The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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By: Nicholas Wambua
In a comprehensive address to the Kitui County Assembly on Wednesday, Dr. Julius Makau Malombe, the Governor of Kitui County, outlined a series of achievements and plans aimed at propelling the county towards a new level of development.
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Collaborating with the National Government, Dr. Malombe highlighted the successful completion of a farmer profiling initiative. This endeavor generated a database comprising 229,076 farmers across all 40 wards of the county. According to Malombe, the aim is to provide enhanced extension services and various forms of support to bolster agricultural productivity.
Malombe added that significant strides have been made in irrigation infrastructure development, particularly in the establishment of nine micro-irrigation schemes across four wards. This initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Small Irrigation Value Addition Project (SIVAP), has benefited 460 farmers, contributing to increased food production.
Dr. Malombe also underscored the commitment to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services. “To this end, efforts have been intensified in restocking pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceuticals, facilitated by timely procurement and supply of medical commodities. Notably, the repair and operationalization of eight ambulances and two utility vehicles aim to enhance emergency response capabilities and save lives,” he said.
Addressing the critical issue of water accessibility, nthe governor said that the county government has embarked on an ambitious program targeting the construction of 2,400 sand dams. According to Dr. Malombe, in 2023, 120 sand dams were constructed across various wards, alongside the rehabilitation of eight earth dams, serving over 10,000 people. Additionally, the extension of water pipelines and rehabilitation of boreholes have significantly increased access to clean water, benefiting tens of thousands of residents.
However, amidst these achievements, Dr. Malombe acknowledged the challenges inherited by the county government. Notably, eight insolvent County investment entities pose a significant concern, with entities like the Kitui County Textile Centers (KICOTEC) reporting operating losses, raising doubts about their viability.
Looking ahead, Dr. Malombe reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to addressing these challenges while continuing to prioritize development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Kitui County residents.
