Kitui county's untold stories and successes

The county is endowed with vast resources; coal in the Mui Basin, limestone in Mutomo, and iron ore in Timboni, positioning the semi-arid region as a future hub for energy generation, mineral processing and industrial growth. 

With permanent rivers like the Tana and Athi and large tracts of fertile land, Kitui also has the potential to become a regional food basket through commercial agriculture and irrigation.

To unlock this potential, Governor Julius Malombe’s administration has divided the county into six (6) Economic and Investment namely, Kyuso-Muumoni-Tseikuru, Mui Basin, Mutomo-lkutha-Kanziko, Kanyangi-Kwa Vonza-Kanyonyoo, Kitui Town and Environs, and Mwingi Town and Environs.

These zones reflect local strengths and provide targeted investment opportunities in energy agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, and manufacturing.

Flagship projects across the Economic, Social, and Governance pillars including coal-powered energy, agro-processing, eco-tourism, and major road networks are designed to stimulate inclusive growth and improved quality of life.

Dr Malombe says through flagship projects across the three development pillars: Economic, Social, and Governance, the devolved unit is laying the foundation for transformative change. From coal-powered energy and agro-processing parks to irrigation schemes, eco-tourism initiatives road infrastructure and value-added mineral processing, every zone has been assigned catalytic projects to ignite sustained growth. Social investments in water, health, education, and youth empowerment will ensure a just and equitable society.

In their booklet, it provides a comprehensive snapshot of the resource potential, investment opportunities and transformation strategies for each zone. It is both a call to action and an invitation to co-create a future of shared prosperity. The time to invest in Kitui is now.

The concluded devolution conference brought together the entire Kenya's 47 counties to take stock of gains of devolved units or transfer of power from central authority to regional or local governments which were established by the 2010 Constitution.

The theme of this year’s event that took place at the Homa Bay High School grounds from August 12 to 15 was “For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice,” with the conference’s sub-theme being “Re-engineering County Governments to Accelerate Development and Close the Socio-Economic Divide.”

In summary, the theme was a reminder that devolution is not just a system of governance but an opportunity to offer equitable and inclusive service delivery for all citizens.

The year’s conference was one with a difference. There were thought-provoking plenary sessions, partner-driven dynamic side-events and interactive exhibitions showcasing groundbreaking innovations in governance and service delivery since inception of devolution in 2013.

Of significance, the conference offered an exceptional opportunity for delegates to network with key stakeholders, exchange best practices and contribute to policy recommendations that will shape the next phase of devolution.

In Kitui for instance, the county exhibited tangible impact of decentralisation for nearly 13 years in helping the semi-arid region to rise from poverty, neglect, hopelessness and write a new chapter in people’s lives.

Governor Malombe sought to showcase and celebrate amazing achievements in bold steps taken in enduring resilience of residents from the strengthened healthcare systems, to expanded access to clean and safe water, thriving agricultural initiatives, roads that now link once-isolated communities, and the growing empowerment of the youth, women, and other vulnerable groups.  

The steps reflected the Governor’s and his administration’s commitment in delivering meaningful change in the journey towards socio-economic prosperity in the expansive county with 1.7 million people. 

“In our county, we believe in the motto: “leave no one behind.” A just and thriving society is built when youth are empowered, women are uplifted, and persons with disabilities are fully included — not as a favour, but as a right,” Malombe told the press at the county’s booth in Homa bay.

The director of communications at the Governor’s office, Onesmus Kilonzo, said the county unveiled the milestones at the devolution conference with pride and purpose. 

“This is not merely a catalogue of accomplishments; it is a living testament to our shared vision for a more inclusive, prosperous, and dignified future for every resident of Kitui. Together, we are not just transforming our county, we are a lasting legacy", Kilonzo said.

Malombe announced that he had implemented some 2,000 lives changing programmes in the county for the last two-years and 10 months. He told an enthusiastic crowd that he had overseen increase of health facilities from 306 to 311 in all the 40 wards, 3,806 patients served at the new Cancer Centre with 188 under treatment, 70 bed newborn unit completed, 99 operational maternity units up from 81 to 2022 and 26 ambulances in operation up from 17.

“Infant mortality rates have reduced from 47 to 13 per 1,000 births, 11 laboratories and two X-ray units completed and 96 facilities stocked with anti-snake venom among other life changing initiatives,” Malombe said.

Key speakers at the conference included President Dr William Ruto, his deputy Prof Kithure Kindiki, former Prime Minister Rt Hon Raila Odinga, Ambassador Henriette Geiger (EU), Prime Cabinet Minister Musalia Mudavadi, host Governor Gladys Wanga, and CSs Aden Duale (Health) and John Mbadi (Treasury).