Residents of Kirinyaga County listen keenly to the Health PS, Ms. Mary Muthoni and
Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura advise on how to tap government
projects from its national development agenda to better their lives./Oprah Nyaboke
At the foot of Mount Kenya lies Kirinyaga County, a land of rich soils, flowing with rivers and vibrant communities whose lives revolve around agriculture, a blend of modern and traditional culture and steady progress.
Known as the rice basket of Kenya, Kirinyaga’s vast Mwea irrigation Scheme spans a landscape with green paddies that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Early mornings in Kirinyaga are filled with the soft whine of tractors, the chatter of market vendors, and the scent of fresh Pishori rice produce being prepared for local, national and International markets.
The people, deeply rooted in cultural pride and hard work, balance the wisdom of elders with the ambition of youth, creating a rhythm of life that is both grounded and forward-looking.
In recent years, the county has become a symbol of transformation, where modern development meets rural resilience. New roads now weave through the hills and plains, linking villages to schools, health centres and markets.
Projects like the construction of Wang’uru Stadium, plans for a KMTC in Gichugu and health reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA) are examples of projects shifting the landscape from potential to reality.
In a powerful show of government commitment to sustain this reality of grassroots development, the Principal Secretary (PS) of the State Department for Public Health, Ms. Mary Muthoni and the Government Spokesperson, Dr. Isaac Mwaura, held a vibrant engagement with local leaders and residents of Gichugu Constituency in the County.
The visit, which also brought together key stakeholders comprising the top officials of the government officials from the region, including Director Emma Wangari, Winnie Ngumi (Chair, KENHA), Mr. Ngugi (Chair, Kenya Dairy Board), and Mr. Ngoro (Chairman, Biovax) marked a significant step towards addressing pressing local concerns and accelerating ongoing government projects in the region.
This high-level engagement wasn't just a ceremonial event; it was an opportunity for the government to listen, act and reaffirm its commitment to equitable development across the country.
Kirinyaga County, known for its agricultural productivity and strategic location in Central Kenya, is now seeing renewed focus from the national government, with various transformative projects either completed, underway or planned for construction in the near future.
The government, through various ministries and departments, is committed to several
key development projects in Kirinyaga. These projects span infrastructure, healthcare,
public safety, youth empowerment and economic stimulation.
Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura addresses the residents of Kirinyaga
County when he joined the Principal Secretary for Health, Ms. Mary Muthoni, in a
grassroots community engagement forum in Gichugu Constituency./Oprah NyabokeWang’uru International Stadium, a 10,000-capacity infrastructure located in Mwea Constituency, has been a long-anticipated facility that promises to uplift sports and other recreation opportunities in the county.
Its completion - currently rated at 67 per cent - and official opening were among the issues raised by residents. Once opened, the stadium is expected to serve as a hub for sporting events, youth engagement and economic opportunities through sports tourism.
PS Muthoni announced that the government was working towards allocating 10 acres of land for the establishment of a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus in Gichugu.
“The facility will not only bring quality medical training closer to the region but will also produce healthcare professionals to serve within the county and beyond as devolution continues, creating jobs in the counties.”
The officials noted that security remains a priority for the government and the construction of a modern police station in Karugo is part of its agenda to enhance public safety.
“With a well-equipped station, response time to crime and emergencies will be improved, boosting residents' confidence and enabling business growth in the area,” said PS Muthoni.
Several projects in Kirinyaga had stalled due to logistical, financial or bureaucratic challenges. Dr. Mwaura acknowledged this concern and assured residents of renewed efforts to fast-track their completion.
These include: road works, health facilities, water supply systems and educational infrastructure. Onwards and in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the government is focusing on building modern markets to support small-scale traders and farmers not only in Kirinyaga but across all counties.
Kimbimbi, Kutus Mjini and Kianyaga Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) based Markets
have been incorporated with special amenities like rooms for lactating mothers, store
rooms, as well as banking facilities, and better road networks are also being developed to
ease transport, enhance trade and improve access to services.
Kimbimbi-Kutus-Mugumo Road, a 67Km road estimated to cost Sh2.49 billion and the upgrading of the Kianyaga Town roads, which are 13Km at a cost of Sh881.64 million, have been declared as priorities in Kirinyaga County.
Additionally, housing being a critical element in the BETA Plan, is also being implemented with the Gichugu Affordable Housing Project, a 110-unit project costing Sh271.25 million, being fast-tracked to provide decent housing units to the residents at an affordable price.
Dr. Mwaura pledged to ensure that all issues raised by the residents, including the need for better health services, security and youth empowerment programs, are communicated to the highest levels of government for action. This commitment reinforces the role of the Office of the Government Spokesperson as a bridge between the people and policymakers.
Oprah Nyaboke works at the Office of Government
Spokesperson.
