Kirinyaga County adopts new road construction technology to enhance durability

Kirinyaga County Government has adopted the use of a more effective and efficient road construction technology to enhance durability of rural access roads across the county. Construction of roads under the ongoing Nyorosha Barabara Mashinani project is utilizing a mixture of hardcore and quarry dust as the main building materials as opposed to the usual murram that was previously used.

The County Executive Committee Member for Transport, Jared Migwi, has said that once the mixture is laid on a well graded road, it is then compacted with a drum roller which gives it a compact and a smooth finish. “These materials cannot be easily washed away by storm water and roads constructed using this technology are more durable and can last for up to three years without repairs. This will not only give the taxpayers value for their money but will also save us money that can be used to cover more roads,” said Jared. He added that the county is also ensuring that the construction incorporates good storm water drainage system.  He said the program has been made a success by cooperation between the county executive, the assembly and other stakeholders like the National Irrigation Authority (NIA).

Nyorosha Mashinani program which was launched by Governor Anne Waiguru projected to cover more than 500km roads across the county in the current financial year. So far 327km have been graded and more than 150 kilometers murrammed. The governor said that the program aims at achieving well drained all weather access roads. One of the wards that has greatly benefited from this program is Mutithi in Mwea. The area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Jinaro Jamumo who is also the assembly’s Deputy Speaker, said that the ongoing road rehabilitation will turn around the fortunes for his ward.  The roads that have been covered include those in the peripheries of Kagio Town. The town that hosts the largest market in the county is a business hub that daily attracts thousands of traders dealing in fresh produce.

Jamumo said that good road network will enable efficient transportation of tomatoes from the farms to the market. Most of the tomatoes sold in the market come from areas such as Kianjogu and Ng’othi. Motor vehicles, motorbikes and donkey carts which are the main mode of transport in the area can now navigate around the farms collecting farm produce for transportation to the market. He said that the roads will also open up the area for real estate development as more people move in to settle around the ward’s urban and trading centers. “People will always look for areas with developed infrastructure to settle in and we are happy that the ongoing roads rehabilitation in our ward is attracting investors and settlers thereby raising the value of our land,” he said.

He added that the program is a response to calls by residents during public participation forums in which they prioritized the construction of all-weather roads across the ward. He said that the tax payer needed to get value for their money and such projects go a long way in ensuring that is achieved. He pointed out that in two weeks’ time, the program will have covered around 10 kilometers across Mutithi. He thanked the governor for prioritizing access road in her development agenda.

Lucy Wanja Karagu, 70 year old woman residing in Canaan area in the outskirts of Kagio town narrated how the previous poor state of roads affected the area residents. She said that while motor vehicles were unable to navigate around the estates, those who choose to use boda boda were not safe as they were prone to accidents due to the uneven nature and potholes that riddled the roads. Those who did not want to risk their lives opted to walk long distances which would be complicated if one had a luggage.  She says that they are now enjoying motor vehicle and boda boda rides and transport has become cheaper for them.

Her sentiments were echoed by Benson Kamau, a boda boda rider from Kagio. He says that business in now booming since they are able to take their customers to the interior parts of the ward without any problem. “Whether there are rains or not, we are now carrying on with our business uninterrupted and we don’t risk having accidents due to bad roads.” he said.   He lauded Governor Waiguru for the initiative saying that she is fulfilling her promises to the county residents.

In Mutira Ward, coffee farmers are the major beneficiaries of the access roads projects. “The two-kilometer stretch from Giagatogo- Mbari Ya Tubii road as well as Kauiru Kiarugu-Kariiria road will help farmers delivering coffee to Mutitu Coffee factory by a great deal,” said Bosco Gichangi, a nominated MCA who hails from Mutira. To improve on efficiency of the in-house roads program, Waiguru during her last term procured road construction equipment that include five graders, 10 trucks-20tons, two excavators, one low bed/loader, one backhoe, two roller-compactors and one water bowser.

Kirinyaga County Government distributes relief food to over 9,000 people

Kirinyaga County Government has distributed relief food to 9,200 drought stricken people from Mwea Constituency. The relief food distribution drive targeting 1,841 households in Murinduko, Wamumu and Mutithi Wards was presided over on behalf of Governor Anne Waiguru by her Deputy, David Githanda. While issuing the food hampers in which each household received maize, porridge flour, green grams, rice, cooking oil and salt, the deputy governor lauded Governor Waiguru whom he said has been very vocal on the county’s drought situation and had sourced for the food aid from the National Government.

A food security assessment carried out by the National Drought Management Authority in Kirinyaga revealed that about 25,000 households in Mwea East and Mwea West were facing starvation, which translates to around 125,000 people. Githanda pointed out that the governor had pledged to source for more food to cater for the households that were not covered in the initial phase. “We have started with the most vulnerable groups who include the elderly and the sick, but the program will continue to include more people”. He said. He also appealed to the beneficiaries to utilize the ongoing rains and plant various crops as a way of combating food insecurity, noting that subsidized fertilizer has already been delivered in the county to enable farmers grow food to replenish their granaries.

The National Drought Management Authority Coordinator, Lordman Lekalkuli who was present at the food distribution drive said that though NDMA main focus has been on the arid and semi-arid areas, the persistent drought in counties normally perceived as food secure has made them widen the scope to cover Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Machakos, Elgeyo Marakwet, Siaya, Homabay and Migori.

Peninah Njeri, a resident of Togonye in Murinduko Ward and a beneficiary of the food hamper expressed her gratitude for the relief. She said that consecutive failed seasons in the area have made life very difficult for the residents since they depend on their farms for food. She said that they are planting in the hope that this season will not fail and that it will compensate for the previous failed seasons. Cyrus Njeru from Murinduko thanked Governor Anne Waiguru for the intervention admitting that there has been severe drought in the area due to failed rains, which was confirmed by Francis Ireri from Kamunyange area. “This food will go a long way in alleviating our suffering even as we look forwarding to a better season.” Said Ireri.

The relief food distribution drive was also attended by Mwea Member of Parliament, Mary Maingi, Members of County Assembly for the areas, County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers and officials from the national government.

Dispensaries commissioned by Waiguru a great relief to residents seeking primary healthcare services

Two of the recently commissioned dispensaries in Kirinyaga County have brought great relief to residents who now enjoy healthcare services at their doorstep. The two facilities, Umoja and Kiambui in Mwea and Gichugu constituencies respectively are the latest among the dispensaries that Governor Anne Waiguru has been completing and commissioning. So far, the governor has commissioned five out of 20 dispensaries that her administration has lined up for completion and equipping with an aim of enhancing provision of primary healthcare.

A crosscheck at the dispensaries reveal the long awaited relief they have brought to villagers who from time immemorial have had to travel for many kilometers in search of healthcare services. At Umoja Dispensary in Mwea, about 70 patients are served daily, without having to spend money or time making trips to facilities almost 10 kilometers away. It is serving about 4,500 locals from Ngang’a, Umoja, Mbingo-ini and Kiandegwa villages. The beneficiaries previously travelled more than five kilometers to get to the nearest public health facilities such as Rurii-Kiandegwa dispensary or Mutithi and Ciagini Health Centers.

One of the beneficiaries of the project, Rhodah Mukami from Kiandegwa village that neighbors the dispensary, says that the facility has been of great help to her as well as her neighbors. She said that they would earlier seek services in as far as Embu County where they spent money on transport.  “We used to pay up to Ksh. 200 as fare to hospitals but now we just walk in whenever we require medical services. We are very grateful to Governor Waiguru for ensuring that this dispensary is completed and well equipped.” Said Rhoda, praising the services they receive from the health workers attached to the facility.

While commissioning the dispensary last year, governor Waiguru said that her administration will be allocating more funds to expand services at the dispensary, a maternity wing, a female and a male ward being among the proposed expansion projects. “We want to elevate this facility to a Level Three hospital so that people from the area don’t necessarily have to go Kimbimbi Hospital for admission”, she said.

Jane Njeri Karanja, the Facility-In-Charge at Umoja Dispensary said that they are able to serve around 70 patients per day within the various outpatient services such as consultation, TB clinic, non-communicable diseases management, antenatal and postnatal care clinics and cervical cancer screening for women among others. She added that an immunization center for children is about to be established at the dispensary in order to enhance mother and childcare services.

At Kiambui dispensary that is located in Njuki-ini ward in Gichugu constituency, residents can now receive a variety of outpatient services and minor surgeries and wound dressing.  The facility that is a few kilometers from Kutus-Embu highway has been of help to road accident victims who are rushed there for emergency treatment with those requiring further management being duly referred to higher level facilities. The dispensary that serves no less than 50 patients in a day covers a catchment area with a population of around 4,000 residents who previously had to travel more than 8km away to the nearest Difathas health center while others crossed to the neighboring county of Embu.

The Facility-In-Charge, Haniel Njue, says that the dispensary has been a Godsend to the residents especially those from the nearby densely populated Mwambao informal settlement. Other vilages served by Kiambui Dispensary are Gathoge, Piai and Kanjuu, Mbiri. He said that apart from offering consultation and treatment, they have been carrying out intensive public health education especially on hygiene and sanitation. “Since the dispensary was opened we have been sensitizing members of the community on the importance of upholding cleanliness as a way of preventing diseases. As such incidences of water borne diseases such as diarrhea which were prevalent in this area have significantly reduced.” Said the officer.

At the dispensary, more than 10 pregnant women who would previously travel kilometers to Kianyaga Hospital or cross over to Embu County for their clinics can now conveniently access such care. The presence of antenatal care services goes a long way in prevention of maternal and neonatal deaths since complications in pregnancies are detected in good time allowing for timely intervention. Plans to start a child immunization center at the facility are also underway, an initiative that mothers in the area look forward to.

Pauline Njoki Gachoki said that Kiaumbui Dispensary is of greate benefit to people suffering from diabetes and hypertension. They are able to access advice, medication and review at the facility thereby saving them the hustle of travelling long distances or seeking such services from private providers. She told of how they could earlier on travel up to 10 km to the nearest health facility such as Difathas and Murinduko within the county or facilities across the county. Without money for transport, some people just bought medication over the counter or even resulted to use of herbs.

Due to its close proximity to Kiaumbui primary and secondary schools, pupils do not have to waste   days in search of medical services. They just have to walk over to the dispensary that is next door and get treatment and if not very sick they can still go back to class. This also saves their parents time and money that they would previously spend taking them to facilities away from their locality.

Other dispensary projects that Waiguru has commissioned in the last one year include, Kiamwathi, Kianjiru and Joshua Mbai. She has pointed out that with good primary healthcare at the dispensaries, there will be less congestion at higher level health facilities thus giving them space to effectively deal with more complex health matters. She added that towards the achievement of universal health coverage, her administration has invested heavily in infrastructural development of various health facilities across the county.

Kirinyaga set to get additional bulky fresh water supply in two months

A new bulky water supply project that is set to benefit 350,000 people in Kirinyaga County will be launched in two months.

Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alice Wahome, says the Kirinyaga Bulky Water Supply project that will give water to four major towns in the county is almost complete. The CS said the project will improve water quantity, quality and reliability within Kerugoya, Kutus, Kagio and Sagana towns. Speaking during an inspection tour of the project, Wahome who was accompanied by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru said the new system will supply the residents with an additional 30,000 cubic metres of water daily.

The water supply system will draw water from intakes at Kiriga and Thiba rivers with the main treatment plant being located at Muratiri area. “This project will spur speedy growth in the county, industries will grow and our supportive role as the ministry is to ensure we can do this across the country. There is huge demand for water everywhere and we know we have not been able to reach everyone,” CS Wahome said. Wahome said that the project is being funded by the government and the African Development Bank (ADB) at an approximated cost of Ksh. 1.1 billion. The towns will also benefit from a Ksh. 500 million Sewerage treatment system which is also nearing completion.

The CS said the sewerage system will serve Kerugoya and Kutus town and homes along the line. “This will be one of the biggest small towns water and sewerage systems that we have in the country. Previously, there was no proper policy in place to ensure that as you supply water then you also take care of sewerage. The sewer system is not restricted to town, it will provide service anywhere it will pass,” she said.

On her part, Governor Waiguru said the water and sewerage system will be a great relief to the residents as it will alleviate water shortage and help improve hygiene and sanitation standards in four the towns. The Council of Governors (COG) chair said that the project will also help in opening up towns as adequate supply of water and sewer system are a major consideration for investors. “Previously we did not have a sewerage system but we now have this new one that is nearing completion. It starts from Kerugoya all the way to Kutus and goes down to Kagio and Sagana,” the Governor said. The governor further said the increased water supply will make the upcoming Sagana Industrial Park more attractive to investors. “We are collaborating with the national government in the establishment of the industrial park and we are happy because the water will serve that park especially the low-cost housing and the industries that will be set up there,” said the governor. She also pointed out that her administration had intervened to ensure property owners whose land has been acquired to allow construction of the sewer line are duly compensated.

Kirinyaga launch Vaccination drive against Rabies

Kirinyaga County has launched a major vaccination exercise to prevent the spread of rabies disease in the County. The county says that there has been a surge in the number of stray dogs and cats thus necessitating urgent vaccination drive.

The annual exercise was launched yesterday by County Executive Member for Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr. John Gachara at Kangai Ward in Mwea Constituency. Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. Gachara said the exercise which targets to vaccinate about 5000 dogs and cats across the county is aimed at protecting the residents from the killer disease. “The County government will roll out the vaccination campaign across the 20 wards to ensure no area is left out in the efforts to safeguard the locals from the fatal infections,” he added.

In many countries, dogs and cats carry rabies. However, most rabies deaths in people around the world are caused by dog bites. In some countries like United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. Director Livestock, Veterinary Services and Fisheries Dr. Richard Gichangi says rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease that is nearly always fatal in humans if appropriate preventive measures are not taken after exposure.

Research shows that globally, it causes approximately 60,000 deaths annually mainly in developing countries with one person dying of rabies every 10 minutes. More than 95% of human deaths occur in Africa and Asia- and children below 15 years of age are at the greatest risk of rabies exposure. “Rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death,” said Dr. Gichangi.

Dr. Gichangi added that the County is carrying out a sensitization campaign in all the 20 wards so as to ensure the exercise is successful. He said though rabies cannot completely be eradicated, its spread can be stopped through continuous vaccination of pets. “If anyone is bitten by a dog, we urge the residents to thoroughly wash the infected areas with clean water and soap as a first aid measure before they rush to hospital to avoid spread of germs to other parts of the body,” he added. Gichangi urged the locals to turn up in large numbers for the exercise to ensure the animals are safe.

Resident thanked Governor Anne Waiguru’s administration for the interventions to ensure their safety. A similar vaccination exercise for Foot and Mouth disease targeting livestock is expected to start in May.

Waiguru to revitalize Agriculture Training Centers for Farmers to learn best practices

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru plans to revitalize Kamweti Agricultural Training Center to a center of excellence for farmers and students to learn the best agricultural practices. The plans will see Kamweti ATC transformed into an institution recognized country wide as a benchmarking center for best farming practices where farmers will get quality seeds and best training on farming.

Speaking during the annual farmers’ field day, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary and Fisheries Dr. John Gachara who represented the governor during the official opening of the mini agricultural show said that the county would pump in more money into the institution so as to expand its capacity. He said the field day was meant as a way to bring together, farmers across the County so as to educate them on the latest best farming practices. “We bring farmers from across the County so that they can learn the newest farming technologies and practices from our researchers and experts. We want farmers to embrace these technologies so that we can address issues of food security especially in times of drought like what we are currently experiencing,” said Gachara.

The field day has brought together farmers, researchers, experts, students and exhibitors from various value chains, cooperative societies and manufacturers of agricultural inputs. Gachara said the first day of the exhibition was attended by approximately 600 farmers. The show is being held under the theme, ‘To Improve Food Security through Value Addition’. The farmers were educated on various forms of diversification to ensure that their pieces of land are fully utilized. “We have been educated on the different ways to make use of our farms and not grow just one crop, to ensure that we always have food. We are grateful to the County Government for organizing this forum and we would want them to be doing it more often,” said Nancy Wanjiru, one of the farmers who had attended the event. Agriculture is the economic main day for the people of Kirinyaga.

Through the Wezesha Program, Governor Waiguru’s focus for the next five years is on sustainability and commercializing agriculture by leveraging on innovations and technologies for aggregation, agro-processing and export oriented value addition through organized value chain based farmers groups to form cooperative societies. The County Government supports farmers through initiatives such as training and establishing of various value chains. Governor Waiguru says the planned set up of the Sagana Industrial Park will be a game changer as it will attract investors and open up diverse opportunities especially for the youth and professionals of Kirinyaga County.

Kirinyaga County has many opportunities that can be exploited by investors who want venture into manufacturing and agro-processing.

Waiguru receives Kakamega women MCAs for benchmarking tour to Kirinyaga

Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has asked women to soldier on with their efforts to end gender disparities in leadership and access to resources.

Speaking when she received women Members of Kakamega County Assembly who are on a benchmarking tour of the county, Waiguru asked women who are in leadership positions not to drop the ball in their fight to upscale the ladder in politics, corporate or public offices. Waiguru who is also the Chair of the Council of Governors (COG) Chair affirmed her commitment towards women empowerment and building strong women leaders through mentorship. She said that women politicians in Kenya unlike their male counterparts, are met by excessive political resistance and attacks along their journey to climb up the leadership ladder. She, however, urged them to stay put, and never to bow down as they seek to close the gap on gender imbalance on women leadership in the Country.

Led by their Chairperson, Jael Omunyang’a, the women under Kakamega Women MCAs Caucus were received at the Governor’s Official residence in Kagio where Waiguru said she was honored to host them and share insights on leadership and women empowerment. Omunyang’a said that the MCAs from the Western Kenya County were inspired by Governor Waiguru’s transformative leadership that she has offered in Kirinyaga and the way the development programs and projects are impacting lives of the residents. “We chose to Visit Kirinyaga because we believe for now it’s the best county to learn from as far as women empowerment initiatives are concerned.” She stated.

She also lauded Waiguru for her past development initiatives that she implemented during her time as a Cabinet Secretary as well as when she worked at the National Treasury. She singled out the Huduma Centers initiative which up to date is one of the most celebrated revolutions that has enhanced public service delivery by creating a one stop shop for critical government services. She also mentioned how another of Waiguru’s brainchild, the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) that streamlined and restored sanity in public financial management and procurement.

The Caucus leaders who were also joined by Kirinyaga women MCAs, revealed that they were mobilizing Women leaders across the Country to Support the Governor’s Vision on Women leadership, and empowerment. During the tour, the Kakamega leaders visited some of the women empowerment initiatives being implemented by Waiguru, including, the gender based violence help desks, Kaitheri Apparel Centre, breast feeding centers, Kerugoya Medical Complex, women and children’s wards and Wezesha Kirinyaga empowerment projects among others.

On implementation of development programs and projects, Waiguru said that despite her county receiving little allocation from the National exchequer, she had put all efforts to source funds from development partners to enable her implement projects geared towards women empowerment. The Governor said that due to her passion for women empowerment has supported the election of women MCAs as Deputy Chairs in all the house committees. She added that the County assembly Deputy Leader of Majority, and Deputy Chief Whip were Women who are doing well in their respective roles, emphasizing that her vision is to inspire and mentor more women to vie for elective posts in the Country. Waiguru reiterated that her women empowerment programs were in line with the President William Ruto’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.

Kirinyaga to repossess 7000 plots whose owners have defaulted on land rates

The County Government of Kirinyaga has begun the process of repossessing land whose owners have not been paying land rates and ground rent. The county government says that owners of about 7000 plots stand to lose their properties on the expiry of a 30-day notice.

According to County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical and Urban Planning, Samuel Kanjobe, that the property owners owe the county over Ksh. 250 million in arrears. He said the plots belonging to the county government were allocated to current owners but have not been paying land rates and ground rent as stipulated in agreement. Kanjobe said the defaulters have until March 31 to pay all the levies and arrears failure to which the land, plus any development on it will be taken over by the government.
He asked the defaulters to take advantage of the remaining days to clear their arrears. “This time, the government is determined to take back its land from those who were given the plots but have not been honouring their part of obligation,” he said.

The county government has intensified its revenue mobilization initiative through a campaign “Mapema Ndio Best”. The campaign seeks to ensure a 100 percent compliance on payment of all trading licenses by March 31. Governor Anne Waiguru has asked traders and property owners to pay for their trading licenses to enable government deliver services. “We are asking all the traders and property owners to pay all due licenses and levies so as to enable us continue delivering services. Our hospitals need drugs, we need to pay doctors, rehabilitate roads and ensure uninterrupted supply of water,” Waiguru said.

Land rates are levies imposed on all parcels of land that belongs to the government. The levies are payable to the county governments. Upon full payment of all rates, one is issued with the rates clearance certificate which is conclusive evidence that all rates due and interest accrued have been fully paid.
At the same time, the CEC clarified that the county has not increased the land rates as it was still using the municipal valuation roll. He however said the department is in the process of developing a new valuation roll that could see current land rates increased in future.

A valuation roll is a public legal document containing property information of all ratable properties.
Kanjobe said his department has already issued notices to the defaulters. “We have given people up to the end of this month to come and pay their arrears. However, once the deadline lapses, we are going to repossess land whose levies has not been paid for,” said Kanjobe. Kanjobe the department has set up desks to handle cases of default payment at the county headquarters and sub-county offices. Chief Officer John Makumi said prompt payment of all due levies will help the county government speed up development projects and offer all services

Waiguru rehabilitates 225kms of road under Nyorosha Barabara Mashinani program

Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has already rehabilitated 225 km of roads of the 500 km earmarked for this financial year under the Nyorosha Barabara Mashinani program. The rehabilitation which includes grading and gravelling involves rural access roads among them ones in the expansive Mwea irrigation scheme.

The governor has said that the roads rehabilitation program is aimed at achieving well drained all-weather roads within Kirinyaga County, in order to enhance accessibility across the county and aid smooth movement of produce from the farms to the markets. Waiguru launched Nyorosha Barabara Mashinani program during her last term where she managed to murram about 500km and grade more than 2,500 others.

Earlier this month when she flagged off the county’s in-house road construction equipment, Waiguru promised that the department of roads will work around the clock to ensure that the targets set are met and pledged to ensure that the equipment was in good condition and fuelled as required. The County Executive Committee Member for Roads, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Infrastructure, Jared Migwi, said that out of the 225km covered so far, 105km have been murramed while the rest have been graded. Graveling of the rest is ongoing. “We intend to have completed the 500kms by next month so as to ensure the roads are accessible and that farmers are able to transport their produce to the markets during the expected long rains” said Jared.

The county residents have welcomed the ongoing program saying that it will go a long way in reducing cost of production for farm produce since it will be cheaper to transport farm inputs to the farms and their produce to the market. Speaking during a site visit to one of the roads under rehabilitation in Kariti Ward, the area MCA Jeremiah Makimi, said that the promises made to the electorate during the campaigns are now being fulfilled and he is happy to do play his part as roads in the ward get rehabilitated.

“For a long time the roads in Kariti have been impassable during the rainy seasons. I am pleased that together with Governor Waiguru, we are finally going to get well drained all weather roads not just in my ward but across the county”, said Makimi. Erastus Gathumbi, another resident of Kariti said that they are happy because Governor Waiguru has gone back to fulfil her election campaign pledges where she promised to improve the state of their roads.

To improve on efficiency of the in-house roads program, Waiguru during her last term procured road construction equipment that include five graders, 10 trucks-20tons, two excavators, one low bed/loader, one backhoe, two roller-compactors and one water bowser.