Government Reaffirms Commitment to Equitable Development in Kiambu County
In a bid to reinforce its promises to Kenyans, the Kenya Kwanza Administration led by President William Ruto is actively engaging with communities across the country. The government has been making efforts to ensure that all regions receive their fair share of national development, emphasizing sustainable and inclusive growth.
Recent visits by government officials to various counties have aimed at communicating the administration’s vision and addressing concerns raised by the public. In one such visit, a team from the government descended into Gatundu-South Sub-county of Kiambu County, where they reiterated the commitment to equitable development for all regions.
The team, led by Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Alice Wahome, and Government Spokesperson, Dr. Isaac Mwaura, dismissed allegations of biased development. They emphasized that under President Ruto’s leadership, every devolved unit receives its rightful share of national resources.
Kiambu County stands as a testament to this commitment, hosting numerous national projects across diverse sectors. These initiatives reflect the administration’s effort to promote balanced regional development.
Key Development Projects in Kiambu County
The Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development is spearheading affordable housing projects aimed at moving less fortunate Kenyans from informal settlements to safer homes. These include:
- 1,050 units in Ruiru town
- 800 units in Limuru area
- Over 4,500 units planned in Kiambu Town
- Construction of modern markets and police housing units, many of which are nearing completion
Through the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, nine digital hubs have been completed in local technical training institutions across Thika, Kiambu, Limuru, Ruiru, Lari, and Kikuyu constituencies. These hubs offer young people digital skills and online job opportunities.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport has overseen capital-intensive projects valued at over KSh 46.9 billion. These include:
- Nairobi Western Bypass (92% complete)
- Mau Mau Road segments (56% complete)
- Ongoing road upgrades across the county to improve connectivity
Under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, significant progress has been made in expanding water access through projects like:
- Gatundu Water Supply (78% complete)
- Kiambu/Ruaka Works (99% complete)
- Kikuyu Water Project (98% complete)
The Rwabura Irrigation Project is already complete and enhancing local agriculture.
Other key initiatives include:
- LPG installation at Thika High School for the Blind under the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum
- Construction of educational facilities at JKUAT and Gatundu University College under the Ministry of Education
- Upgrading of Karatu Ndarugu Stadium under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Creative Arts and Sports
Enhancing Security and Addressing Community Concerns
The Ministry of Interior is also enhancing security through prison and probation infrastructure projects upgrade in Ruiru and Gatundu South. The Gatundu South Sensitization Forum exemplifies the government’s resolve to ensure that every region benefits from national programs — ranging from infrastructure to economic empowerment and social transformation.
The forum brought together various officials, including Dr. Mwaura, CS Wahome, Principal Secretary for Health Ms. Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Salome Beacco, Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira, Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi, Chair Athi Water, representatives from Kenya National Highways Authority, and other key leaders from the central region.
During the forum, several community concerns were addressed:
- The doctors’ strike that was called off following a deal between the Kiambu County Government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union
- The need for residents to register with SHA and utilize the referral system, which ensures patients receive the right level of care
- Lack of electricity in several parts of the area, with residents expressing frustration over frequent and prolonged power outages
- Poor roads that lacked bumps posing a serious risk to pupils and motorbike riders
A representative from the Kenya National Highways Authority reaffirmed that the board had joined hands with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to establish walkways and standardized bumps near schools.
CS Wahome undertook to take up with relevant authorities the residents’ request for the government to compensate them for their land converted into government property for the establishment of an upcoming public university. She promised to talk to the ministry of education and the land commission responsible for disbursing the payments.
She also invited residents with any concerns pertaining to land to forward their letters directly to her email. Under the ministry PS for Sports Elijah Mwangi also addressed the residents on matters concerning sports, stating that the government was identifying, supporting, nurturing, and developing talents.
He urged parents to support their children even as they decide to choose arts and sports in favor of STEM and Social Sciences. The PS reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to provide trained personnel to help students develop their talents.