Governor George Natembeya inspects a guard of honour outside the Trans Nzoia county assembly on November 12, 2025Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has said his administration’s promises are “firmly turning into progress”, pointing to strides in food production, healthcare, infrastructure and youth empowerment since he assumed office.
Speaking during his 2025 state of the county address, he highlighted the county government’s achievements under its flagship initiative, 'Promise to Progress', and expressed confidence residents will enjoy a brighter future as devolution delivers tangible results.
“When leaders choose the people over power, and service over self, progress is inevitable,” he said, citing notable gains in food security, water access, roads and youth programmes over the last two years.
Under the Fukuza Njaa initiative, the county has distributed free certified seeds to 459,000 households since 2023, raising maize production from 4.8 million 90kg bags in 2022 to seven million bags in 2025.
“Food security is no longer a mirage—it is our reality,” Natembeya said.
He also announced the establishment of seven grain warehouses, nine maize dryers and new value chain investments in avocado, sunflower and coffee. A 16,000-litre milk pasteuriser and a 3,000-litre extended shelf-life facility in Cherangany are now operational.
On environmental conservation, Natembeya reported that more than 20 million trees have been planted since 2023, raising the county’s tree cover from 15.1 per cent to 16.1 per cent.
Through the World Bank–funded Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme, 27 boreholes have been solarised, 52km of water pipelines extended, and 27 springs protected, reducing the average distance to clean water from five kilometres to just 1.5 kilometres.
Infrastructure development has also been a priority.
Over the past year, the administration opened and reshaped 1,200 kilometres of roads and gravelled 300 kilometres, ensuring durability. Several markets, including Weonia, Mitume, Kapkoi and Kapkarwa, were constructed or renovated, boosting monthly market revenue to Sh2.4 million.
Healthcare reforms, Natembeya said, remain “dear to my heart”.
The NateCare programme now provides medical insurance to 35,000 households, and all nine subcounty hubs feature maternal theatres.
The new Tom Mboya Mother and Baby Hospital is set for commissioning early next year.
However, he cautioned that delayed reimbursements from the Social Health Authority threaten services at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital.
On social empowerment, Natembeya said over 700 assistive devices have been distributed to persons living with disabilities, while 3,000 youths benefited from the cash transfer phase of the Ukombozi programme.
The governor also celebrated sporting success, highlighting world champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi as a figure who “lifted the spirit of an entire county”.
The 20,000-seat Kenyatta Stadium, currently 67 per cent complete, is expected to be finished in the current financial year.
In education, the Ukombozi School Milk Programme now serves 47,000 ECDE learners twice weekly.
Additionally, 61 twin classrooms and 28 ablution blocks have been constructed, and 781 ECDE teachers confirmed on permanent terms.
Looking ahead, the county is partnering with Kibabii University and Nigeria’s Bells University to establish Trans Nzoia’s first local university.
Natembeya also addressed recent floods that displaced more than 9,000 residents in Kwanza, Endebess and Saboti, noting that all rescue camps have now been closed following successful humanitarian interventions.
Through
these initiatives, the governor said, the county is turning promises into tangible
progress, affirming that devolution can deliver meaningful change when
leadership prioritises service over politics.
