Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru says the ward development funding model has greatly enhanced
the implementation of development initiatives at the local level.
The model in which each ward is allocated funds for localized initiatives has seen residents benefit
from economic empowerment projects identified by the local communities in collaboration with
respective Member of the County Assembly (MCA).
In the current financial year, Waiguru allocated Ksh. 440 million to be shared equally among the 20
wards that make up the county.
She has said that having funds specifically dedicated to local projects is essential in that it empowers
the local communities by allowing them to prioritize development projects that directly affect their
daily lives and enabling the tailoring of projects to suit the unique needs in each ward.
Speaking in Inoi Ward on Thursday while distributing assorted socio-economic empowerment items
to community groups, the governor emphasized on the importance of undertaking community-driven
projects since they speak to specific needs of a particular community.
Waiguru noted that the ward funds allocation for this year was an increment from last financial year’s
budget of Ksh. 300 million that was disbursed to the wards. She said that prioritization of projects is
usually carried out through a rigorous public participation program by the county government. The
model also improves accountability and transparency leading to more efficient implementation and
sustainable development.
Some of the projects that the funds have supported include graveling of roads, supply of domestic and
irrigation water, agriculture and entrepreneurship projects, supporting self-help and welfare groups
with assorted items such as tents and chairs. Other wards have prioritized Early Childhood
Development and Education (ECDE), construction of health facilities, youth empowerment and
sports talent development through distribution of sports kits to teams.
In Inoi Ward, the Governor said that Ksh. 22 million Ward Development Funds will go to funding
projects such as construction of phase 1 of Mubethu Tea Buying Center, procurement of garbage
skips, gravelling of roads, water projects and repair of broken floodlights among others
During the event, Waiguru issued tents to three self-help groups, 270 plastic seats to four groups,
school uniforms and stationery for 381 ECDE learners who include 186 girls and 195 boys and 638
water pipes for Mutuma Water project.
The county government has also supported 40 common interest groups from the ward to undertake
projects such as tomato, avocado, dairy, chicken, fish, pigs, bee keeping and dairy goats.
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At the same time, the Governor promised to construct a new market in Kwa-Eliud area to provide a
conducive environment for business in the area. She also noted that Ksh. 5.79 million has been set
aside as bursary for needy children from Inoi in this financial year.
She noted that Inoi ward which is in Kirinyaga Central constituency has also benefitted from flagship
projects such as upgrading of Kerugoya Hospital from level 4 to level 5, affordable housing project in
Kerugoya town, and construction of Kagumo market and installation of 10,000 square meters of
cabro in Kagumo town.
Waiguru emphasized on continued collaboration between residents, county assembly and the
executive for successful delivery of services.
