By Paul Njenga
Laikipia needs leadership that thinks beyond the next election, embraces innovation and turns the county’s economic potential into lasting prosperity.
As Laikipia approaches the 2027 gubernatorial election, residents have an opportunity to reflect on the kind of leadership that can transform the county’s economic potential into tangible improvements in people’s lives. For me, this conversation must go beyond political alliances, campaign slogans and personalities. It must focus on leadership experience, economic vision, innovation and the responsible management of public resources.
It is against this background that I believe Ndiritu Muriithi deserves serious consideration for the governorship of Laikipia in 2027.
Having served as governor from 2017 to 2022, following his earlier service as Laikipia West MP, Muriithi brings experience in both national and county government. His professional background in finance and economic policy is particularly relevant at a time when counties must think creatively about financing development, stimulating investment and improving service delivery.
For me, the case for Muriithi rests on the importance of experience, a development-oriented mindset and the opportunity to build on ideas that can contribute to Laikipia’s long-term prosperity.
Innovation in Infrastructure Delivery
One of the notable initiatives associated with Muriithi’s administration was the leasing of road construction equipment. Rather than relying exclusively on purchasing expensive machinery, the county explored an alternative approach to expanding its capacity to improve rural roads.
This was an important demonstration of why county governments should continually examine innovative ways of delivering public services. The choice between purchasing, leasing and contracting should be informed by value for money, efficiency and the needs of residents.
The broader lesson is that development requires more than allocating money in budgets. It requires creative thinking, sound financial planning and the ability to convert available resources into tangible results.
For Laikipia, better roads mean improved access to markets, reduced transportation costs, stronger agricultural value chains and easier access to schools and healthcare facilities.
A Vision for Planned Urban Development
Laikipia’s towns must become more than administrative and trading centres. They should be engines of economic activity, investment and employment.
The Smart Towns Initiative pursued during Muriithi’s tenure reflected an emphasis on improving urban centres and creating a better environment for businesses and residents.
Well-planned towns require reliable water, proper drainage, adequate street lighting, functional markets and well-maintained roads. When these facilities work together, they improve the quality of life while creating opportunities for enterprise.
The next phase of Laikipia’s development should connect urban planning with rural economic growth. Farmers and livestock keepers must be able to transport their products efficiently, while traders and investors should find a county that supports enterprise and facilitates economic activity.
Rethinking How Counties Finance Development
One of the most important questions facing county governments is how to finance development beyond conventional budget allocations.
The proposed Laikipia County Infrastructure Bond, valued at KSh 1.16 billion, demonstrated an effort to explore alternative sources of financing for infrastructure and other development priorities.
The broader principle is important: counties must continually examine sustainable ways of mobilising resources to bridge infrastructure gaps and accelerate development.
For Laikipia, this calls for innovative financing arrangements, partnerships with the private sector, effective project preparation and investments capable of generating measurable economic and social benefits.
A county’s development agenda should be supported by realistic financial plans that connect available resources to clearly defined priorities.
From Agricultural Production to Value Addition
Laikipia has considerable potential in agriculture, livestock production, tourism and related enterprises. The challenge is to capture more value from these activities within the county.
Agricultural value addition, livestock processing, improved storage, stronger market linkages and tourism investment can create employment, improve incomes and expand business opportunities.
Muriithi’s current national economic platform has emphasised industrialisation, local production and agricultural value addition. These ideas offer a basis for discussing how national economic policy can connect with county-level opportunities.
Laikipia could benefit from initiatives that connect farmers to processors, strengthen livestock value chains, improve market infrastructure and encourage investment in commercially viable enterprises.
The objective should be to create an economy in which residents are not merely producers of raw commodities but active participants in processing, distribution and other value-adding activities.
Did Electoral Euphoria Shape the 2022 Outcome?
Muriithi’s defeat in the 2022 gubernatorial election presents an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between democratic choice and long-term development.
In my view, elections sometimes produce outcomes influenced by political excitement, prevailing narratives and the emotions of the moment. While these are legitimate features of democratic competition, they can occasionally overshadow a sober assessment of leadership experience, development ideas and the long-term interests of a community.
Democracy gives citizens the unquestionable right to choose their leaders. That right must always be respected. However, the freedom to choose also comes with the responsibility to consider the implications of electoral decisions for the future of the county.
There are moments when electoral euphoria can influence voters to prioritise immediate political considerations over a deeper examination of development priorities. As campaign excitement fades, the practical realities of governance often bring different questions into focus.
I believe Muriithi’s 2022 defeat should therefore not, by itself, determine how his leadership experience or development ideas are viewed today. His record and proposals can still provide a basis for discussing what Laikipia needs in its next phase of development.
Democracy gives the people the power to choose, but the quality of those choices ultimately shapes the direction of their development.
The lesson is not that voters should surrender their judgement to any individual or political movement. It is that elections should be guided by informed reflection, an appreciation of long-term priorities and a clear understanding of the future citizens want for their county.
What Should Laikipia Prioritise in 2027?
The next gubernatorial election should generate a serious conversation about the county’s development priorities.
Water security must remain central to household welfare, agriculture and livestock production. Healthcare facilities need adequate staffing, essential medicines and dependable services. Roads and markets must support economic activity, while young people need opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship and skills development.
Public finance management must also remain a priority. Realistic budgets, transparent procurement, prudent expenditure and measurable results are essential to ensuring that public resources translate into better services.
Equally important is balanced development across all wards. Residents should be able to identify clear priorities for their communities and track progress against published commitments.
These objectives require a long-term vision, effective institutions and leadership that understands the connection between public investment and economic growth.
Leadership Beyond the Next Election
A governor’s contribution should be assessed not only by the projects initiated during a term but also by the institutions strengthened, the opportunities created and the systems established to sustain development.
Laikipia needs a development philosophy that encourages innovation, promotes enterprise, attracts investment and uses public resources responsibly.
It also needs continuity in good development ideas. Every incoming administration should have the opportunity to introduce its priorities while building on initiatives that can advance the county’s long-term interests.
For me, Muriithi’s experience in county leadership, his background in finance and economic policy, and the development initiatives associated with his tenure provide important reasons to examine what he could contribute to Laikipia’s future.
The question facing the county is how best to translate experience, ideas and economic potential into measurable improvements in the lives of residents.
Conclusion: Choosing a Development Vision
My belief that Ndiritu Muriithi fits the bill for Laikipia’s governorship in 2027 is rooted in the importance of experience, economic thinking and a development-oriented approach to public leadership.
Laikipia has the potential to strengthen its agricultural economy, expand enterprise, improve infrastructure and create opportunities for its young population. Realising that potential requires leaders who can connect vision to implementation and public resources to measurable outcomes.
The 2027 election should therefore be more than a contest of political personalities. It should be an opportunity to discuss the kind of economy Laikipia wants to build, the quality of services its residents deserve and the institutions needed to sustain progress.
Laikipia needs leadership that thinks beyond the next election and plans for the next generation.
Ultimately, the people of Laikipia will make their choice. My hope is that the decision will be guided by ideas, experience, development priorities and a shared commitment to building a more prosperous county.
