Wamatangi wins global excellence award in Paris

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi won the Governor’s Excellence Award in Paris, France, on Tuesday, competing against candidates from Kenya, Egypt and Nigeria.

Wamatangi received the prestigious People’s Choice Governors’ Excellence Award at an event organised by the Europe-Anglo Africa International Business Council in partnership with Africa International Chambers SouqNexus.

The award was received on behalf of the Kenyan Mission by Ambassador Jane Lusenaka, the newly appointed Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Kenya in Paris.

Wamatangi was recognised for his role in agricultural transformation through the distribution of maize seeds and fertiliser to over 500,000 farmers and provision of improved kienyeji chicks to more than 100,000 women and piglets to 10,000 youth.

His efforts in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), which have seen the construction of 312 new centres and a county-wide school feeding programme, were also highlighted.

Other governors honoured at the event included Jeremiah Lomorukai (Turkana), Fernandez Barasa (Kakamega), Nadhif Jama (Garissa) and Mohammed Adan Khalif (Mandera), who were recognised for their contributions in governance, economic transformation, infrastructure and leadership.

Wamatangi’s recognition came as a result of development initiatives rolled out in the county since 2022, covering agriculture, education, healthcare, energy and revenue management.

Among the initiatives cited was the overhaul of early childhood education. Kiambu has built 312 new ECDE centres, replacing dilapidated facilities and standardising the quality of early learning. Each centre has modern classrooms, offices, ablution blocks and play areas.

“Research consistently underscores the importance of early childhood education, revealing that a positive first impression of school significantly influences a child’s lifelong attitude toward learning.

Recognising this, we prioritised the modernisation of ECDE centres, ensuring that the youngest learners begin their educational journey in an environment that is both nurturing and stimulating,” he said.

County Education CECM, Dr Mercy Njagi, noted that the facilities have eased access for rural learners.

Wamatangi has also reformed healthcare in Kiambu, Juja and Karuri Level Four hospitals are nearing completion, while stalled projects in Lari, Thogoto, Bibirioni and Wangige are being revived.

The county is building 26 new Level Three hospitals, while two Level Two facilities have been upgraded.

Street lighting

County Chief Officer for Health, Dr Patrick Nyagah, said the facilities are being equipped with modern technology.

On infrastructure, the Angaza Kiambu programme has rolled out more than 12,000 solar-powered streetlights.

County Chief Officer for Public Works and Utilities, Eng Virginia Kahonge, said this move is expected to save the county over Sh260 million in electricity bills and Sh50 million in maintenance costs.

Agriculture, described as the county’s backbone, has seen more than 500,000 farmers receive maize seeds, fertiliser, and fruit seedlings. Farmers in food-insecure areas such as Ndeiya, Ngoliba, and Gatuanyaga are now reporting improved harvests.

Mary Wanjiku, a farmer from Thigio village in Ndeiya, said: “Previously, I struggled to afford quality maize seeds and never used fertiliser, so my yields were very poor. Today, thanks to the support, my farm is more productive, and I can feed my family without buying extra maize.”

County Chief Officer for Agriculture, John Ngige, said over 100,000 women have received improved kienyeji chicks, while men have benefited from piglets.