Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe on Tuesday presented a detailed update on major infrastructure gains in urban development, roads, and transport during his State of the County Address at the County Assembly Chambers.
The Governor reported that since assuming office nearly three years ago, his administration has rolled out 1,921 development projects, with 989 under the Community Level Infrastructure Development Programme (CLIDP), aimed at transforming livelihoods in all 40 wards and 247 villages.
Urban Transformation Through Strategic Investments
Governor Malombe emphasized that urban centres are critical engines of economic growth and innovation. In response, the county launched the Dustless Towns Programme, beginning with street tarmacking in Kiusyani Market (Yatta/Kwa Vonza Ward) and plans to extend it to Tseikuru Town and other key trading hubs.
The county has also constructed cabro-paved walkways in Kitui and Mwingi municipalities, and tarmacked the 500-metre St. Ursula Tungutu–Ithookwe Showground Road, including walkways and drainage.
To improve sanitation, 13 public ablution blocks are under construction in towns such as Katse, Nuu, Mutito, Mutha, and Kwa Vonza. Additionally, solid waste management has been strengthened through procurement of 21 skip bins, a skip loader, a dump truck, and the construction of a perimeter wall at the Mwingi dumpsite.
The Governor announced the completion of the Mwingi Municipality Integrated Development Plan (IDEP) and the development of land use plans for Kanyangi, Kabati, Zombe, and Migwani, alongside 16 market layouts to protect public land and guide growth. Funding has also been allocated in the 2025/2026 budget to kickstart the county’s first County Spatial Plan.
Road Network Expansion and Legal Breakthrough
To improve connectivity, the county has graded over 4,000 kilometres of roads, opened and widened 500 kilometres, and gravelled key routes including Tseikuru–Nzanzeni–Usueni Road (12.3km) and Kwa Mbuvi–Muangeni Road (2km).
Key drift constructions include the 150m River Katse Drift in Mumoni, 140m Kithyoko River Drift in Kyome/Thaana, and 70m Ngunga River Drift in Mutomo/Kibwea. Additionally, 11 road slabs and the 600m Kitui–Ithookwe Showgrounds exit road were completed to bitumen standards.
Delayed due to a court case over the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), Governor Malombe confirmed that Kshs. 152 million has now been released, allowing Phase I of the planned 45 road upgrades to begin. Projects include upgrades in Kanyangi, Tseikuru, Voo/Kyamatu, Kanziku, and Miambani Wards.
Support for Boda Boda Sector
Recognizing the contribution of over 22,000 boda boda operators, the county has constructed 42 modern sheds across towns like Kwa Vonza, Mutomo, and Kitui Municipality, and trained 1,140 riders on road safety and professionalism.
A draft Boda Boda Policy aimed at regulating and empowering the sector is in the final stages of Cabinet review before submission to the County Assembly.
Governor Malombe reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and urban planning to unlock inclusive growth and promote economic resilience across Kitui County.
Written By Rodney Mbua
