Over 35,000 people from Kirinyaga have benefitted from a major community empowerment drive to improve access to clean water, boosting youth talent development and strengthening self-help groups across the county.
The empowerment initiative by the county government saw women, youth and the vulnerable 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.
Kirinyaga County Governor Ann Waiguru emphasised that the empowerment programme is designed as a joint effort with the County Assembly, noting that funds are allocated to each ward, allowing Members of County Assembly (MCAs) to purchase items based on the specific needs of their residents.
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.
“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.
Majority Leader in the assembly 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.
Residents expressed gratitude for the support, saying it would enable them to engage more effectively in social and economic activities.
Daniel Kahiga, a youth from Kariti Ward, praised the county government’s initiative to 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 in national leagues,” he said, noting that one of their own, Peter Mugane, had been nurtured through the county sports programme and now plays in the national league.
By Yula Katiwa and Mary Wangari
