Kariti: Residents of Kariti Ward in Kirinyaga County received a major boost after Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru presided over the distribution of assorted items including seedlings to spur production and household livelihoods. The items issued included avocado and macadamia seedlings, water project materials, sports equipment, tents and chairs for community groups, and blankets for the elderly.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Anne Waiguru said the initiative is part of the county government's commitment to empowering residents socially and economically through projects funded under the Ward Development Fund. She emphasized that significant resources were allocated this financial year to support projects prioritized by residents, with the recent distribution being part of fulfilling that promise and ensuring development reaches every part of the county.
Among the key interventions was the distribution of 8,300 avocado seedlings and 2,000 macadamia seedlings to 35 Community Investment Groups (CIGs) to boost agricultural productivity and increase farmers' incomes. Governor Waiguru noted that avocado and macadamia are high-value crops with strong demand in both local and international markets. She highlighted that the initiative will enable farmers to diversify their farming activities and benefit from export opportunities once the trees mature, as Kenya has become a major exporter of avocados, creating a ready market for local farmers.
Waiguru added that the county government is also working to expand value addition through the establishment of the Sagana Agro-Industrial City and the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP), where avocado and macadamia processing industries are expected to be set up. She mentioned the county's aim to double avocado production from 172,000 metric tonnes to 300,000 metric tonnes, a move expected to increase farmers' earnings while creating employment opportunities along the value chain.
The community groups also benefited from the distribution of 12 tents and 666 chairs to 15 self-help and welfare groups, aimed at strengthening community groups and easing the cost of social events. This will assist them in hosting social events and generating income through hire services.
In efforts to address water challenges in the ward, the county government issued 182 UPVC pipes to support the Mung'etho Water Project, which will benefit about 350 members as well as nearby schools, trading centres, and churches. Another 68 UPVC pipes were allocated to the Ngando Water Project, which serves about 300 members and key institutions including Karima Primary School, Karima Dispensary, and Karima Police Post. The county government also announced plans to rehabilitate the Ngoka borehole to further improve access to clean water.
The Speaker of the County Assembly, Muteti Murimi, expressed support for collaborating with the county executive to improve access to water for Kariti residents and commended Governor Waiguru for her cooperation with the national government to deliver transformational projects. He noted that the coming elections will be based on a leader's performance record.
Kariti Ward Member of County Assembly Jeremiah Makimi thanked the governor for the upcoming industrial park that will offer a platform for farmers to process their produce and create jobs. He also appealed for the upgrading of Kiangwachi market and praised the government for the near-complete Kibingoti Market. He highlighted that the upgrading of Sagana Hospital will greatly benefit residents of his ward and the county.
Josphat Komu, a resident and beneficiary of the empowerment program, expressed gratitude to the governor for fulfilling her election pledges for Kariti residents, including job creation through the development of Sagana Agro-Industrial City and improved water supply.