By Brian Gitonga
Nyaki East Member of County Assembly (MCA) aspirant James Munene Timothi has criticized nominated MCA Faith Kananu, popularly known as Bosslady, for remarks she made during Governor Mutuma’s recent visit to Kambi ya Nyanyua, saying she misrepresented the concerns of young people and missed an opportunity to advocate for development.
Nyaki East MCA Aspirant James Munene Timothi
Speaking during the third edition of the James Munene Timothi Football Tournament at Mbirikine Primary School, Munene said it was disappointing that instead of highlighting issues affecting the youth, Faith requested the Governor to help take young people to rehabilitation centers.
“We have one leader who calls herself Bosslady. If you are given the opportunity to speak to someone like the governor, you shouldn’t tell him to collect these children to take them to rehabilitation,” said Munene.
He questioned why young people were being portrayed as a burden, emphasizing that the real challenge in Nyaki East is unemployment.
“Are the youth sick? What they lack are job opportunities. That is why you should have asked the governor to consider creating jobs that suit them,” he said.
Nyaki East youth during a past football match
Munene noted that many young people in Nyaki East have completed their education but continue to struggle with unemployment despite their qualifications. He said this has left most young men and women idle, without any source of income. According to Munene, employment would allow young people to live dignified lives, support their families, and provide a sense of direction.
“If the youth are given jobs, they will be able to put food on the table and pay school fees for their children. This is what can solve our societal problems,” he said.
He also urged local leaders to stop turning public functions into platforms for showmanship and political insults, saying residents expect leadership focused on development priorities. He called on leaders to use opportunities with senior government officials to highlight real issues such as youth empowerment, infrastructure, and job creation.
Munene revealed the presence of a Job Market Initiative through which he helps link young people with potential employers. He encouraged residents with children who have academic qualifications ranging from certificate to degree level to submit their CVs through a representative present at the event.
“Those who have children who have completed their education, from certificate to degree level, please give your CVs to David Mwenda here. I will forward them to my contacts. We are not promising jobs, but we are making efforts to find opportunities,” said Munene.
He emphasized that while immediate results cannot be guaranteed, he will continue leveraging his networks to create opportunities and amplify the voices of job-seeking youth.
Munene also addressed the need for improved digital education in primary schools, noting that ICT access remains limited in Nyaki East due to poor network coverage. After working with technical partners, seven areas were identified as needing signal boosters.
“After our analysis, we found that only Nkabune and Mbeu have network coverage. We identified seven locations lacking signal. Last week, we received three boosters to address this,” said Munene.
The football tournament brought together several teams from across the ward. Munene said the event is part of his broader efforts to promote talent development, positive engagement, and unity among young people.
He announced that next year, the tournament will enter its second full annual cycle and will continue every year, reiterating his commitment to supporting programs that uplift youth.
Munene, who is seeking election as Nyaki East MCA in the 2027 General Election, appealed to residents to support his bid, promising to prioritize youth empowerment, education, digital growth, and employment creation as foundations for development
