By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 2 December 2025 - Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has outlined sweeping gains in healthcare, agriculture, education and infrastructure, declaring that his administration is delivering “tangible results” under the Bottom-up Economic Transformative Agenda (BETA).
In his State of the County Address delivered to the County Assembly on Tuesday evening, the governor said the county’s development strategy — centred on ensuring no resident is left behind — had begun to transform key sectors and improve service delivery.
Governor Njuki said healthcare remained a top priority, with the county now running a fully-fledged Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for the first time. The facility, he said, has reduced medical expenses and minimized referrals for critical patients.
The county has also expanded its immunization coverage by adding 22 new health facilities, raising the total to 126.
“To enhance disease control, treatment for tuberculosis has been fully decentralized to 165 public, private and faith-based facilities, enabling free diagnosis and care closer to communities,” Njuki said.
As part of investments under the National Equipment Support Programme, Chuka Level 5 Hospital has received a modern ANKE 128-slice CT scanner, an upgrade from the previous 64-slice scanner.
Agriculture, the governor noted, remains the backbone of the county’s economy, with strategic investments in certified seed distribution, subsidised fertiliser, soil testing, extension services and value addition for tea, coffee, and green grams.
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Now in its 11th season, the seed distribution programme has supplied 540 metric tonnes of certified seed to more than 200,000 farmers, boosting yields and enhancing food security.
“To ease access to affordable fertilizer, the county has set up five e-voucher depots in Mitheru, Kirumi, Magutuni, Mukuuni and Nkondi, alongside a new depot in Karingani through a partnership with the National Cereals and Produce Board. The depots have been stocked with more than 55,000 bags of planting fertilizer and 35,000 bags of topdressing fertiliser,” the Governor said.
On water provision, Governor Njuki highlighted ongoing work under the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) to expand supply to Marimanti town and Kathwana Municipality.
Education and skills training have also received a boost, with all 20 wards now operating at least one Vocational Training Centre (VTC). The county is in the final stages of onboarding 48 new instructors to strengthen training capacity and improve the quality of courses offered.
In the lands sector, the governor reported progress in acquiring land for the planned expansion of the County Headquarters and the relocation of Chuka Prison from Kathwana to Kabariange to pave the way for new public amenities.
The county has also secured 18 acres at Ntuntuni for an Integrated Solid Waste Management Site and an additional 10 acres for the expansion of the Agricultural Training Institute in Igambang’ombe.
Governor Njuki further hailed the growth of cooperative societies, noting that more than 200 registered cooperatives are now supporting sectors such as agriculture, housing and water services, and are playing a critical role in driving socio-economic progress.
