• Agricultural development took the centre stage, with initiatives like free seeds and fertiliser distribution, resulting in increased maize harvest.
• Natembeya underscored the commitment to financial inclusion through the ongoing countywide registration of Saccos.
Image: BY MATHEWS NDANYI
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has said his transformation agenda is on course and he has achieved a lot since he took office in 2022.
His administration has made positive development strides as his team works to implement his Ukombozi Campaign (liberation campaign).
“We inherited a county shackled by poverty, diseases and illiteracy. Today, I stand before you to share the journey of awakening and liberating the sleeping giant that is Trans Nzoia county,” Natembeya said on Thursday.
Delivering his state of the county address at the Trans Nzoia assembly, he said the Ukombozi Campaign, which was launched on August 25, 2022, ushered in a new era with a 10-point agenda for sustained prosperity.
Agricultural development took centre stage, with initiatives like free seeds and fertiliser distribution, resulting in increased maize harvest.
Livestock value chains have been improved and the county aggregation and industrial park project initiated to boost value addition, he said.
Natembeya said more than 500 cooperatives have been registered across all sectors, contributing to job creation and economic development.
“Our commitment to empowering farmers and other residents through cooperatives is unwavering. Agriculture is not just a sector, it is the heartbeat of our economic growth,” he said.
Natembeya underscored the commitment to financial inclusion through the ongoing countywide registration of Saccos.
“Financial inclusion is key to unlocking the potential of every resident. Saccos are not just financial institutions, they are vehicles for economic empowerment,” he said.
In education, the governor said there is a deficit of 719 teachers in early childhood development centres. “We plan to employ 133 teachers in the current fiscal year, replacing those who have left service,” Natembeya said.
An investment of Sh3 million in teaching and learning materials for ECDE centres is planned this year, but the county chief said they will work to increase the budget to Sh34 million.
“Our children deserve the best education. We are committed to addressing the teacher deficit and ensuring our ECDE centres have the necessary resources,” he said.
The school milk programme in the county experienced teething problems but it has helped improve nutrition and reduced school absenteeism.
An additional Sh70 million allocation in the 2023-24 financial year, aims to expand the programme to all 434 ECDE centres in the county.
“Healthy children are the foundation of a prosperous future. The success of the school milk programme is a testament to our dedication to the well-being of our youngest citizens,” Natembeya said.
In healthcare, the county government introduced programmes such as NateCare and BagMaize for health insurance initiatives.
“Healthcare is a fundamental right. Through initiatives like NateCare and BagMaize, we’re ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of their economic status,” Natembeya said.
In infrastructure and development, the governor highlighted the migration of services from Kitale County Referral Hospital to Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital, which he said will offer high quality services.
“Our commitment to quality healthcare is reflected in the transformation of our medical services. We’re ensuring dignity and quality care for every patient,” he said.
Public participation has also been enhanced with initiatives like the Governor’s Kikao (public meetings) and empowerment of ward and subcounty administrators.