By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

The milestone was highlighted during the launch of the Kitui County Infrastructure Dashboard yesterday, June 24, 2026, at the Governor's Office in Kitui Town. The digital platform provides a comprehensive record of infrastructure projects undertaken by the county government since the advent of devolution in 2013.

Speaking during the launch, Kitui Governor Dr Julius Makau Malombe said the county had implemented 12,423 infrastructure projects between 2013 and June 2025, averaging nearly 1,000 projects annually across all sub-counties, wards and villages.

According to the Governor, the projects span various sectors and ministries, reflecting the county's commitment to equitable development and improved service delivery to residents.

“This dashboard captures all infrastructure projects undertaken by the County Government of Kitui since devolution began in 2013. It demonstrates the scale of development activities that have taken place across the county, with a total investment of KSh 27.68 billion,” said Dr Malombe.

He noted that the dashboard would serve as a critical tool for monitoring development, preserving institutional memory and strengthening accountability within government operations.

“The commissioning of the Kitui County Infrastructure Projects Dashboard represents a significant milestone in our journey towards a more transparent, data-driven and accountable government. By making information accessible and verifiable, the dashboard will strengthen governance and improve our ability to serve the people of Kitui effectively,” he said.

Dr Malombe clarified that the platform focuses exclusively on infrastructure projects and does not capture all county investments made over the years. He emphasised that each project represented a deliberate effort to address specific development challenges and improve the quality of life for local communities. “Behind every project is a community whose quality of life has improved. Behind every project is an investment intended to address a specific development challenge,” he added.

The Governor further stated that the platform would enhance public confidence in government programmes by enabling residents to track projects in their respective areas, including their locations, implementation status and financial allocations.

He said the dashboard would also support evidence-based planning and decision-making while promoting transparency in public resource utilisation.

Highlighting achievements in the education sector, Dr Malombe noted that the county had constructed more than 1,403 modern Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms to improve access to quality learning environments for young children across Kitui. He reiterated the county government's commitment to investing in early childhood education, describing it as a critical foundation for lifelong learning and personal development.

The dashboard is expected to provide citizens, development partners and government agencies with easy access to information on infrastructure projects across the county. Users will be able to view project locations, descriptions and financial details, while also providing feedback on existing gaps and emerging community needs.

County officials expressed confidence that the platform will enhance public participation, improve oversight of development programmes and ensure that the county's development history remains accessible for future generations.

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

The appeal comes as Kenyans across the country prepare for demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the June 2024 anti-government protests, during which several young people lost their lives in clashes with police. The commemorations are expected to honour those who died and were injured during the protests that shook the nation in the past two years.

Speaking in Kitui Town, Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui cautioned residents and visitors against engaging in unlawful activities under the guise of exercising their constitutional right to demonstrate. His remarks follow the arrest of several individuals accused of destroying public infrastructure and private property during recent protests over rising fuel prices. According to the commissioner, some of those arrested were believed to have infiltrated the demonstrations with the intention of causing chaos and engaging in criminal activities.

Mr Mbui stressed that while the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully, anyone planning to participate in the June 25 commemorations must do so within the confines of the law. “Anything that will be happening on June 25 will be handled lawfully by security officers to ensure that we do not witness a repeat of the unfortunate events experienced on May 18 this year,” he said.

He noted that security agencies have heightened surveillance across the county and will closely monitor all major roads and other public spaces. “On May 18, we did not expect demonstrations in Kitui. However, by 9 a.m., groups of protesters, some of whom were not residents of Kitui County, had taken to the streets and destroyed property. The police allowed them to exercise their constitutional rights until some individuals turned to vandalism and theft, forcing law enforcement officers to intervene,” Mr Mbui added.

The county commissioner further reminded organisers that the law requires those intending to hold demonstrations to notify the police in advance. Such notification, he said, enables security agencies to provide protection and ensure public order during the events. “So far, no individual or group has submitted a formal notification regarding the planned June 25 commemorations. Nevertheless, security officers are fully prepared to respond to any situation and ensure that residents, businesses and public property remain protected,” he said.

Mr Mbui reiterated that Kenyans have a legitimate right to remember those who lost their lives during last year's protests, but urged participants to do so responsibly and peacefully. “If anyone wishes to commemorate the day, they are free to do so. However, this is not a fight or a war against the police. It should be a peaceful exercise. As long as people remain law-abiding, they will have no problem with law enforcement officers,” he said.

Security agencies have assured residents that adequate measures have been put in place to maintain peace and order throughout the county as the nation marks the anniversary of one of the most significant protest movements in Kenya's recent history.

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

Kitui, one of Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties, has historically faced development challenges in key sectors such as education and healthcare. Many schools have struggled with inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and limited learning resources, affecting the quality of education and contributing to school dropouts.

To address these challenges, the Safaricom Foundation and M-Pesa Foundation have undertaken a series of projects aimed at improving learning environments and enhancing educational outcomes across the county.

The latest intervention saw the commissioning of a Sh40 million modern storey building comprising classrooms and administration offices at Kithumuoni Comprehensive School in Mumoni Ward, Mwingi North Constituency.

Speaking during the official opening ceremony, Safaricom Group Chief Risk Officer Nicholas Mulila said the two foundations remain committed to supporting education through infrastructure development across the country.

"Education is the greatest equaliser in society. As an organisation, we are committed to building communities by investing in schools. We are creating a better learning environment for these young learners and helping shape a brighter future for them," said Mulila.

He urged parents, teachers and community members to safeguard the facilities to ensure they continue benefiting future generations. "Once construction is complete, these facilities are handed over to the community. The best way to appreciate this investment is by ensuring our children utilise these resources effectively and remain focused on their education," he added.

Mulila also called on both national and county leaders, including aspiring politicians, to prioritise development projects that directly improve the lives of citizens. "Wherever you serve, remember the people who elected you. Champion development initiatives that uplift communities and improve their living standards," he said.

Beyond education, Safaricom is also expanding its communication infrastructure in remote parts of Kitui County through the installation of network boosters aimed at improving connectivity and access to communication services.

The education projects are expected to enhance learning conditions, boost enrolment and improve academic performance in schools that have long grappled with inadequate infrastructure.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The state-of-the-art facility, commissioned in the presence of education stakeholders, local leaders, teachers, parents and learners, marks the culmination of years of engagement between CS Ruku and MPESA Foundation aimed at improving learning conditions at the school.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, CS Ruku recalled how he lobbied the Foundation to support Katheru Primary School after witnessing the challenges learners faced studying in old and dilapidated classrooms. He said the school's poor infrastructure had for years denied students a conducive environment for learning, making the project a priority during his time as MP. “Seeing this project completed and handed over is deeply fulfilling because it began as a vision to give our children a learning environment that matches their potential,” he said.

The CS noted that the new classrooms will provide a safe, modern and inspiring atmosphere for learning, a development expected to boost academic performance and enhance the overall learning experience.

He commended MPESA Foundation for honouring its commitment to the community and reaffirmed the government's readiness to work with private sector partners to expand education opportunities across the country.

Safaricom's Chief Corporate Security Officer Nicholas Mulila urged learners to make good use of the new facilities and remain committed to their studies, noting that education remains one of the most effective tools for transforming lives.

Parents, teachers and residents welcomed the project, expressing optimism that the improved infrastructure will enhance learning outcomes, increase school retention rates and inspire learners to pursue their dreams.

‎By JOHN MUSEMBI

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The county will be generally calm given cool and cloudy conditions are likely to be experienced in some parts of the county in the next seven days. "Intermittent cool and cloudy conditions are likely in some parts of the County during the forecast period", said Dr Daniel Mbithi, the county Director of Meteorological Services.

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‎But maximum temperatures remain elevated especially in Mwingi North, Mwingi Central and Kitui East sub counties.  These regions recorded the highest daytime temperatures two weeks earlier.

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‎This week's maximum temperature is forecast to be between 23°C and 33°C.  The minimum temperatures on the other hand, will range from 13°C to 21°C. Of note is Mutonguni and Mumoni Wards previously featured in weather reports as having low temperatures.