Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha has expressed optimism that the County Assembly would soon pass the Nyandarua Roads Management Bill, a legislation designed to curb the destruction of roads by overweight trucks and other transporters.
Badilisha made the remarks on Tuesday during his State of the County Address, where he outlined key development projects and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving essential services.
Top among the governor’s priorities were the enhancement of healthcare, roads, agriculture, water supply and education sectors which he described as critical to Nyandarua’s growth and residents’ welfare.
He said his government remained committed to ensuring that all health facilities were adequately equipped and supplied with essential drugs.
Badilisha revealed that plans to upgrade JM Kariuki Hospital and Engineer Hospital to Level 5 status were already underway through a partnership between the county and national governments.
“This will see residents desist from travelling to other counties to access health facilities. We want to adequately equip these facilities and make them Level 5,” he said.
The governor further announced that the county had procured drugs worth Sh121 million from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), with deliveries being made in phases.
Badilisha highlighted that strengthening the health sector was among the pledges he made before assuming office, adding that 200 new health officers and nurses had already been employed.
On infrastructure, he said over 600 kilometers of roads across the county were set for upgrades to boost the smooth transportation of farm produce.
He noted that the recent heavy rains had damaged several roads but expressed confidence that rehabilitation would resume once weather conditions stabilise.
In the education sector, Badilisha lauded the national government for supporting the establishment of Nyandarua University College in partnership with the University of Nairobi.
“Already, we have students at the university. This is through the support of the national government. It is now a dream come true which I promised,” he said.
The governor also unveiled plans to establish a potato processing factory in the Njabini area, a project that would be undertaken jointly with the national government.
He added that the county would enforce standardised packaging of potatoes in 50-kilogramme bags to protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen.
Badilisha concluded his address by urging leaders and residents to shun divisive politics ahead of the 2027 General Election and instead focus on unity and development.
By Antony Mwangi
