Nairobi: The Tharaka Nithi County Government has unveiled a multisectoral development programme for Kaanwa Trading Centre in Mariani Ward, featuring road infrastructure, a modern market, improved healthcare, and coffee revitalization to spur economic growth and improve livelihoods. Governor Muthomi Njuki announced the projects while launching the Kaanwa market roads paving project, saying the investments are part of the county’s broader strategy to modernise trading centres and improve access to essential services.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county government will pave roads within Kaanwa market to enhance accessibility and mobility. The trading centre falls under Kathwana Municipality and will benefit from the municipality’s development initiatives. Governor Njuki emphasised that good town infrastructure, especially roads and markets, is a key driver of economic growth and would restore the dignity of traders.
Njuki further announced that the county government will construct staircases for all shops in the market to improve accessibility, safety, and the general outlook of the trading centre. The Governor also revealed that rehabilitation of the Mitheru-Kaanwa road is underway to enhance connectivity, ease transportation, and facilitate the movement of goods and services.
In the health sector, Njuki stated that the Kaanwa Maternity Facility will soon be opened, bringing maternal healthcare services closer to residents. On agriculture, the Governor urged farmers in Mariani Ward to embrace coffee farming, noting research had confirmed that the crop can perform well in the area.
He mentioned that the county government will allocate funds in its budget for the construction of a coffee factory in Mariani Ward to support value addition and improve farmers’ earnings. This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen coffee production and revive the sub-sector. Njuki expressed the aspiration for Mariani to become the leading coffee-producing ward in Tharaka Nithi County, highlighting ongoing investments in the sector to unlock its full potential.
