Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace, Terresia Mbaika, during a public engagement forum in Kilungu, Kaiti Constituency on April 11, 2026. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Residents of Kilungu Sub-county were on Saturday treated to a comprehensive development update and a call for political tolerance from Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace, Terresia Mbaika, during a public engagement forum in the area.
Speaking during the meeting, Mbaika expressed her enthusiasm at returning to Kilungu and interacting directly with residents, emphasizing the importance of government officials maintaining close contact with the people they serve.
She noted that the engagement provided an opportunity to review ongoing development projects and assess progress across the sub-county. Among the key projects highlighted were the construction of modern markets, including Kilala and Mutulani markets, funded by the Government of Kenya to boost local trade and economic activity.
On infrastructure, the PS pointed to significant strides in road development, singling out the Kyambeke–Kikoko road, which is nearing completion. She observed that the project had stalled under previous administrations but is now close to transforming connectivity in the region.
Additionally, she revealed that plans are underway for new road projects, including a route cutting through Ukia, Kyuasini to Kyambeke, which is currently at the evaluation stage awaiting tender award. Another proposed loop road from Kyuasini to Kikoko is also in the pipeline, expected to further open up the area and enhance mobility, trade, and access to services.
While acknowledging these development gains, Mbaika raised concern over rising political tensions in the country, cautioning leaders against confrontational and disruptive politics.
“It is a season we need to engage soberly as leaders and politicians,” she said, urging restraint amid increasing political activity and rallies.
She criticized incidents of intimidation, particularly on social media and during public gatherings, terming them unnecessary and counterproductive to development.
The PS emphasized the need for issue-based politics, calling on both elected and non-elected leaders to focus on accountability and service delivery. She challenged elected leaders to transparently outline their achievements within their tenure rather than resorting to coercion or populist tactics.
“We gave you five years. What have you been able to bring to the people? That is what should speak for you,” she stated.
Mbaika also offered advice to young leaders and the youth, urging them to embrace patience, maturity, and long-term thinking in their political engagements. She warned against reckless rhetoric and actions that could damage future opportunities.
“You cannot burn bridges; you can only build more,” she said, underscoring the importance of maintaining respectful and constructive relationships in leadership.
She concluded by encouraging unity, peaceful coexistence, and responsible leadership, noting that sustainable development can only be achieved in a stable and harmonious environment.
The forum underscored the government’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and economic opportunities in Kilungu, even as leaders are called upon to lower political temperatures and prioritize the well-being of citizens.
