Francis Wambugu Irungu Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has stepped up her grassroots empowerment drive, delivering a wide range of socio-economic interventions to residents of Njukiini Ward aimed at strengthening livelihoods, improving access to essential services, and uplifting vulnerable communities.
The initiative, unveiled at Kimweas Polytechnic, saw the distribution of assorted support items targeting self-help groups, persons living with disabilities, early childhood learners, students, and households in need of improved water access.
Thirty-one self-help groups received nine tents and 2,050 chairs to support community activities, while 61 persons living with disabilities were issued with assistive devices comprising 30 wheelchairs, 15 crutches, 10 white canes, and six hearing aids. Teaching and learning materials were also distributed to 877 ECDE learners across 11 centers in the ward.
On education, Waiguru disbursed Ksh.7.65 million in bursaries to benefit 2,400 students in secondary schools, colleges, and universities, including 60 trainees at Kimweas Polytechnic. To address water scarcity, the governor issued 96 high-density UPVC pipes to the Kianduru Water Project, set to benefit approximately 1,200 residents, alongside 100 UPVC and GI pipes for the Kagikiki Irrigation Water Project serving 380 households.
Speaking at the event, Waiguru said the initiative reflects her administration’s resolve to uplift households through organized community structures and inclusive development. She noted that the tents and chairs would ease financial pressures on group members during social events such as weddings and funerals, and could also serve as an income-generating resource when hired out.
On disability support, the governor reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to equity and inclusion. “As a county government, we are committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusivity, ensuring that no part of society is left behind,” she said, adding that persons with disabilities also benefit from enterprise funding under the Wezesha Kirinyaga programme and are exempt from single business permit fees.
Residents were effusive in their appreciation. Cera Wangeci credited the county’s water projects with transforming daily life for women. “We used to carry jerricans on our backs, but today we get water from our taps,” she said. Peter Ndamberi, a person living with a disability, said the assistive devices had restored his dignity and renewed his hope. “I stayed for a long time without crutches, but through the Governor I have now been assisted,” he noted.
Njukiini MCA Timothy Kariuki praised Waiguru for honoring her commitments to the ward, citing improved roads, a better hospital, community equipment, and disability support as proof of delivery. He added that 59 students from Kimweas benefited from free education the previous year, with 65 more set to benefit in the current year.
County Assembly Speaker Muteti Murimi called on residents to rally behind the governor’s development agenda, describing the interventions as evidence of meaningful and transformative leadership.
