In a strongly worded statement shared on X, Kuria said he felt betrayed by what he described as the misuse of a critical national development initiative.
He noted that Governor Mbarire, whom he referred to as a close friend, had openly confessed to redirecting money intended for long-term industrial growth towards a short-term political activity.
Mbarire made the admission while appearing before the Senate Public Accounts Committee, where she acknowledged that funds meant for the Mashanga CAIP were instead used to support a boda boda summit and related SACCO activities.
Her remarks drew sharp criticism from senators, who questioned the legality and justification of repurposing development funds without proper authorization.
Kuria said his concern went beyond legal technicalities, emphasizing that the CAIP programme was conceived as a transformative economic intervention for rural Kenya.
According to him, each industrial park was projected to create at least 20,000 direct jobs per county, boost farmers’ incomes through value addition, and unlock export markets for locally produced goods.
He added that CAIPs were also intended to spur the growth of new urban centres in rural areas, easing migration pressure on major cities.
He lamented that diverting the funds undermined this vision and denied ordinary Kenyans the chance for sustainable livelihoods.
Kuria argued that while political credit might have gone elsewhere if the projects succeeded, the true beneficiaries would have been the people.
During the Senate session, Mbarire defended her decision by citing financial constraints and pressure, assuring lawmakers that such an action would not be repeated.
Senators, however, warned that the matter could attract penalties, including possible surcharges.
The controversy has reignited debate over county accountability and the cost of sacrificing long-term development goals for short-term political interests, with CAIPs once again thrust into the national economic spotlight.
