Natembeya Highlights Development Milestones during Jamuhuri Day Address

Governor George Natembeya used this year’s Jamuhuri Day celebrations to highlight significant strides in healthcare and agriculture, among other sectors, under his administration.

Addressing a packed gathering at Sikhendu Primary School on Thursday, the governor outlined achievements over the past two years while laying out plans for continued progress.

The healthcare sector took centre stage in his speech, with Governor Natembeya announcing the near completion of the Tom Mboya Mother and Baby Hospital.

The 80-bed facility, specializing in maternal and infant care, is set to open in February 2025. “Health is the real wealth,” he said.
The administration has also constructed six maternity theatres across the county, including in Kwanza, Cherengani, Saboti, and Kiminini sub-counties.

With 30% of the county’s budget allocated to health, over 2,000 community health promoters have been recruited to deliver basic services directly to households.

In agriculture, Governor Natembeya credited the Fukuza Njaa initiative with achieving food security for 254,000 households. He revealed plans to distribute free, quality seeds to an additional 100,000 households starting January 2025.

“We are ensuring that every household has the means to thrive, even in the face of erratic weather patterns,” he said, referencing climate challenges that have impacted production.

Efforts to combat climate change were also highlighted, with the planting of 2.3 million trees and alternative livelihoods such as beekeeping introduced for wetland communities.

“Conversations about climate change are no longer romantic ideals—they are a matter of life and death,” the governor warned.

In infrastructure, over 2,000 kilometres of roads have been graded. Additionally, the county plans to upgrade Kiminini market into a municipality and complete the Kenyatta Stadium to boost sports and performing arts.

Education initiatives have seen the revolutionary Elimu Bursary support 22,000 students in public day schools, with increased funding for vocational training centres and a school milk programme benefiting 42,000 early learners.

“Education is the key to removing us from the shackles of poverty,” Governor Natembeya stressed.

The governor also pledged improved public service delivery with the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art headquarters to centralise county operations.

“This facility will be a one-stop shop for all services rendered to mwananchi,” he said.

The event was attended by Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Philomena Kapkory, County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi, county staff, other government officials, and people from all walks of life.