The County Government of Nyeri’s leadership has been lauded for its exemplary performance, which is notable from the numerous streaks of wins in the last three years.

Both local and national government leaders have commended the Nyeri County under the stewardship of H.E Governor Mutahi Kahiga has continuously bagged commendable victories in a show of dedication and devotion, a move that has seen the governor being commended several times by a number of leaders for his stellar performance.

Governor Kahiga has been lauded for overseeing the successful implementation of national government projects including the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), in which the county was selected to pilot together with Isiolo, Machakos and Kisumu.

Speaking during the launch of Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital, H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta lauded the governor for fostering harmonious partnerships and his continued support to the Othaya Level IV Hospital-Kenyatta Annex which resulted in creation of impeccable quality health standards for the citizenry.

“I wish to thank the governor of Nyeri for seeing it fit to encourage this partnership and further urge other governors to emulate him in such partnerships between our two governments which will be of tremendous value to the local wananchi,” noted the Head of State.

Universal Health Coverage forms one of the National Government’s Big Four Agenda, with the aspiration being that all Kenyans are able to access essential quality health services without suffering financial hardship hence leaving no one behind. The Ministry of Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Rashid Aman (inset) also commended the Governor Kahiga led administration pointing out the remarkable work being done in the health department particularly the implementation of the same.

“I want to appreciate the Nyeri County leadership for the support they have offered through their Health Department for the implementation of the UHC programme which is now complete,” he added.

Further, the Ministry of Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa (inset) applauded the Nyeri County leadership, which has proved that indeed devolution is working. 

In line with this, Nyeri County has been recognized as among the best run devolved units by the World Bank, having tied at position one in the last financial year 2019/2020 together with Makueni, Nyandarua and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties from position two in the financial year 2018/2019. Nyeri’s rise is due to having accomplished set parameters in five key areas; Public Financial Management, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Human Resource and Performance Management, Civic Education and Public Participation and Environmental and Social performance. The county has been further awarded a tranche of money through the Kenya Devolution Support Programme (KDSP) which seeks to support capacity building and institutional strengthening. The Governor Kahiga led administration is using the funds to construct a Level 4 facility in Naromoru, Kieni East.

On the other hand, Kakamega Senator Dr.Boni Khalwale (inset), described Governor Kahiga as a humble servant adding that this is among the reasons why things are seamlessly working in Nyeri County.

“If governors think that there’s nothing they can do for the people, let them learn from the governor of Nyeri. He is a humble Kenyan and a servant of the people and things are getting done in his county,” Khalwale added.

Dagoretti South MP (below) who also doubles up as WSPU Kenya Chapter President Hon. John Kiarie lauded the Governor Kahiga government noting it is not only a working government but also a performing one. He noted that it is because of this exemplary leadership that Nyeri County is attracting such partnerships from state and non state stakeholders. 

Hon. Kiarie also acknowledged the cordial working relationship between the governor and his staff urging them not to take this for granted stating that the cordial working relationship is evident in the way programmes and initiatives are implemented. Hon. Kiarie was speaking during the signing of MoU between the County Government of Nyeri and World Scouts Parliamentary Union last week.

A number of programmes in which the county government is leading include:

• Has been ranked position one in the implementation of the Kenya Climate Smart Agricultural Program (KCSAP) which aims at increasing agricultural productivity and building resilience to climate change, reduce/remove greenhouse gases and enhance achievement of national food and nutrition security as part of the Big Four agenda.
• The county has been awarded Kshs. 236 Million by the Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP) which it has used to construct a state-of-the-art Modern Bus Termini in Nyeri town.
• The Department of County Public Service Management has been awarded by the County Pension Fund as the best county in timely payment of employee pension and member affiliation.
• The county has been selected among the pilot counties for the coffee revitalization program which will be undertaken through the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Project funded by the World Bank with an aim of reforming the coffee sector.
• The county’s Finance team has been recognized by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) as being in Position one in adherence to procurement laws and regulations with a 75% success. The Finance department also put Nyeri on a pedestal for being among only 12 counties that were hailed by Treasury CS Ukur Yatani for clearing its pending bills.

The cordial working relationship is also evident seeing that the County Executive in partnership with the County Assembly assented to the Nyeri County Flag and Other Symbols Bill, 2020. In the spirit of institutionalizing devolution, Nyeri County now has a county flag, a coat of arms and a seal.

On these strengths, the County Government of Nyeri led by H.E Governor Mutahi Kahiga is committed to keep scaling the heights and endeavoring to do right by Wanjiku. 

One on one with Nyeri plant operator, Margaret Muthoni

Muthoni has always loved to be unique and since white collar jobs are scarce, she decided to join the machinery jobs, and for seven years now she has embraced everything that comes with the job.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a plant operator in your unit?

The main responsibilities include: managing all operations according to required safety measures, maintaining records of everyday readings for all compressors and processing equipment and ensuring optimal level of production. In addition, a plant operator collaborates with the supervisors for all activities as well as trains the attaches.

When you talk of plant operators, what does it entail? Which areas do you operate from?

A plant operator is anyone who can supervise the operation of a machine. As a plant operator, you operate different types of machinery and equipment from a control room. You might specialize in a specific type of machinery and work on one part of the process. You do not have to be stationary at one place but with the earth moving machine you operate it can be in areas of regular and irregular surfaces.

What kind of machinery do you operate?

The machinery that I operate include; an excavator, road roller, wheel loader and a backhoe.

For how long have you been in the service and what mentored you to join the roads machinery job?

I have always loved to be unique and since white collar jobs are scarce, I decided to join the machinery jobs. I have been at it for seven years now and I have loved every bit of it. Some time back I happened to see a woman operating the heavy machinery in a field that was dominated by men and that inspired me to become a plant operator.

What is your experience working in a male dominated area? What challenges do you face?

I’ve never thought of this as a man’s job or a woman’s job, so I have embraced everything that comes with the job. The main challenge I face is when some people question my competence because of my gender, but that does not hinder me from doing my work diligently.

Tell us about the famous work you did that you will never forget.

A memory that will forever be etched on my mind is when our roller wheel got a puncture and I had to fix it all by myself. It was quite a challenge, but I managed.

How do you balance between your family and work?

I came to the realization that this job is like any other so I manage my time properly. I have created ample time for my family as well as purpose to remain productive at work. I am passionate about my vocation which makes things easier. 

What efforts has the County Government of Nyeri done to improve your working conditions? 

The County Government of Nyeri has fully covered my family and myself with an insurance cover as well as ensured the working conditions are conducive. Further, there is freedom of speech and by this I feel I can speak up any time if I want to see some changes.

What advice would you give to your fellow youth who are jobless or staying idle at home waiting for white collar jobs?

My advice to my fellow youth would be that ‘kazi ni kazi’. Opportunities are out there and should not solely focus on getting white collar jobs. Also, to young women out there, you can break the stereotype that women cannot work in male dominated fields. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, seek the support you need, and, most of all, rise to the challenge to be the best you can be.