Over 35,000 people from Kirinyaga have benefitted from a major community empowerment drive meant to improving access to clean water, boosting youth talent development and strengthening self-help groups across the county.
The empowerment initiative by Governor Anne Waiguru saw women, youth and the venerable from 15 wards receive assorted items that will go a long way in improving their livelihoods.
The items included 6,500 water pipes and 1,100 fittings for last mile distribution of water to homesteads, 6,270 chairs and 63 tents were handed over to self-help groups, alongside 1,000 blankets, catering items, car wash machines, and public address systems.
About 50 sports clubs drawn from various wards also received balls, nets, uniforms, boots, and socks to boost their activities and nurture sports talent.
Residents expressed gratitude for the support, saying it would enable them to engage more effectively in social and economic activities.
Rose Mavuti, a mother from Nyangati Ward, said the items would ease the burden women have carried for generations.
“I am so happy today. The Governor has not forgotten us. As elderly women, we shall no longer carry water jerry cans on our backs since we now have water drums, pipes, and accessories that will enable us get water within our homesteads,” she said.
Daniel Kahiga, a youth from Kariti Ward, praised the county government’s initiative o invest in youth talent development.
“Before, crimes and alcohol abuse among the youth were common, but now we are growing our talents. Soon we shall even play for UEFA or other international leagues,” he said, noting that one of their own, Peter Mugane, had been nurtured through the county sports program and now plays at the national league.
Governor Waiguru emphasized that the empowerment program is designed as a joint effort with the County Assembly, noting that funds are allocated to each ward, allowing MCAs to purchase items based on the specific needs of their residents.
Majority Leader Hon. Benson Ngahu welcomed the initiative, saying it reflected the strong partnership between the assembly and the executive.
“The county assembly is happy for the items that will help the community. It has been accomplished due to the good working relationship between the assembly and the executive. We will support you and the county government to continue empowering county residents,” he said.
Waiguru reminded residents that her administration’s record of development speaks for itself, noting that the county government is working diligently to ensure all pledged projects are completed. She further highlighted ongoing investments in health, including support to 75 health facilities across the county, the ongoing upgrade of Kianyaga and Kimbimbi hospitals to Level 4 by December, and the planned upgrade of Mutithi Health centre.
“My prayer is that Kirinyaga continues to rise, and we must all remain united to enable delivery of services that will uplift the county,” she said.
Earlier, the Governor had led the gathering in observing a moment of silence in honor of County Executive Committee Member for Education, Hon. Veronica Waweru and Senior Fire Officer John Kiama who both passed away this week.
“This has been a very difficult week for us as a county. We have lost two great people. Let us take a moment of silence in their honor,” she said.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor David Githanda, Members of the County Assembly, community leaders, and thousands of residents.
