners, parents and teachers as it decongested other institutions and provided learners with a favourable environment.

Women MPs are also gearing up to face off with their male counterparts at the ballot to get into elective positions to serve their people.

Falhada Dekwo Iman, a Member of the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA), is one of the leaders who are wooing voters at the grassroots with projects that are of significance to them.

Among the projects she has implemented in Ijara constituency, where she hails from, she has through the Falde Foundation construction of several madrasas.

It is not clear whether she harbours ambitions to vie in the 2027 elections.

However, MPs are generally aware that voters will decide their fate according to one’s performance in terms of development and legislation.

This comes as MPs continue to resist proposals to abolish the NGCDF after it was declared unconstitutional by the courts.

Instead, they have launched public participation on Constitution of Kenya(Amendment)Bill, 2025, which seeks to entrench NGCDF, the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and the proposed Senate Oversight Fund in the Constitution.