Mwea: State House Head of Special Programs and Creative Economy Coordination Dennis Itumbi has challenged Kirinyaga residents to take a more active role in shaping the county’s development priorities through a new initiative dubbed ‘The Kirinyaga We Want.’
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative aims to bring together farmers, youth, women, professionals, clergy, boda boda operators, and other residents to identify the challenges facing the county and develop practical solutions that can guide its development in the coming years. Itumbi emphasized the need for a clear development agenda built around the needs of Kirinyaga’s people rather than relying on external political agendas.
Itumbi announced that the initiative will involve public engagements across the county, where residents will express their views on critical issues such as agriculture, roads, employment, education, healthcare, and water. Professionals and experts will be engaged to analyze the issues raised by residents and turn them into practical and measurable proposals.
Agriculture is expected to be a focal point of the proposed blueprint, with Itumbi urging Kirinyaga to maximize its agricultural potential to improve household incomes and create more opportunities for young people. He highlighted rice farming in Mwea as a significant opportunity, suggesting the county aspire to become a major rice-producing hub in Africa.
The initiative will also examine the condition of roads and other infrastructure, recognizing the need for investment that reflects Kirinyaga’s growing population and economic activities. Itumbi called for greater utilization of Kirinyaga’s human capital, emphasizing the contributions of highly qualified professionals at both the county and national levels.
Residents will be encouraged to identify successful projects, stalled initiatives, and areas requiring more investment. The information will be compiled into a development blueprint that residents can use to engage leaders and demand accountability. Itumbi believes this will transform the relationship between residents and political leaders, shifting the focus from campaign promises to voter-driven development priorities.
Itumbi clarified that the initiative does not advocate for Kirinyaga to isolate itself from other counties or the national agenda but rather to engage from a position of understanding its own priorities. He maintained that the initiative should focus on the needs of Kirinyaga residents, despite ongoing debates over the political direction of the wider Mt. Kenya region.
The initiative aims to create a platform for residents to discuss improving agricultural productivity, expanding employment opportunities, strengthening public services, improving infrastructure, and capitalizing on the county’s economic potential. The ultimate goal is to develop a long-term vision for Kirinyaga’s development that remains consistent regardless of political leadership changes.
Itumbi urged residents to actively participate in the planned public sittings and contribute ideas for the final document. The blueprint, once developed, will provide a common set of priorities for leaders seeking to represent Kirinyaga, emphasizing development, accountability, and the aspirations of residents at the center of the county’s future.
