Githurai Bodaboda group gets Ksh 1 million boost for their Sacco

By Njeri Karu
In a move to boost economic empowerment and self-reliance, Governor Dr. Kimani Wamatangi
honoured his pledge of Ksh 1 million to the Githurai 45 Kimwi Bodaboda Transport Co-operative Society.
During a colourful ceremony attended by thousands of people, the Governor enhanced the Sacco’s
funds to support and empower the bodaboda operators to run sustainable enterprises and engage in other income-generating projects.
The Sacco, started in March, has a membership of 500 riders drawn from Kiuu and Mwiki wards in Ruiru municipality. The association has 3,400 members, but only 500 have joined the Sacco. The group plans to establish a carwash and a spare parts outlet, catalysing their journey towards self-independence.
Addressing the public during the empowerment program, the Governor emphasised the importance of economic empowerment in fostering community resilience and self-sufficiency. He also lauded the riders for their noble idea of forming a savings and credit co-operative society.
“My administration believes in the bodaboda sector, whose main operators are the youth, and is ready to rewrite the narrative that the public has on them being known for all the wrong reasons, like being disorderly, rowdy, and not following traffic rules. By supporting them, I believe we will create a ripple effect that benefits the entire community and the country at large. Most riders lack entrepreneurial and saving skills, which affects their investment performance. Hence, starting or joining organized groups such as Saccos will help, especially in managing their daily income,” the Governor said.
He praised the Sacco members for their intention to participate in the Affordable Housing program.
“I note with gratitude that you are committed to participating in the Affordable Housing program,
where you will contribute towards building homes and transition from renters to proud homeowners.
This vision is truly inspiring for your group. Further, the idea of establishing a motorcycle spare parts shop to assist your members is both innovative and laudable. The chairman informed me that the profits generated from this venture will be reinvested in the Sacco, making it even stronger. With such financial stability, members will have access to affordable development loans, opening up endless opportunities. It is clear to me that you are destined for greater achievements,” the Governor remarked.
He promised that his government would offer technical support to the Sacco as it seeks to grow and  recruit more members.
“Our Department of Cooperatives is ready and willing to support you every step of the way. They will guide you through the necessary procedures and provide the technical assistance required to realise your dreams,” he said.
Governor Wamatangi urged all members of the bodaboda sector in the county to emulate the members of the Githurai association.

“My administration will also look at ways in which we can enhance the bodaboda operators' skills in business management through training them on entrepreneurship and also collaborate with NTSA to facilitate training on the road safety component,” he said.
In addition to the financial support, H.E the Governor promised to provide the riders with safety
equipment such as reflectors and helmets, which will be useful as they conduct their bodaboda
activities.

Transformation of Kiambu Nursery Schools

By Ann Wanjiku
Kiambu County is witnessing a transformation in its Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres, setting a new standard for early education infrastructure across Kenya.
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Kimani Wamatangi, all ECDE centres in the county are undergoing significant reconstruction, evolving from single makeshift classrooms to modern
educational facilities that rival private academies.
The overhaul is comprehensive. Each of the newly established ECDE centres now boasts classrooms for PP1 and PP2, an office for the tutor, an ablution block for both children and teachers and a modern play park equipped with swings and sand pits. This infrastructural transformation spans all 60 wards in the county, laying a solid educational foundation for the young minds of Kiambu.
Research consistently underscores the importance of early childhood education, revealing that a
positive first impression of school significantly influences a child’s lifelong attitude towards learning.
Recognising this, the Governor prioritised the modernisation of ECDE centres immediately after his election, aiming to ensure that the youngest learners begin their educational journey in an
environment that is both nurturing and stimulating.
The results have been immediate and impressive. There is palpable excitement among children as
they revel in their new surroundings. The modernised facilities have not only improved the physical environment but have also instilled a sense of pride and enthusiasm among children, teachers and parents alike.
The Chief officer in charge of ECDE and Culture Dr. Mercy Njagi says the new look ECDE is part of the transformation programme established by Governor Wamatangi.
“We have witnessed robust infrastructural development done by Governor Wamatangi to enhance
the new outlook. In the 2023/2024 Financial Year, we have seen each ward benefit from two ECDE centres but some wards have benefitted from three due to their vastness and population,” said Dr. Njagi.
She said the essence of the sprucing up of the ECDE centres was to provide the learners with a
conducive learning environment and prepare them for the educational journey ahead.
“We have a comprehensive feeding programme which has enhanced numbers in the ECDE centres. For Example at Lower Kihara ECDE, the numbers have grown from 78 to 159 due to the good learning environment we have provided,” said Dr. Njagi.
She said that the department is looking forward to employing new ECDE teachers in the new
financial year to take care of the swelling numbers.

Governor Wamatangi’s commitment extends beyond brick-and-mortar improvements. He has also implemented a comprehensive feeding program to keep children in school and enhance their
learning experience. Every morning, the children receive a bowl of nutritious uji, complemented by eggs three days a week and a packet of milk. This initiative has significantly boosted attendance, with the number of learners increasing from 32,000 to over 38,000.
Governor Wamatangi said he was proud of what the County Government had managed to achieve in the education sector during the short period he has been in office.

“When we sought the vote of the Kiambu people, one of the strong pillars in my manifesto was to
ensure 100 percent transition into learning at ECDE level. That is why we embarked on the
modernisation of all the 524 ECDE centres across our county and I am happy that we are firmly on course,” said the Governor.
He said as part of his administration’s commitment to improving education in Kiambu County, the County has a 360 degrees transformation programme targeting the sector. He said his vision was to uplift the ECDE centres to rival those in development nations like in Finland and Germany.
“We are constructing new model ECDE centres and renovating existing ones to provide modern
facilities akin to those found in private kindergartens. Currently, the Department of Education,
Gender, Culture and Social Services is working on 180 ECDE centres, with about 130 centres in
various stages of implementation. Our goal is to modernise all 524 ECDE centres by 2026,” said
Governor Wamatangi.
Governor Wamatangi’s ambitious plan aims to modernise all 526 ECDE centres in Kiambu by 2026.
Already, 150 centres have undergone this major overhaul. The project has garnered widespread
acclaim and has become a benchmark for other counties.  Former Kiambu Township MP Jude Njomo has praised the initiative, calling it a game-changer for early childhood education.
“If there is one thing that makes me proud is the decision by Governor Wamatangi to transform the ECDE sector in Kiambu. He is doing a perfect job and it is being felt at the grassroots, let us support this great initiative,” said Njomo recently. (more…)

By ESTHER KIHANYA
In the lush green landscapes of Kiambu County, access to clean water has always been a vital concern for the local communities. With the increasing demand for water supply, the Kikuyu Water and
Sanitation Company embarked on an innovative project to solarise boreholes in the region. Among  these boreholes, Riu 2 was chosen as the pilot site for solarisation.
In July 2020, the solar project was officially commissioned, marking the beginning of a sustainable solution to the water supply challenges faced by the residents of Kiambu County. However, it is worth noting that while Riu 1 and Riu 2 boreholes shared one electricity meter, only Riu 2 borehole was solarised as part of the initial phase of the project.
Jane Murage, the Managing Director of the Kikuyu Water and Sanitation Company, emphasised the significance of this solarisation initiative. She highlighted the importance of conducting a comprehensive
cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of the solarisation project. According to her, the
results of the analysis were promising.
“A cost analysis pre and post-solarisation shows a cost saving of Kshs. 737,244 in an 8-month period.
This correlates to a 24 percent cost saving,” said Jane Murage.
The data collected over the 8-month period revealed substantial cost savings attributed to the
solarisation of the Riu 2 borehole. The savings were particularly noticeable during certain months, with December, January, and February showing the highest cost savings compared to July, August, and
September. This disparity in savings could be attributed to the varying weather conditions experienced
throughout the year.
“During the colder months, such as December, January, and February, the region experienced longer periods of sunshine, which maximised the efficiency of the solar panels. Conversely, the cloudier
weather during July, August and September resulted in lower solar energy production, leading to fewer cost savings during these months,” said the MD.
Despite these fluctuations, the overall cost savings achieved through solarisation was significant and demonstrated the economic viability of investing in renewable energy solutions for water supply infrastructure. The success of the Riu 2 solarisation project served as a testament to the  potential
benefits of expanding similar initiatives to other boreholes in the region.
The positive outcomes of the solar project extended beyond just cost savings. By reducing the reliance on grid electricity, the project also contributed to mitigating environmental impact. Solar energy is a clean and renewable resource, which aligns with the goals of sustainable development and
environmental conservation.
Furthermore, the use of solar in boreholes enhanced the reliability and resilience of the water supply system. In areas prone to power outages or grid failures, solar-powered boreholes can continue operating autonomously, ensuring uninterrupted access to clean water for the communities they serve.
As the solarisation project proved to be a resounding success, the Kikuyu Water and Sanitation Company  began exploring opportunities to replicate similar initiatives across other boreholes in Kiambu County.
By leveraging renewable energy technologies, such as solar power, the company aimed to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and affordability of water supply services for all residents.
The county is taking proactive steps to reduce electricity bills by planning to drill boreholes and later solarise them.

Boreholes provide access to groundwater, offering a sustainable water source for the  community. By harnessing solar energy to power these boreholes, the county can significantly cut down
on electricity costs while also promoting renewable energy use. This initiative not only benefits the
county financially but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil
fuels.

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi (centre),  with his Deputy Rosemary Kirika and other leaders during the launch of Kiambu Solar street lighting project, as part of the urban transformation plan.

By Marion Kanari
The County Government of Kiambu has adopted use of renewable energy in all its
operations effective immediately.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has declared progressive abandonment of grid
power due to unsustainable power and maintenance bills.
In a momentous occasion launching shift to solar street lighting, Governor Wamatangi
has reiterated the unsustainable 1.26B annual power bill for streetlights, hospitals, water
companies, County offices and Fire stations.
“While we are not completely disconnecting from the Kenya Power grid, we aim to
progressively transition to solar energy”. Governor Wamatangi.
The ambitious program, dubbed “Angaza Kiambu” promises to usher in a new era of
clean and renewable energy in the wake of rising cost of electricity.
The Governor has directed all County Departments to solarize all projects going forward
as a measure to align with the global call to urgently reduce carbon emissions.
The Governor has challenged Members of the County Assembly and national
Parliament to fast tract policy and enactment of law on renewable energy and zero
rating wind power respectively as part of securing a brighter and greener future for the
County.
Majority Leader Godfrrey Mucheke while echoing Wamatangi’s sentiments called on
Members of Parliament to introduce law and policies that support the call to embrace
renewable energy.
Wamatangi while appealing to all stakeholders to support the shift to solar noted that
Government agencies like Kura, Kerra, Kenya Power and REREC have been putting up
streetlights across the County, leaving the burden of bills to the County Government.
This he notes has left the County Government with; exorbitant power bills, occasional
disruptions caused by power outages and disconnections due to unpaid bills.
According to the Chief Officer Public Works and Utilities Virginia Kahonge, solar
streetlights have a life span of 20 years as compared to grid connected lights which last
a maximum of 5years; they are less prone to vandalism and insect swarming, reliable,
efficient and have minimal maintenance cost.
During the event, the governor unveiled 4 containers containing 6,000 solar streetlights,
to be installed across the County this month.
County Assembly Sectoral Committee Chair Kamenu Ward MCA Peter Mburu
committed to push the passage of the County Supplementary budget which will see the
installation of the newly launched 6,000 solar lights by September 2024.

The County has 19,621 grid connected streetlights which culminate into an annual
power and maintenance bill of over 260M while 120 hospitals with an estimated annual
power bill of 500M.
A cost-benefit analysis of the Riu Nderi borehole in Ondiri Kikuyu, which strongly
supported switching to solar power, shows savings of Ksh.737,244 over eight months,
translating to an impressive 24 percent reduction in costs after solarization.
County Executive Committee Member RTPWU Mburu Kangethe, while supporting the
call to embrace solar energy also notes that the savings from abandoning grid will be
used to improve County infrastructure.
Ends………………

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi  explains to President William Ruto and Kirinyaga Council of Governors’ chairperson Anne Waiguru about a model of the proposed Thika Industrial Smart City by Kiambu County, during the official opening of the 8th Annual Devolution Conference at Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu County, on August 16, 2023

By  Enock Maroa

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has revamped his quest to make Thika the first City in Mt Kenya region by end of this year, which the governor says will generate 50, 000 job opportunities and spur economy.

Artistic impression of all Kiambu bus parks under construction

By MARION KANARI
The fast-growing number of people and urbanisation in Kiambu County is putting a lot of
pressure on the roads and transportation system. This has led to crowded streets,
disorderly transport services and dangers for everyone using the roads.
To address these challenges, the Department of Roads, Transport, Public Works and
Utilities is undertaking several initiatives. This includes the construction of 7 bus parks
and the rehabilitation of hundreds of kilometres of roads, complete with walkways and
storm water drains.
Progress updates indicate that upgrading to cabro construction is currently underway,
with Kiambu at 80 percent completion, Lower Kikuyu at 60 percent and Banana bus
parks at 10 percent. Additionally, engineers are in the process of designing Githiga,
Kwambira and Kwa Maiko Bus parks.
The proposed Kwambira bus park, located at the Total Petrol Station before the
Mutarakwa Junction, aims to alleviate passenger pick-up and drop-off along the Nairobi-
Nakuru highway, as well as attract Matatu Saccos to operate routes to Narok and
Suswa, ultimately relieving congestion at the main Limuru Bus Park.
Furthermore, the existing Githiga bus park, serving Matatus travelling to Kiambu,
Githunguri, Limuru and other areas, will be upgraded to cabro standards.
Nancy Wambugu, the Transport Director, emphasises that these efforts aim to
decongest urban areas and reduce travel distances for road users. “Matatu users from
Ngewa have to commute all the way to Githunguri to connect to Nairobi and Kiambu,
the bus park therefore will ease congestion and pressure at Githunguri Bus park and
ease mobility for Ngewa residents,” says Wambugu.
She adds that plans are underway to commence phase two of Makongeni Bus Park by
upgrading existing small scale trader’s shacks to modern kiosks after its tarmacking in
January 2014.
Ensuring inclusivity and safety for all road users, including the 12,267 registered Public
Service Vehicles within Kiambu County, the Directorate of Transport has activated the
County Transport and Safety Committee. This committee is tasked with developing
policies related to road safety, establishing safety standards for transportation modes,
and implementing public awareness campaigns.Inaugurating the committee, Acting CECM Wilfred Kiara stressed the importance of
regularising all public transport operations, especially with the increase in tuktuk
operators, to ensure the safety of road users.
“To improve interconnectivity, open up new roads in upcoming residential areas and
rehabilitate existing feeder roads the directorate of Roads has established a roads
maintenance unit, identified and excavated public quarries, using County equipment
and manpower to reduce cost of roads construction,” said the CECM. The unit in a bid
to cover the 4,300KM of County Roads Coverage has so far rehabilitated over 800
kilometres.
To support continuous economic growth, mobility and security for traders, motorists,
and the county at large, the Directorate of Utilities conducts routine maintenance and
servicing of street lights throughout the county.
Given the proximity and growth of Nairobi and other counties towards Kiambu, coupled
with its population of 2.4 million, urban population growth is inevitable. Hence, there's a
pressing need for comprehensive public infrastructure, increased security measures,
and urban connectivity.
The Department of Roads, Transport, Public Works and Utilities is committed to
improving the county's road network, ensuring the safety of road users, and meeting the
mobility needs of people and businesses. It aims to build upon existing planning
practices with a focus on integration, inclusivity and participation.

Margaret Wangari, a beneficiary of Kiambu County Government’s maize and seeds distribution programme.

By OUR REPORTER
Farmers in Kiambu are enjoying a bumper harvest of maize from their farms
following the county government’s initiative, where they have been receiving
certified seeds and fertilizer.
The programme to give farms inputs is part of Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s
plan to tackle food insecurity and economic empowerment.
Most farmers are now harvesting maize, while for others; the crop is almost
maturing in farms.
The Governor has since last year been distributing free hybrid maize and crop
fertilizer to farmers across the county, and according to the County Executive
Committee Member for Agriculture Mwenda Kiara, over 300,000 farmers have
received farm inputs from the county administration.
“We have made deliberate intentions to ensure food security in the county by
providing farm inputs to farmers. Even in the coming season, we are prepared
to give inputs to over 60,000 farmers across the agricultural zones in our
county,” Mr Mwenda said.
Ms Esther Wariara from Githunguri Sub-County is one of the beneficiaries of
the free maize seeds and fertilizer from the county government of Kiambu.
She received the farm inputs in September of last year and planted them on
her farm, and now, she is harvesting the crop.
“Before we started getting the farm inputs, I struggled to access quality seeds,
which would affect the yield. Today, those people seeking maize flour in the
local shop are making minimal sales because almost everyone in the
community is harvesting maize from their farms,” she said.
Ms Margaret Wangari from Kwa Maiko in Ngewa Ward, in Githunguri Sub-
County, said the county government has been ensuring that before rains start,
farmers are always ready with seeds and fertilizer.
She is harvesting the crop she planted in September last year and already has
seeds for planting in the next season.
Mr David Wathika from Kihenjo village in Kaburu Ward, Lari Sub-County,
received the farm inputs in November last year and immediately planted on his
small farm.
He has also been receiving visits from extension officers from the county
government for advice on best farming practices. He expects to start
harvesting from next month.

Governor Wamatangi says the free farm inputs are meant to cushion the
farmers who, he said, incurred huge losses due to the prolonged drought that
hit the country between 2020 and early to mid-2023, which left many people
grappling with hunger.
President William Ruto has lauded farmers in Kiambu, saying that after a
prolonged severe food shortage, the country was on a recovery trajectory, and
Kiambu County had emerged among the top food producers.

Kiambu County Health Services Chief Officer Dr Patrick Nyagah (right) explains to Governor Kimani Wamatangi (second right) and other county leaders and county officials about a new Ultrasound machine, which is part of an assortment of specialized medical equipment that was delivered to the county on March 5, 2024. PHOTO AYUB MUIYURO

By KELVIN KIMARU

The County Government has procured an assortment of specialised medical
equipment worth approximately Sh500 million, which will be installed in various
health facilities across the county.
The various equipment received by Governor Kimani Wamatangi at the County
Headquarters were flagged off to their final destinations.
According to the county chief, the equipment are meant to enhance the delivery of
services in all cadres of health facilities in the County.
They include digital X-ray machines, digital ultrasound machines, patient monitors,
BGA machines, , infusion pumps, nebulizers, oxygen concentrators, oxygen flow
meters, suction machines, and dental X-ray machines.
Others are Sonic Aid foetal scopes, pulse oximeters, emergency stretchers, gauze
cutters, portable examination lights, wheelchairs, delivery beds, hydraulic mortuary
trolleys, portable drip stands, and HBC machines.
According to the Department of Health Services, the X-ray machines will be
delivered to Thika, Gatundu, Kihara, Karuri, and Igegania hospitals to boost
capacity, while the modern ultrasound machines are for Gatundu, Kihara, Ruiru,
Nyathuna, and Karuri hospitals.
Governor Wamatangi said the consignment was part of a work-plan development of
his administration to equip all the facilities after a need assessment informed the
gaps in hospitals which are now being filled.
“We have always had an issue with our hospitals, whereby `most of them did not
have the equipment, or the existing ones were kept breaking down; this really
hampered our service delivery, but with what we now have, we will improve on our
services, and we still have more consignment coming. We are equipment to our level
three hospitals. We have also planned how we will equip the new hospitals
that we are building,”; Governor Wamatangi said.
According to the Governor, the additional equipment also includes C-T  Scan
machines and assorted equipment for laboratories and theatres that will be installed
in level four and level five facilities.
Two weeks ago, the County commissioned state-of-the-art X-ray and ultrasound
machines to revamp CT-scan services at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, with the governor
saying by delivering the equipment, he aims to ensure swift and accurate medical
assessments within the facility and to reinforce our pledge to prioritize the well-being
of our people.
The County Executive Committee Member in charge of Health, Dr. Elias Maina, said
ofthe delivered equipment Gatundu Hospital would also receive 12 patient monitors,
eight infusion pumps, BGA machines, wheelchairs, nebulizers, and gauze cutters. At
the same time, Igenania Hospital will be equipped with an X-ray machine, portable
drip stands, oxygen flow meters, gauze cutters, and dental X-ray machines.
Casualty departments of Kiambu, Thika, Gatundu, Ruiru, Tigoni, and Kihara
hospitals will receive wheelchairs for patients in emergencies.
Other hospitals that receive a medical equipment catalogue include Kiambu, Thika,
Ruiru, Lari, Tigoni, Nyathuna, and Wangige, while Githunguri, which is a new level four hospital under construction, is expected to receive equipment worth Sh300
million through a partnership between the national and county governments.
The County has also completed a drugstore in Ruiru to be used as a central medical
facility where all of its supply orders for pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceuticals
will be housed before being dispersed to the 114 hospitals throughout the County.
Dr. Esther Kamau, the County Head of the Health Technologies and Products Unit,
said the facility would enable the County to refill pharmaceuticals to all facilities on
time by eradicating delays caused by procurement bottlenecks.
The County is actively working towards integrating all level two and three facilities
into the NHIF system to streamline healthcare services and ensure that registered
residents can avail themselves of medical assistance free of charge.
This, Mr Wamatangi said, will ensure that patients who visit all the County’s 114
health facilities get outpatient and outpatient services for free as long as they are
registered with NHIF, which President William Ruto changed to Social Health
Insurance Fund as part of his health reforms.