Kirinyaga: Over 35,000 residents of Kirinyaga have benefitted from a significant community empowerment initiative aimed at enhancing access to clean water, promoting youth talent development, and strengthening self-help groups throughout the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the empowerment drive, spearheaded by the county government, provided women, youth, and vulnerable groups from 15 wards with a variety of items to improve their livelihoods. These items included 6,500 water pipes and 1,100 fittings designed for last-mile water distribution to homes. Additionally, 6,270 chairs and 63 tents were distributed to self-help groups, along with 1,000 blankets, catering equipment, car wash machines, and public address systems.
Around 50 sports clubs from different wards received balls, nets, uniforms, boots, and socks to support their activities and foster sports talent. Kirinyaga County Governor Ann Waiguru highlighted the empowerment programme as a collaborative effort with the County Assembly, with funds allocated to each ward for Members of County Assembly (MCAs) to purchase items tailored to the specific needs of their constituents.
Governor Waiguru reiterated her administration's commitment to development, stating that the county government is diligently working to fulfill all pledged projects. She encouraged residents to remain united to facilitate the delivery of services that will uplift the county.
Majority Leader in the assembly, Benson Ngahu, endorsed the initiative, acknowledging it as a testament to the strong partnership between the assembly and the executive. He expressed the assembly's support for continued efforts to empower county residents.
Residents expressed their appreciation for the support, noting that it would enable more effective participation in social and economic activities. Daniel Kahiga, a youth from Kariti Ward, praised the county's investment in youth talent development, citing a reduction in crime and alcohol abuse among youth. He noted that local talent, such as Peter Mugane, has been nurtured through the county sports programme and now competes in the national league.