Nandi County Women Representative Cynthia Muge has described 2025 as a year of tangible progress and people-centred development, citing major gains in education, women empowerment, youth development, healthcare and legislative advocacy.
In her statement, the MP said the milestones achieved over the past year demonstrate what is possible when leadership prioritises investment in people and inclusive growth.
At the heart of the year’s achievements was education, with Muge reaffirming her belief that learning is the strongest tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.
She revealed that 409 vulnerable children benefited from a fully funded scholarship programme, enabling them to remain in school despite difficult economic circumstances.
“These children represent 409 families whose future has been safeguarded,” she noted, adding that 206 students from the first cohort are expected to sit their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations in 2026. Plans are already underway to scale up the programme to reach more needy learners in the coming years.
She said Women empowerment emerged as a key pillar of development in 2025. Through various initiatives, a total of Sh18 million was disbursed to 170 women groups across Nandi’s six constituencies, injecting capital into grassroots enterprises and rural economies.
Muge noted that the flagship Mama na Kahawa initiative also gained momentum, with 470,000 coffee seedlings distributed to nearly 4,800 women beneficiaries during the year. This brought the total number of seedlings issued over two years to 600,000.
According to projections, once mature, the coffee trees are expected to generate more than Sh500 million annually.
Buoyed by this success, the MP announced plans to distribute one million coffee seedlings during the 2026 planting season, describing women empowerment as a “high-value, high-impact investment with a ripple effect on the wider economy”.
Recognising young people as the heartbeat of Nandi County, Muge outlined several initiatives tailored to different youth needs.
One of the initiatives, the inaugural Boso Super Cup Volleyball Tournament, brought together 271 teams and over 2,100 players from 238 villages, with Sh4.2 million in prize money paid promptly.
Following feedback from participants, she announced that 2026 will see the launch of a countywide football league starting at the ward level, aimed at nurturing and rewarding talent across multiple sporting disciplines.
Innovation and creativity also took centre stage during the December Youth Festival, which showcased digital solutions, agricultural innovations, art, design and entrepreneurship. A total of Sh5 million in prizes was awarded, with assurances that the 2026 edition will be bigger and more inclusive.
Additionally, 43 youth groups received Sh5.65 million in NGAAF seed funding to grow small enterprises, while bodaboda riders benefited from the pilot construction of four modern shades, with plans to integrate solar lighting and charging station projects next year.
In the health sector, the MP reported improved service delivery through the provision of vital medical equipment to Kabiemit Health Centre and the securing of funds for a 12-bed facility at Chebirir Dispensary. The new facility, expected to be completed in early 2026, will serve one of the county’s most underserved areas before being handed over to the county government.
Water access also improved significantly with the completion of the Kabolebo (Tinderet), Kurgung (Mosop) and Kabirirsang Rehabilitation Centre water projects in Emgwen. New projects at Kipkaren Salient Township and Tulwo Girls’ School are ongoing, with Phase II slated for completion in early 2026.
To enhance water security in schools, 115 water tanks were distributed to all primary schools in Aldai Constituency.
On the national stage, Muge said she remained steadfast in advancing laws that protect the vulnerable and promote equity. Among the key legislative initiatives were the Widows Protection Bill, 2025, aimed at shielding widows from property grabbing and exploitation, and the National Government Affirmative Action Bill, 2023, which seeks to strengthen inclusion in public service.
She also sponsored and co-sponsored bills on national heroes’ welfare and the rights of persons with disabilities, while issuing statements on land leases in Nandi, the welfare of Kenyans working in Gulf countries, insecurity in Tinderet, school sports participation and rising theft targeting coffee cooperative societies.
Looking ahead, the MP called for unity and collective effort in building on the gains made.
“These achievements are not mine alone; they belong to every child who dreams, every woman who works, every youth who innovates and every family striving for a better tomorrow,” she said.
She described Nandi County as a home of talent, resilience and hope, expressing confidence that in 2026 she will deliver even greater impact for the people.
By Linet Wafula
