By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, Decemeber 4 2025 - Nyeri Governor Dr Mutahi Kahiga has defended the construction of an official residence for the Governor, saying the project is designed to strengthen service delivery, cut long-term costs and create a secure and efficient working environment for the county’s leadership.
Addressing the County Assembly during his eighth State of the County Address on Thursday evening, in a session chaired by Speaker James Gichuhi, the governor said the residence is being built in full compliance with Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines.
Dr Kahiga said the project will enable faster response to emergencies, better coordination with departments and more professional handling of official engagements. “The project will ensure prudent use of public funds by eliminating prolonged rental costs and establishing a permanent asset for future administrations,” he said.
“In the coming year, my office will also initiate the construction of an official residence for the Deputy Governor.” Governor Kahiga also reported sweeping progress across key sectors, including revenue mobilisation, agriculture and the cooperative movement.
He announced that own-source revenue has grown from Sh760.2 million in the 2017/2018 financial year to Sh1.45 billion in 2024/2025 – representing a 91 per cent rise driven by enhanced enforcement, increased staffing and an expanded revenue base, all achieved without raising taxes.
On agriculture, the county has posted significant gains in the dairy sector. Production has increased from 94 million litres in 2017/18 to 121 million litres last year, while dairy revenue rose from Sh4.4 billion to Sh5.4 billion. Dr Kahiga attributed the growth to investments in disease control, breeding and feed support programmes.
Over 75,000 animals are vaccinated annually, backed by Sh64 million over the review period. Artificial insemination adoption has surpassed 70 per cent, supported by Sh65.2 million in semen and liquid nitrogen and the integration of the Ndume App for monitoring and reporting.
To strengthen the cold chain, the county has distributed 32 milk coolers to 23 cooperatives and self-help groups, boosting volumes sold through formal channels and reducing post-harvest losses.
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Community-owned dairy processors – including Wakulima, Keini, Slopes and Kairuthi dairies – have received Sh50 million worth of equipment, including pasteurizers, milk ATMs, pre-chillers and milk cans.
The county has further invested Sh26.6 million in livestock feed formulation equipment and raw materials for seven farmer groups. To diversify dairy products and enhance climate resilience, 1,134 dairy goats valued at Sh28 million have been distributed to 101 farmer groups.
In the tea sector, production rose from 17.2 million kilos in 2017/18 to a peak of 23.2 million kilos in 2023/24. Although last year’s output declined to 18.9 million kilos due to dry weather, the county distributed 100,000 tea seedlings and rehabilitated seven tea-buying centres – one still under construction – at a tune of Sh20.6 million.
Dr Kahiga also highlighted the expansion of the cooperative movement, with 63 new societies registered in recent years, offering greater access to credit, market linkages and collective investment opportunities. The Cooperative Audit Unit now audits an average of 65 societies annually to safeguard members’ resources.
To strengthen governance and modernize cooperative operations, the county partnered with international organizations to review and amend the Nyeri County Cooperative Societies Act, aligning it with national and global best practices and promoting digital systems.
He noted that Nyeri has deepened global ties, including with the German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation (DGRV), which supported the establishment of Kenya’s first Health Worker Cooperative Society aimed at empowering health professionals.
