By Hope Barbra
For eight years as Governor, Anne Waiguru is one of the few who have made devolution a reality, and Kirinyaga is a shining economic and investment hub.
While the country reels from the high poverty rate of 39.8 percent, Waiguru has presided over a drop from 23% to 21%, lifting over 52,000 households out of poverty.
In her 2025 State of the County address, Waiguru said hard work, planning, and partnerships have redefined Kirinyaga’s future.
“As I delivered the 2025 State of the County Address, I shared the remarkable progress that is turning our county into a thriving hub of opportunity and investment.”
Economic Transformation and Jobs
She said economic growth has consistently surpassed the national average, with Kirinyaga’s Gross County Product rising from KSh 114.9 billion in 2017 to KSh 190.79 billion in 2024, at an annual rate of 5.4 percent versus the national 4.9 percent.
“The Sagana Industrial City is attracting 60+ investors and will create 10,000 direct and 170,000 indirect jobs.
The upcoming CAIPS Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Export Processing Zone (EPZ) will further position Kirinyaga as a regional industrial hub, unlocking thousands of new opportunities for our youth and entrepreneurs.
Coffee earnings in Kirinyaga reached a record KSh 7.6 billion in 2024, with factories paying between KSh 100 and KSh 148 per kilogram of cherry. Gakuyu-Ini led with KSh 148 per kilo, followed by Gacami at KSh 145.10, the highest in the country,” she said.
Agriculture & Food Security
Waiguru said over 100,000 farmers have been empowered through Wezesha Kirinyaga, while rice production has more than doubled from 90,000 to 210,000 metric tons, generating KSh 15 billion for farmers.
“Kirinyaga leads Kenya in tomato production — 116,000 tons worth KSh 6.9 billion annually. Milk output grew from 2.5 to 7 litres per cow daily, generating KSh 3.1 billion.
Avocado and fish production also rose, bringing new income to local farmers,” she said.
Infrastructure & Urban Development
The Governor said over 7,000 km of roads have been graded and maintained, improving farm-to-market access.
She said 118,550 m² of cabro paving has been laid, giving towns a modern, clean look, while 800 acres of grabbed public land have been recovered, opening space for schools, hospitals, and housing.
“We have completed urban development plans for Kutus, Kerugoya, and Kagio,” she said.
Water & Sanitation
She said the county government has undertaken 200 water projects and implemented 75 boreholes, increasing access from 62% to 78% of households.
Health & Education
Waiguru said health facilities have expanded from 65 to 85, while maternal deaths have dropped from 88 to 55 per 100,000 births; skilled birth attendance rose to 92 percent.
“We have 854 Community Health Promoters deployed across all wards, while the new Kerugoya Level 5 Hospital has revolutionized healthcare access, offering specialized services and reducing referrals outside the county,” she said.
The Governor said they have disbursed KSh 540.7 million in bursaries, with an additional KSh 100 million allocated in this year’s budget to support more needy students across the county.
“We have constructed over 40 ECDE classrooms and 12 vocational training centres or upgraded them, equipping youth with technical and entrepreneurial skills,” she said.
Environment & Clean Energy
Waiguru said her administration has presided over the planting of 8.2 million trees, raising tree cover from 18.5% to 30.4 percent, while 7,000 households have been equipped with LPG kits under FLLoCA, promoting clean energy.
Youth, Gender & Sports
Currently, Kaitheri Apparel Factory employs women and youth, creating opportunities locally, while the Minji Football Tournament now engages thousands across all wards.
Digital Transformation & Governance
She said all county operations have been digitized, improving health services, revenue collection, licensing, project monitoring, recruitment, and overall efficiency and transparency in service delivery.
“We have witnessed revenue increase from KSh 344 million in 2017 to KSh 852 million in 2024 through Kiripay, sealing leakages and improving accountability.
What we’ve achieved is more than progress — it’s a blueprint for rural transformation. Kirinyaga is now a county that attracts investment, supports enterprise, and inspires possibility for generations to come,” she said.
