Governor Anne Waiguru issuing a tent and chairs to a women's group in Kariti ward on March 12, 2026 /ALICE WAITHERA
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Residents of Kariti ward in Ndia constituency, Kirinyaga county, have received a major boost after Governor Anne Waiguru distributed a wide range of items aimed at improving their livelihoods.

The items include avocado and macadamia seedlings, water project materials, sports equipment, tents and chairs for community groups and blankets for the elderly.

The county distributed 8,300 avocado seedlings and 2,000 macadamia seedlings to 35 community investment groups to support agricultural diversification and increase farmers’ incomes.

Governor Waiguru said the high-value crops have strong demand in both local and international markets, positioning farmers to benefit from Kenya’s growing avocado export market while also contributing to environmental conservation.

“We have set aside significant resources under the Ward Development Fund to support projects prioritised by residents. Today’s distribution is part of our promise to empower communities socially and economically,” she said.

Waiguru added that the county is working with farmers to increase avocado production from 172,000 tonnes to 300,000 tonnes annually, a move expected to diversify farmers’ incomes while creating more employment opportunities along the value chain.

She said that the initiative aligns with the county’s broader development agenda, including the establishment of the Sagana Agro Industrial City and the County Aggregation and Industrial Park, where value addition industries for avocado and macadamia oil processing are being set up to guarantee farmers better markets and prices.

The industrial city, gazetted as a Special Economic Zone, is expected to create more than 100,000 jobsand will be complemented by the Sagana affordable housing project with 487 housing units, and the upgrading of Sagana hospital to a level 4 facility with a fully-fledged post-crash trauma centre.

In a move aimed at strengthening community groups and easing the cost of social events, the county also issued 12 tents and 666 chairs to 15 self-help and welfare groups.

The items will help residents reduce expenses during events such as weddings and funerals while enabling the groups to generate income by hiring them out thus adding to household incomes.

Efforts to improve access to clean water were also boosted through the provision of 182 UPVC pipes for the Mung’etho water project, which will benefit about 350 members and serve nearby schools, trading centres and churches.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru issuing water pipes to groups in Kariti ward on March 13, 2026 /ALICE WAITHERA

Another 68 UPVC were allocated to the Ngando water project, benefiting about 300 members as well as institutions, including Karima Primary School, Karima dispensary and Karima police post.

The county government will also rehabilitate the Ngoka borehole to further ease access to safe and reliable water in the area.

To nurture youth talent and promote sports development, the county distributed 20 sets of football uniforms, 20 pairs of gloves and 60 footballs to 30 teams, including 28 male teams and two female teams.

Waiguru said sports play a key role in promoting discipline, teamwork and positive engagement among young people.

The county also issued blankets to elderly residents to protect them from cold weather and related illnesses, with the governor noting that development must prioritise the welfare of the most vulnerable members of society.

The county is further undertaking other projects including the expansion of Kibingoti market in partnership with the national government, rehabilitation of 25kmof roads and cabro paving of 5,000 square metres in Sagana town.

The ward has been allocated Sh4.65 million in bursaries while 40 farmers groups have received support through the Wezesha programme for projects in tomato farming, avocado production, dairy farming, poultry, fish farming, pig rearing, beekeeping and dairy goats.

The governor said the initiatives reflect the county government’s commitment to equitable development and improving the livelihoods of residents.

“Together we are building a county where dignity, opportunity and prosperity are shared by all,” she added.

Josphat Komu, a resident, lauded the empowerment initiative saying it will revitalise grassroots economies and improve their lives.

County speaker Muteti Murimi said that the executive and the assembly will work together to improve access to water for Kariti residents, commending the governor for working closely with the Kenya Kwanza government to deliver major transformational projects.

Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitaru said the governor should be nominated as President Ruto’s running mate in next year’s election owing to her development track record.