Kanduyi Member of Parliament (MP) John Makali has urged voters to exercise patience with elected leaders as political attention gradually shifts toward the 2027 General Election, noting that most development pledges require time, proper planning and consistent funding to be fully implemented.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 10 at St. Teresa’s Sio High School in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, during the distribution of KSh54 million bursary cheques to students, the legislator said leaders should be given adequate time to complete projects promised to the electorates.

Makali said he remains committed to fulfilling the pledges he made to residents of Kanduyi, cautioning against mounting pressure fueled by the early onset of political campaigns.

“Development cannot be achieved overnight. Some projects require careful planning, budgeting and implementation. I urge residents to remain patient as we work to deliver the promises we made during the last election,” he said.

His remarks come at a time when political activity in the constituency has started intensifying ahead of the 2027 polls, with several aspirants expressing interest in the seat.

Among those reported to be eyeing the position are journalist Zaccheus Mwasame, former county roads executive Collins Mukhongo and former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi.

However, Makali dismissed the growing political rivalry, maintaining that his focus remains on service delivery rather than early campaigns.

“Do not listen to or get lured by what my opponents are doing. I want to clearly state that what I promised during the last elections will be delivered before the next general election,” he said.

The MP cited the upgrading of roads, construction and renovation of school infrastructure and continuous bursary support for needy students as some of the key development initiatives currently underway in the constituency.

“What I can urge my supporters to remain patient as I implement some of the projects I pledged during the campaigns. The 2027 election is still some time away and meaningful development takes time,” Makali added.

During the event, the MP revealed that a total of KSh54 million had been disbursed under the fourth cohort of the bursary programme to support learners across Kanduyi Constituency.

He explained that the funds are intended to ease the financial burden on parents while ensuring that students from vulnerable backgrounds remain in school.

Out of the beneficiaries, about 4,000 high school learners received Sh5, 000 each, while students in boarding schools were allocated Sh8, 000 to cater for their higher education expenses.

“During our vetting exercise, we identified 100 students from each ward to benefit from the bursary assistance,” he said.

He added that learners attending day secondary schools collectively received Sh20 million from the bursary fund, noting that the initiative is expected to help curb absenteeism and reduce school dropout rates caused by lack of school fees.

Makali further disclosed that students pursuing higher education were also included in the allocation.

“For universities and colleges, we selected 200 students from each of the eight wards, utilizing Sh16 million in support,” he said, adding that the programme targets bright but financially disadvantaged students who might otherwise struggle to complete their studies.

The Ford Kenya legislator also announced that his National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) office is planning to roll out an empowerment programme for boda boda riders.

According to the MP, the initiative will sponsor riders to undertake professional driving lessons and obtain valid driving licenses.

He said the programme aims to enhance road safety while also expanding employment opportunities for young people working in the transport sector.

“Many youths depend on boda boda business for their livelihood. By equipping them with proper driving skills and licenses, we are not only improving safety on our roads but also giving them an opportunity to diversify their skills,” Makali said.

Makali also called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to reconsider frequent teacher transfers, arguing that the practice sometimes disrupts learning and negatively affects school performance.

“If a certain teacher is performing well in a particular school and delivering results, there is no need to transfer them unnecessarily. If it is working, do not fix it,” he said.

Makali noted that stability among teaching staff is key to maintaining consistency in learning and improving academic performance in schools across the constituency.