On 10th May 2025 –Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe issued a comprehensive communiqué outlining major achievements, persistent gaps, and strategic plans under his administration’s flagship development blueprint – The Kitui Promise – at the conclusion of a seven-day County Executive Working forum held at PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa.
Themed “Mid-Term Review of the Kitui Promise: Implementation Progress, Plans & Strategies for Addressing the Gaps”, the retreat brought together senior county officials for intense reflection, stocktaking, and forward planning aimed at refining service delivery and development outcomes across the county.
1,669 Projects Worth Over KSh 9.6 Billion Delivered
In a statement to the people of Kitui, Governor Malombe reported that his administration had implemented 1,669 projects worth KSh 9.64 billion since August 2022. Notably, the Community Level Infrastructure Development Programme (CLIDP), a hallmark of inclusive development, had completed 676 projects across all 40 wards and 247 villages at a cost of over KSh 1 billion.
Sectoral Highlights: Gains and Strategic Focus
Agriculture:
Over 527,000 farmers have been trained – exceeding targets – while youth participation has increased with over 51,000 young agripreneurs engaged. However, low livestock vaccination rates and staffing gaps persist. The County plans to recruit 128 new extension and veterinary officers and operationalize cold-chain storage facilities at the Kitui County Aggregation and Industrial Park.
Water:
Describing the issue as one of “accessibility, not scarcity,” the Governor highlighted the completion of 18 sumpwell schemes and over 115 solar-powered boreholes now serving 150,000 people. More than 250 sand dams have been constructed, and 31 irrigation schemes launched. To improve water access, the county will scale sumpwells to ward level and enhance watershed protection.
Health:
Governor Malombe reported improved services at Kitui and Mwingi hospitals, including new ICU, HDU, and specialized units, alongside a staff of 1,850 health workers. However, key hospitals still lack MRI and CT-Scan machines, and staffing remains below half. The County will now partner with national agencies for equipment acquisition and recruit an additional 226 health workers while automating health services through AfyaKE HMIS.
Education:
The Governor announced the conversion of 1,688 ECDE teachers to permanent terms and over KSh 244 million disbursed to support 31,573 needy students. Vocational training enrolment has tripled since 2013. Plans ahead include further ECDE infrastructure rollout, expanded staffing for Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), and modernisation of training facilities.
Looking Ahead
Governor Malombe emphasized that the retreat was not merely a ceremonial gathering but a strategic pivot point to “Reflect, Refocus, Refine, Rebrand and Communicate” – the guiding mantra of the week-long forum.
“We are not just counting projects; we are changing lives,” he declared, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and accountable governance as it enters the second half of its term.
