The operation, which is part of a nationwide effort to eliminate illegal pest control products, targeted both farm and household pesticides suspected to contain harmful chemicals that threaten human health, livestock, and agricultural productivity.

Speaking in Embu town after the exercise, PCPB General Manager for Compliance and Enforcement, Lawrence Kalawa, expressed concern over the growing number of illegal and smuggled pesticides in the market.

Kalawa warned that the cheap and unregistered products pose serious health and environmental risks, as many contain banned or toxic substances that can harm users and degrade the soil.

“We are stepping up enforcement this planting season to protect farmers from counterfeit products that end up destroying crops instead of protecting them. Such products are a threat to food security,” he said.

He urged farmers to be extra cautious during the short rains, noting that it is during this period of high demand that dishonest traders flood the market with fake products to make quick profits.

Kalawa encouraged farmers to buy pesticides only from PCPB-registered agro-vet outlets, where certified products bear official safety stickers to show they have been tested and approved.

He also warned traders dealing in unregistered or fake products to stop immediately, saying that the board will continue to intensify its surveillance and prosecute offenders.

“We will not relent in protecting farmers and consumers from harmful chemicals. Anyone found selling unauthorized pesticides will face the full force of the law,” he said.

The crackdown is part of PCPB’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that only safe and genuine pest control products are available in the Kenyan market, while safeguarding the health of citizens and the integrity of the country’s agriculture.

Goats

Mature buck 9000-20000

Medium 5500-9000

Mature female 6000-13500

Medium 4000-6500

Sheep 5000-115000

Donkeys 

Male 4000-9000

Female 8000-11500

Chicken 

Mature cock 700-1200

Medium  450-650

Mature hen 450-700

Medium 350-500

-MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT

Dated:October 27, 2025

Speaking at Rukuriri Tea Factory in Embu county when he met farmers , the factory chairman Joseph Rwanjau dismissed the move, insisting that only human taste can accurately determine a tea’s true flavor. He said international buyers prefer the traditional biological testing method and warned that adopting machine-based testing would negatively affect Kenya’s exports.

“We prefer biological testing. The taste of a human being cannot be the taste of a machine. We tried machine testing before, but the buyers refused,” said Rwanjau.

He said it would be disastrous to dictate new testing methods to the market, noting that the tea industry thrives on consumer trust built over decades through biological tasting.

Rwanjau also dismissed allegations that tea farmers from the Eastern region receive higher bonuses than those in the Western, terming the claims as unfounded. He said tea quality is the only factor that determines pricing and bonus payments.

“Tea prices are determined purely by quality, not region. Rukuriri’s competitive edge and high bonus payments are due to the quality of leaf we produce and our commitment to value addition,” he stated.

To sustain higher earnings, Rwanjau announced that the factory has invested KSh 10 million in a new tea-packing machine, which has already been imported and will begin operations in December. He said the new equipment will increase the share of locally sold, value-added products from 2 percent to 10 percent, ensuring higher returns for farmers in the next payment cycle.

He attributed the factory’s strong financial performance to its focus on value addition, including production of branded tea bags and premium tea leaves.

Rwanjau further revealed that Rukuriri Tea Factory is focusing on expanding raw tea production. This year, he said, the factory has collected 1.7 million kilograms of green leaf, up from 1.6 million kilograms during the same period last year.

However, he raised concern over the delayed completion of the factory’s orthodox tea processing line, saying the setback has limited the factory’s ability to diversify and improve bonus payments.

The chairman also said fertilizer for farmers has already arrived at the Port of Mombasa and will be distributed soon to boost productivity.

He emphasized that increasing production volumes would reduce the average cost of production and, in turn, raise overall earnings for both the factory and its farmers.

The push for machine-based tea testing stems from growing discontent among tea farmers, particularly in the Rift Valley, who claim that the traditional biological grading system has been unfair and inconsistent, leading to lower bonuses for their produce. Many of these farmers argue that human-led tasting is prone to bias and subjective judgment, and they believe that introducing technology could bring transparency and uniformity to the grading process,  a proposal that has now sparked sharp debate across Kenya’s tea-growing regions.

Ruku warned that deviations from approved systems undermine professionalism in the public sector and create opportunities for corruption and nepotism.

He called on Human Resources (HR) officers to serve as “custodians of integrity and accountability” within the public service, stressing that counties must align their recruitment practices with National standards to promote transparency and merit-based employment.

“The government of President William Ruto is committed to ensuring we have a very effective and efficient administration on behalf of the people of Kenya. This can only be achieved if Human Resources managers and directors synchronise their efforts to run day-to-day public affairs effectively,” Ruku said.

The CS cautioned against irregular salary payments and unauthorised appointments that inflate National and County wage bills, saying such practices derail development projects. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening HR management systems to promote efficiency, fairness, and productivity across all levels of public administration.

Speaking in Naivasha during the opening of the 29th Annual National Human Resource Management (HRM) Conference, Ruku revealed that a recent audit across Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Counties had exposed widespread malpractices in HR departments.

He said some officers had turned job recruitment into a commercial enterprise by selling employment opportunities, falsifying credentials, and manipulating merit-based selection systems.

“The audit uncovered systemic collusion between some HR officers and job seekers involving the sale of employment opportunities and falsification of academic credentials. This behaviour undermines service delivery, erodes public trust, and costs our economy billions,” he stated.

Ruku declared that any HR practitioner found guilty of corruption would face deregistration, prosecution, and a permanent ban from the profession.

“Let me be clear, the era of impunity is over. We are working with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) to ensure those who have commercialised recruitment are punished,” he warned.

The conference, attended by over 1,000 HR professionals from across the country, was held under the theme “Human Capital: Africa’s Growth Currency in a 4D World; Digital, Diverse, Decentralised, and Dynamic.”

Ruku praised the IHRM for promoting professionalism, ethics, and innovation in workplace management, noting that the organisation continues to play a key role in aligning Kenya’s workforce with the country’s development agenda.

“Your efforts have contributed to the progressive labour practices and good governance we enjoy today,” he said.

The CS underscored the importance of human capital as Africa’s most valuable resource, noting that nations investing in their people will lead the future in innovation, productivity, and prosperity.

 “The future of Africa will not be determined by natural resources, but by our people. Human capital is indeed the real currency of growth for Africa,” he said.

Ruku highlighted that President Ruto’s administration has placed people at the centre of national transformation through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which focuses on empowering communities and creating opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, housing, healthcare, and the digital economy.

He cited the Affordable Housing Programme as a prime example of human capital-driven transformation, noting that it not only develops infrastructure but also creates jobs, dignity, and opportunities for youth and local enterprises.

“The success of BETA depends on a qualified, ethical, and motivated workforce,” he added.

Ruku challenged HR professionals to lead efforts in rebuilding trust and integrity in both the public and private sectors.

HR professionals are the bridge between policy and performance. You must champion meritocracy, fairness, and accountability,” he told the delegates.

He further highlighted the government’s collaboration with the IHRM and the Public Service Commission to strengthen systems promoting meritocracy, efficiency, and continuous professional development.

Turning to the youth, Ruku emphasised the importance of equipping them with digital and entrepreneurial skills through initiatives such as the Ajira Digital Programme, which trains young people in coding, digital marketing, and online content creation.

 “Our youth represent the digital dimension of this 4D world. We must create workplaces that are inclusive, dynamic, and youth-friendly,” he said.

Ruku reaffirmed the government’s support for IHRM’s efforts to eliminate impostors and unethical individuals from the profession.

 “Kenya needs ethical, competent, and responsible HR professionals we can trust to steward our greatest national asset,  our people,” he concluded, as he officially declared the 29th Annual HRM Conference open.

Speaking on Tuesday, Ndambuki said that to avert the massive loss of livestock experienced during prolonged dry spells in the Lower Eastern region, TWWDA has developed a comprehensive plan to guarantee sufficient water supply for livestock throughout the year. “Livestock keeping is the main economic activity for the people of Kajiado and parts of Lower Eastern. When animals die due to lack of water, families lose their primary source of income. As Tanathi, we are determined to address this challenge,” she said.

Ndambuki made the remarks while leading the TWWDA board on an inspection tour of the Sh17 million Kaya Earth Dam project in Kyuso Ward, Kitui County. Once completed, the dam will serve at least 150 households. She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting President William Ruto’s goal of providing adequate water to underserved communities in the Lower Eastern region and across the country.

 “We are implementing water projects in remote areas like Kaya in line with President Ruto’s Bottom-Up Transformational Agenda. Our mission is to make clean and reliable water accessible to people at the grassroots,” Ndambuki added.

The chairperson noted that the board was impressed by the contractor’s performance, observing that the project was already 60 percent complete. Local residents expressed optimism about the project’s impact. Rebecca Kyambi, a villager whose late husband donated the land for the dam, said the new water source would help address numerous social challenges faced by the community. “We have suffered severe water shortages for years. The nearest source is several kilometers away, and when young women take long to fetch water, they are often reprimanded by their husbands out of suspicion,” said Kyambi.

She added that once the project is complete, such issues will be a thing of the past as locals will have easy access to water, significantly reducing the time spent fetching it.

Community leader Daniel Katee lauded the project, describing it as a posthumous honor to Musili Mwangangi, who donated his land to make the project a reality. “The Kaya Dam is a dream come true for our community. It will forever honor the late Mwangangi’s selfless contribution to ensuring we have a reliable water source,” said Katee.

The disgruntled staff, who gathered outside the Embu branch premises, accused their employer of neglect and injustice, saying the prolonged delay had pushed them and their families into untold suffering. Many carried placards decrying the “five months of silence and suffering,” as they chanted slogans demanding fairness and dignity.

Embu Post Office Branch Communication Workers Union chairman, Joseph Rwanjau, led the protest, condemning the government for failing to address the plight of its employees. “These workers you are seeing here have gone for five months without pay. The last time they received a salary was in April. Since then, they have been struggling to survive,” he lamented.

Rwanjau said the situation had become unbearable, with some workers unable to afford basic necessities. He urged the government to release the pending Huduma funds so that salaries could be processed immediately. “This is a dire situation. We are public servants, yet we cannot feed our families or pay our bills,” he said.

The union leader painted a grim picture of the workers’ daily struggles, saying their children are suffering alongside them. “Imagine going to work every day, knowing you will not be paid. Our children ask us for food and school fees, and we have nothing to give them,” he said.

Another worker, Aaron Kamau, echoed Rwanjau’s sentiments, declaring that intimidation and threats will not silence their call for justice. “We will not be cowed. No salary means no work. It’s that simple,” he stated.

Kamau criticized the authorities for failing to communicate clearly about when the pending salaries would be settled. “We serve the nation diligently, yet the government seems to have forgotten us. All we want is what we have worked for,” he insisted.

Nyawira Mutugi, another employee, described the financial hardship as “inhuman and unacceptable.” She said most of them have been forced to borrow money just to survive, and even local shop owners have grown weary of lending them goods. “We owe everyone around us. Some of our shopkeepers now hide when they see us coming,” she said bitterly.

Mutugi further appealed to the government to show compassion to its workers. “We have rent, school fees, and medical bills to pay. How does the government expect us to survive with nothing?” she questioned.

The workers have vowed to maintain their protest until their pay is released.

In a press statement, Cabinet Secretary Dr Wycliffe Oparanya said "the physical validation exercise for the business support component will take place on Friday 24th October 2025, across all the 290 constituencies in the country".

The World Bank-sponsored NYOTA programme will provide young people with Sh50000 capital to start and maintain their businesses.

To qualify for the NYOTA project, you must be aged between 18 and 29 years old and up to 35 years if you're a Person with Disabilities.

The Federation of Kenya Employers estimates that the overall unemployment in Kenya is at 12.7%. Among these, the youth form the bulk of the unemployed at 67%.

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Speaking during the Kenya Civil Servants National Delegates Conference held at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, announced the formation of a task force to spearhead the salary harmonisation agenda.

He said the task force comprises key institutions, including the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the Public Service Commission (PSC), and the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development.

“To achieve equity and fairness in the public service, I have set up a task force. The President is working day and night to ensure the welfare of all public servants is well taken care of in terms of salaries, allowances, and working conditions,” said CS Ruku.

Ruku emphasised that fairness in remuneration is not just a moral obligation but a constitutional one. He pointed out the current discrepancies where public servants with similar qualifications and responsibilities earn vastly different salaries depending on their department or agency.

“There is no reason as to why, for instance, an officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and another in a state agency such as KenGen should be paid differently if they hold similar qualifications and responsibilities. The principle of equity must be upheld,” Ruku stated.

Ruku described the Kenya Civil Service as the best on the continent and expressed confidence that, despite existing challenges, ongoing reforms would transform it into an efficient and fully empowered workforce.

“We want to employ the civil service to its capacity and ensure it works optimally,” he said, urging all civil servants to uphold diligence, integrity, and decorum in the execution of their duties.

In addition to salary reforms, the Cabinet Secretary addressed other key welfare issues, notably medical insurance. He confirmed that the government had remitted KSh 4.1 billion to the Social Health Authority two months ago to support the civil servants’ health insurance scheme.

“We want every civil servant to walk into any health facility and receive medical care without frustration. That’s our commitment,” said Ruku, adding that his ministry remains in continuous engagement with the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority to ensure seamless access to healthcare.

Ruku also highlighted the government's commitment to reviewing all existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) to identify gaps and fast-track their implementation in a bid to enhance the welfare of civil servants.

He stressed the importance of personal responsibility and accountability in the public service, noting that improved working conditions must be matched with ethical conduct.

“We must be responsible for our actions and ensure integrity in everything we do. As the government works to improve your welfare, you must also uphold ethical standards,” he said.

The conference brought together delegates from across the country to discuss public service reforms, workers’ welfare, and the future of Kenya’s civil service. The salary harmonisation initiative is expected to be a landmark step in motivating the workforce and ensuring justice in public remuneration.

The project was officially launched at the Embu Talent Academy, where Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Esther Mworia, underscored the program’s goal of tackling youth unemployment, promoting self-reliance, and encouraging a culture of saving.

“Young people must be empowered with both skills and resources to become self-reliant,” said Mworia. “This initiative will help eliminate idleness and joblessness by giving youth the tools to build sustainable livelihoods.”

She emphasized that the government would provide training to ensure proper utilization of the funds allocated to beneficiaries, thereby improving their chances of success and contributing to economic growth.

Despite high national interest in the program, Mworia revealed that not all applicants had completed their registration.

“Out of the 1.4 million applications received, only 1.1 million were finalized. It is critical that applicants complete the process to fully access these life-changing opportunities,” she urged.

Mworia also mentioned that the program has provisions for reaching 10,000 hard-to-reach or vulnerable youth through strategic partnerships with social enterprises, ensuring inclusivity.

Embu County Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo also encouraged local youth to take full advantage of the opportunity, assuring them of county government support in implementing the program.

“As a county, we are committed to collaborating with the national government to ensure NYOTA succeeds,” Mugo said. “Registration is simple and accessible—even a basic phone can be used to sign up.”

He added that successful applicants will receive training in business development and socio-emotional skills, in addition to mentorship to guide them in using the funds wisely.

“This kind of training is essential in ensuring long-term, sustainable impact for our youth,” he noted.

Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi Karemba, who was present at the launch, lauded the NYOTA program, stating that at least 420 youth from his constituency stand to benefit.

“Youth in Embu are talented and full of potential but often lack the capital or opportunities to move forward. This project will give them both the skills and support they need to succeed,” he said.

Targeting young people aged 18–29 (and up to 35 for those living with disabilities), NYOTA focuses on Form Four leavers, unemployed and underemployed youth, low-income earners, and refugees in areas such as Garissa and Turkana.

The initiative is a multi-agency collaboration involving the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), the National Employment Authority, and the World Bank.

Youth have been urged to submit their applications before the deadline on October 12, as the registration window officially opened on October 6.

The  theme was "Unveiling the Rich and Diverse Tourism Treasures of Kitui County".

"As captioned in my manifesto, my administration is committed to refining and marketing a vibrant and sustainable tourism circuit that links Kitui County with both the Coastal region and Mt Kenya region", said Dr Malombe.

With the launch, the county is priding itself both as a national and international centre for economic transform. This will be through creating jobs and sampling indigenous culture on offer.

Some of the iconic natural attractions to consider when traveling to Kitui for leisure are South Kitui National Game Reserve, Mwingi National Game Reserve, Mutomo Hills Plant Sanctuary and Reptile Park, Nzambani Rock, Ngomeni Rock, Kalundu eco park as well as Mutitu and Muumoni Important Bird Areas among other top destinations.

Governor Malombe reiterated his government's commitment in conserving natural attractions for current and future generations.

Kyambi noted that although Kitui County, in collaboration with other organisations, has made significant strides in controlling rabies, the disease continues to pose a major health threat to both humans and animals. He explained that rabies are highly fatal if not treated promptly, stressing the need for nationwide intervention to complement county-level efforts.“Rabies is very expensive to manage and extremely dangerous to our residents. My appeal is to the national government to find long-term measures that can help bring a solution to this crisis. Every year, around 6,000 people in Kenya die or are affected by rabies, and this is not a small number,” Kyambi urged.

According to the Chief Officer, Kitui County has recorded notable progress in reducing rabies cases. Last year, the county registered a decline of about 50 patients compared to previous records years. This drop, he said, was achieved largely through collaborative campaigns that encouraged residents to vaccinate their dogs regularly.

Dogs remain the main carriers and transmitters of rabies to both animals and human beings, making vaccination a critical step in disease control.

Despite these achievements, Kyambi emphasised that county governments can not manage rabies control on their own, as the costs of treatment and prevention programmes are extremely high. He called on the National Government to allocate resources and policies that will enable counties to strengthen their interventions.

The Chief Officer also urged leaders in the construction sector to take responsibility by guiding developers to set up safe and sealed garbage disposal areas in new buildings. He observed that poorly managed dumping sites often attract stray dogs searching for food, creating a fertile ground for the disease to spread.

“Dogs meet in dumping sites to find food, and this makes it easier for rabies to spread from one dog to another and eventually into many homesteads across the county. Properly managed and sealed dumping sites can help control the spread of this disease,” Kyambi stated.

He further noted that rabies is a preventable and manageable disease if communities, counties, and the National Government work hand in hand. He encouraged more investment in public awareness campaigns, dog vaccination drives, and the provision of affordable treatment for patients exposed to rabies.

“Both levels of government must join hands not only to reduce rabies but also to protect farmers and ensure that their livestock are safe. The fight against rabies should be treated as a national priority,” Kyambi said.

The call comes at a time when Kitui County continues to strengthen its collaboration with health and veterinary organisations, civil society groups, and local residents. Authorities hope that with greater support from the National Government, Kenya can make more progress towards reducing rabies infections and deaths, while safeguarding livelihoods across rural and urban areas.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced that the government is prioritizing the retooling of teachers and lecturers with the competencies required for CBE implementation.

Speaking during the 6th Biennial Education Evidence for Action (EE4A) and EDF-Kenya Conference at the University of Embu, Ogamba emphasized the need for universities to adjust their curricula and teaching approaches in line with CBE.

“With senior school transition set for next year, higher learning institutions must equip and graduate teachers prepared to deliver CBE effectively,” Ogamba stated.

The CS stressed that learners completing senior school should leave with employable skills and career pathways that ease entry into the job market. He also revealed that the ministry is embracing a data-led strategy through the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS), designed to track learners from early childhood to tertiary level, enabling informed allocation of resources and policy interventions.

The Embu meeting, convened by Zizi Afrique Foundation, brought together more than 61 universities and key education stakeholders under the theme “Revitalizing Education.” Deliberations focused on teacher training, professional growth, and addressing gaps in research and funding.

Ogamba reassured parents that new classrooms and laboratories have already been set up across the country to host Grade 9 students from next year. He further announced that the government will disburse KSh 17 billion in capitation funds this week to support schools, with KSh 5.9 billion earmarked for end-of-year national examinations.

Additionally, the Treasury has released KSh 9.1 billion to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to aid students in universities and TVETs. The CS reaffirmed the government’s confidence in CBC implementation, noting that the curriculum reform journey—launched nine years ago—will be completed in 2029 when the pioneer cohort finishes the cycle.

“With collective support from educators, parents, and partners, CBC will nurture innovative, skilled, and competent learners,” he affirmed.

Zizi Afrique Foundation Executive Director Dr. John Mugo highlighted the urgency of improving teacher training to match CBC requirements. He urged for increased budgetary support for the National Research Fund to enable robust educational research.

“Teachers remain the greatest asset in any education system. An inspired teacher shapes the destiny of a nation,” Mugo said, adding that the discussions came at the right time as the world marks International Teachers’ Day.

Prof. Siliaka Gitonga of the University of Embu echoed this, noting that with targeted training for teacher educators, Kenya could soon position itself as a leader in global teacher education.

The three-day event also marked the launch of the Global Literacy Paper by the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP), which urged structured pedagogy and enhanced teacher professional development to ensure children acquire foundational literacy and numeracy.

The team was hosted by the University of Embu Vice Chancellor Prof Daniel Mugendi.

During an impromptu visit to the facility, Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi expressed disappointment at the state of affairs, terming the situation “unfortunate and unacceptable.”

Senator Mundigi called on Lands and Planning Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to urgently intervene, warning that prolonged disruption of services at the office could paralyze land transactions and inconvenience many residents.

He noted that land issues are sensitive and time-bound, and delays caused by power outages could spark disputes, stall investments, and affect the county’s economic growth.

Despite the challenges, Mundigi commended the dedication of the staff he found working under difficult conditions, saying their resilience showed their commitment to serving the public.

“The staff here are doing their best despite the darkness, but clearly they cannot continue working effectively without electricity. This issue must be resolved urgently,” he said.

The Senator assured the public that he would escalate the matter to the relevant offices, adding that government facilities offering essential services should never be crippled over unsettled bills. He called for lasting solutions to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

Speaking during a press briefing in Embu town, association chairman Charles Shanyaki acknowledged that the issues raised by the traders were genuine but warned that demonstrations often spiral out of control, attracting goons who loot and destroy property.

Shanyaki reminded residents of previous protests that left a trail of destruction, with businesses losing goods worth millions of shillings. He stressed that the business community will not condone a repeat of such incidents, insisting that peaceful avenues for redress remain open.

The Chairperson also called on security agencies in Embu town to remain vigilant on Monday to safeguard businesses. “We are asking our security apparatus to be proactive and ensure traders and property owners are protected from vandalism,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Robbison Wambeti, who urged young people not to be misled into participating in chaos. He cautioned against being used as pawns by individuals with selfish interests to incite violence under the guise of demonstrations.

“Many of these businesses have been built through years of sacrifice. Destroying them will only worsen the economic hardship that young people are already facing,” Wambeti noted.

Another business leader, Faith Nyaga, expressed deep frustration, saying entrepreneurs have suffered untold losses in past protests. She lamented that demonstrations often end up hurting the very community they claim to be fighting for. “We have lost millions to looting during demos. It is time we put a stop to this cycle,” she said.

The traders who have threatened to take to the streets cite frustrations with some colleagues who conduct business outside designated areas. They argue this practice gives unfair advantage to a few while undermining others operating within lawful zones.

They are demanding that the County Government of Embu to enforce market regulations to create a level playing field for all traders. According to them, streamlining operations would promote fair competition and reduce the tensions currently building among business operators.

As Monday approaches, the business community is urging calm, dialogue, and decisive action by authorities. Their message is clear: grievances can be resolved without destroying the very businesses that keep Embu’s economy alive.

Recently, residents of Kathukini in Mulango Ward, Kitui Central, expressed outrage over the poor state of ongoing road upgrading works in their area. The contractor handling the feeder road left cut trees and stumps unremoved, some of which remain in the middle of the road, posing a danger to locals and their vehicles. This negligence has already led to a tragic motorcycle accident that left a woman severely injured, and there are reports of animals sustaining injuries while using the same road.

The locals claim they were not consulted or informed about the road upgrading works, raising questions about transparency and accountability. "We strongly condemn the area MCA and his leadership for failing to oversee this project responsibly," the residents said. "The negligence displayed not only undermines development but also puts the lives of wananchi at great risk."

The Kitui residents are urging the county government and all stakeholders involved in these projects to take immediate action to rehabilitate these dangerous roads and improve their conditions. They also demand accountability from both the contractor and local leadership.

Buck/Nthenge 

Big-18000-20000

Medium-13000-14000

Small-7000

Big-10000-13000

Medium-6000

Small-5000

Dated:4/9/2025

Akyangai ve nthenge ngwitasywa ngili miongo ili ya kilo thati./I sold my 30kg goat for KSh 20000.

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