Kitui Governor Dr. Julius M. Malombe delivered his annual State of the County Address on Tuesday at the Kitui County Assembly Chambers, outlining the county’s major development milestones and strategic focus areas nearly three years into his administration.
Speaking before the Speaker of the County Assembly, Members of County Assembly (MCAs), and distinguished guests, Governor Malombe reported significant achievements across key sectors, anchored in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023–2027 and his 16-sector manifesto, “The Kitui Promise.”
“In just two years and ten months since assuming office on August 25, 2022, we have made substantive and transformative strides in advancing Kitui’s development agenda,” he stated.
Massive Infrastructure Rollout Across 40 Wards
A highlight of his address was the successful implementation of 1,921 development projects across Kitui’s 40 wards and 247 villages. Of these, 989 were undertaken under the Community Level Infrastructure Development Programme (CLIDP), a legacy initiative championed during his first term as governor. The programme aims to promote equitable development and poverty alleviation at the grassroots level.
“These life-changing projects span across all our 16 priority sectors,” Governor Malombe noted, referencing agriculture, water, health, education, road infrastructure, urban development, trade, and the empowerment of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, among others.
Strategic Policy and Governance Initiatives
Beyond physical development, the Governor highlighted progress in governance and institutional reforms, including enhanced budget performance, increased own-source revenue collection, settlement of pending bills, and improvements in county staff welfare and legal services.
He also emphasized strides made in deepening citizen participation and transparency, in line with constitutional mandates and provisions of the County Governments Act.
Future Outlook and Challenges
While acknowledging the challenges encountered in project execution, Governor Malombe assured residents that mitigation measures were underway. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering on its mandate, promising sustained investment in health, education, infrastructure, and climate-smart development.
In conclusion, the Governor urged continued collaboration with the National Government, development partners, and the people of Kitui to realize a prosperous and resilient county.
“Our mission remains clear, to transform Kitui into a county of opportunity, dignity, and shared prosperity,” he said.
Written By Rodney Mbua
