Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru on Wednesday demonstrated her hallmark hands-on leadership, handing over sites and breaking ground for three mega projects in a single day.
In a packed itinerary that cemented her image as a leader in control of the county’s transformation agenda, Waiguru presided over the site handover and ground breaking of Kiumbu and Wamumu markets in Mwea and the Sagana Affordable Housing Project in Ndia.
The initiatives will directly benefit thousands of traders, families, and job seekers while anchoring the county’s broader industrial and economic vision aimed at providing opportunities for improved livelihoods for county residents.
Kiumbu and Wamumu markets that will serve around 700 traders combined upon completion are designed to replace the chaotic and unhygienic open-air trading spaces that have long defined small-town commerce. Each facility will feature organized stalls, reliable utilities, and modern waste systems as well as ICT hubs with free WiFi, food courts and crèche for use by mothers with babies.
“We are groundbreaking the markets as I had promised during my campaigns. We have allocated the land, and today we are fulfilling that promise. As a county government we have constructed 18 markets while 11 additional markets have been developed in collaboration with the national government,” the Governor said.
Waiguru said the two markets would directly link to the nearly complete County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) in Sagana, where farmers and traders will access value addition and processing facilities. “Once the park is operational, our people will be tapping into bigger opportunities for better incomes,” she noted.
Traders and leaders hailed the projects as transformative. “Our town will change dramatically because of this market,” said Tebere MCA Peter Karinga. Area residents such as Martha Wangui could not hide their joy about the county’s transformation expressing her gratitude for ensuring that the health sector among others had greatly improved as far as service delivery is concerned. “Governor, we are grateful. Since you came in, we haven’t lacked ambulances or health services. Now our market is also being transformed.” she said.
On the other hand, the site handover for the Sagana Affordable Housing Project will pave way for the construction of 487 modern homes that will be built in Phase One of the National Affordable Housing programme. The development is expected to create at least 300 direct jobs and spur business for local suppliers, artisans, and transporters.
Waiguru tied the housing project to the larger Sagana Agro-Industrial City Masterplan, which includes an Export Processing Zone and a Special Economic Zone. “This is how we position Kirinyaga as a vibrant hub for investors and opportunities,” she said.
Kariti MCA Jeremiah Makimi lauded her for recovering 252 acre land that was previously grabbed before setting it apart for the Industrial Park, noting that it had restored confidence in local development. “You have brought back hope in Kirinyaga and changed the face of our county,” he said.
Kirinyaga County Assembly Leader of Majority Benson Ngahu added also hailed Waiguru for her development legacy saying that she has served the county well.
Waiguru reiterated her commitment to delivering her campaign pledge by leaving behind a county where every resident flourishes.
