Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development by unveiling an extensive range of empowerment initiatives for women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) during his State of the County Address delivered on July 8 at the County Assembly Chambers.
In a speech centered on equity and opportunity, Governor Malombe highlighted the implementation of 1,921 infrastructure projects across the county over the past two years and ten months, with 989 projects executed under the Community Level Infrastructure Development Programme (CLIDP).
Youth Empowerment and Sports
To boost youth development and promote talent, the county has upgraded 21 playgrounds in various wards, benefiting over 20,000 athletes, and launched the development of Kivou and Kyoani stadia, now undergoing fencing and preparatory works.
The county also hosted the Kitui County Youth Engagement Forum in November 2024, bringing together 1,302 youth from all 247 villages for dialogue and entrepreneurial inspiration. Additionally, the county has developed the Kitui County Youth Empowerment and Development Policy 2025, which will be tabled in the County Assembly this week to mainstream youth issues across all sectors.
Economic Inclusion and AGPO Progress
Dr. Malombe reported significant progress in ensuring economic inclusion under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) framework. In FY 2024/2025, over Kshs.404 million, or 55.7% of CLIDP contracts, were awarded to AGPO-eligible groups, with women securing the largest share at Kshs.207.8 million, followed by youth (Kshs.167.8 million) and PWDs (Kshs.29.3 million). To enhance participation, the county has trained 2,000 youth, 1,000 women, and 600 PWDs on procurement procedures.
Empowering PWDs and Combating GBV
The governor announced major strides in supporting PWDs, including the distribution of 1,000 assistive devices and 600 wheelchairs through a partnership with the Walkabout Foundation. Additionally, eight PWD groups, one in each sub-county, received tents and chairs to boost group activities.
To address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the county acquired land in Ikutha for a GBV Rescue Centre, where an administration block, sanitation facilities, and fencing have already been completed.
A Call for Courage and Inclusion
Governor Malombe emphasized that inclusive development is not a privilege but a right. “We believe in leaving no one behind,” he said. “The youth of Kitui are not a problem to be solved, but the solution.”
Quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, he urged young people to “go where there is no path and leave a trail,” calling on them to lead Kitui’s transformation through innovation, ambition, and unity.
The address concluded with a pledge to deepen empowerment and equity across the county, cementing Kitui’s reputation as a model of people-centered governance.
Written By Rodney Mbua
