AID FROM WITHIN AND ABROAD

Embu County Government, Kenya Red Cross donates Ksh750,000 worth of food and non food items

More than a hundred residents of Kithesu village in Makima Ward, Mbeere South Sub County breathed a sigh of relief after receiving donations from Embu County government. 

In partnership with the Kenya Red Cross, Embu County government provided 49 households recently affected by flooding of Tana river and Masinga dam, with nonfood items worth over seven hundred and fifty thousand Kenya shillings.

The 195 residents from 49 households received essential items to enable them establish temporary stay-ins away from the affected areas.

Each household benefitted from a tent, a kitchen set, sleeping mats, 2 blankets, 2 mosquito nets, 2 bar soaps and a 20 litre jelly can for storing clean drinking water and sufficient water treatment solutions to last them several weeks.

"A complete set of the goodies cost over Sh15,000 each," said Gitonga Mugambi, Eastern Regional director for Kenya Red Cross 

Speaking at the event, Embu County director for Disaster Management, Joe Njoka called on the residents to continue observing government directives so as to combat the spread of Corona virus. 

"Governor Wambora and his administration is committed to the welfare of his people, no matter the challenges we face", said Njoka.

FOCUS ON MBEERE

The Project Record that Silences the Naysayers 

Rwika market road tarmac 

The claim that Governor Cecily Mbarire has not taken much development to Mbeere North and South may make good political noise, but the development record tells a very different story.

Andu a Kiome Earth Dam

Since 2023, Governor Mbarire has turned Mbeere's long-standing challenges — water scarcity, poor connectivity, unreliable agriculture and inadequate services — into a deliberate development agenda.

The County project register records 196 projects across Mwea, Mavuria, Mbeti South, Makima, Kiambere, Nthawa, Muminji and Evurore, with 173 completed and 23 ongoing.

Water has received particular attention. Projects include the Ena-Siakago-Muminji Water Project; Kavairi and Kirithiga EWASCO lines; Ngiiri Storage Tank; Micegethiu Borehole; Cieria EWASCO Line; Karambari Earth Dam; Andu-a-Kiome Earth Dam; Gachuriri Water Project; Mbondoni-Kithecu-Mwanyani pipeline augmentation; Gitaraka Water Project; 

Makima Dispensary Water Extension; Ciaganduku Dam; Karii Water Point; Kanduku Borehole solarisation; Gituuri Borehole solarisation; and the Gitaru-Mutuobare-Karura water line.

DP Kithure Kindiki walks in Mbeere

On roads, the administration has delivered or pursued Munyaka Road, Kiritiri Drift, Upper Ngarira Drift, Kiangeni-Musingini-Makima drifts and culverts, Kathi-Mugwe Road, Kiamuringa-Kianguri Road, Rwika-Kanzivu Road, Munyori-Kamwimbi Road, Mayors Palace-Rwika Road, Rwika-Barnabas Road, Kwa Mwafrika Road, Gachoka and Meka market roads, Mutwandu-Kamwimbi Road, Rupingazi South-Ngariama Footbridge, Mang'ote Drift, Itiira-Karimari Road, Thura-Micegethiu Drift, Kiogora Drifts, Gititu-Kanyueri Road and Mbaraga Road.

Past photo of Rupingazi-Weru
irrigation expansion Phase 1

Agriculture is being transformed through Kanyuambora Irrigation and the Rupingazi-Weru irrigation expansion, while health investment includes upgrading Gategi Health Centre from Level 3 to Level 4.

Kanothi ECDE Centre 

Add Cianthia electrification, clean-cooking programmes, ECDE classrooms at Kiaririri, Makima and Kianganga, Siakago Bus Park, Siakago Miraa Market and Muraru Miraa Market, and the picture becomes unmistakable.

Gategi Health Centre maternity wing

Governor Cecily Mbarire has not merely been responding to Mbeere's problems. She has turned those problems into a development agenda. As the naysayers continue talking, the projects are already speaking louder.

TANGIBLE DEVELOPMENT

Governor Mbarire's Road to Transformation 

Rukuriri-Kathageri Road

From Rukuriri to Kathageri, the tarmac is already in use. Now the transformation is pushing further, with the Kathageri–Kigumo–Kanyuambora road taking shape before the eyes of residents.

President Ruto flags off the project

For Governor Cecily Mbarire, this is more than another infrastructure project—it is a visible link between development ambition and the daily lives of Embu families. 

The road at Kathageri market 

The completed Rukuriri–Kathageri stretch has already improved movement. Its extension through Kigumo to Kanyuambora promises to multiply those gains, opening a smoother gateway for farmers to take their produce to market, traders to reach more customers and businesses to expand.

K-K road commences

For residents of the villages along the corridor, better roads mean easier journeys to schools, health facilities, markets and administrative centres. Transporting milk, coffee, bananas, macadamia and other farm produce shall surely become easier and more efficient. And the possibilities ahead are even greater: new businesses, increased investment, rising commercial activity and employment opportunities.

Work in progress 

Mbarire’s leadership is increasingly being measured not only in speeches, but in projects taking physical shape across the county. As the rollers press the new tarmac into place, the Kathageri–Kigumo–Kanyuambora road is becoming a lasting symbol of a governor determined to connect communities, unlock opportunity and put development within reach of ordinary residents.

HEALTH FIRST

 Real Solutions... 

...to real problems.

TURNING HONEY INTO MONEY

From Promise to Paycheck: Newsite Honey Processor Set to Sweeten Incomes

Chief Officers Pitts (left) and Macharia
witness the delivery. PHOTOS| Media Team 

A promise made during Embu County’s CIDP public participation forums is now taking shape in Newsite, where residents are set to receive a major boost to their beekeeping enterprise following delivery of a honey processing facility.

Governor Cecily Mbarire’s administration says the equipment responds directly to a community priority identified during the engagements, with installation expected to begin shortly.

The honey processor 

Beyond processing honey, the facility could fundamentally change how local beekeepers earn from their hives. Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture estimates that improved hives can produce up to 60kg of honey per year, compared with about 5kg from traditional hives.

The processor will allow farmers to extract, filter and package honey locally, potentially reducing post-harvest losses and enabling them to sell a higher-value, finished product rather than raw honey. It can also unlock income from beeswax and other hive products.

The scale of the opportunity is significant. A comparable government-supported honey-processing group increased its annual refined honey from 1 tonne to 3 tonnes, while generating about KSh655,000 in annual profit and creating seasonal employment for six people.

The type of beehives kept at Newsite 

If Newsite eventually achieves a similar 3-tonne annual throughput, the facility could support a honey enterprise worth hundreds of thousands of shillings annually—while creating a ready market for beekeepers beyond the village.

For Newsite, therefore, the processor is more than machinery. It is a bridge from harvesting honey to harvesting value.

EMBU CULTURE

Embu’s Big Cultural Date: Leave Your Sofa, Bring Your Appetite!

This Friday, Nembure Stadium is the place to be as Embu rolls out the cultural red carpet for Embu County Cultural Day 2026.

And please, don’t come expecting a quiet afternoon! Come prepared for songs that may move your feet, dances that may expose your hidden talent, traditional foods that could have you asking for “just one more serving,” and stories that remind us where we came from.

After months of preparation by the Department of Gender and Culture and its stakeholders’ committee, the celebration is finally here.

From traditional foods and crafts to folk tales, music, dance, traditional practices and the lifestyle of our people, there will be plenty to see, taste, learn and celebrate.

Whether you speak Kiembu fluently or only know “Twì Ayembu” and “Twì andù amwe,” you are welcome!

Friday, 14 August. Nembure Stadium.

All roads lead to Nembure. Bring family, friends, curiosity—and a hearty appetite!

Our culture. Our pride. Our future.

CULTURAL HERITAGE

 EMBU CULTURAL DAY | 14TH AUGUST 2026

Our Culture, Our Identity, Our Pride.

On Friday 14th August, Embu comes alive to celebrate the richness of our heritage and traditions.

Come Experience the rich diversity of Embu County through culture, crafts, food, folk tales, music, dance, and innovation and the timeless spirit of our people.

Gender & Culture Chief Officer Luceta Gaceri in a gig with the performers during preparations for the big day PHOTO|Ken Nyaga

Twì Ayembu. Twì andù amwe. Culture is our heritage, our pride and our future.

DIGITAL LITERACY

 467 Embu Youth Graduate as Governor Mbarire Champions Digital Future

Graduands with the Governor 
and other leaders 

Governor Cecily Mbarire has reaffirmed her administration's commitment to positioning Embu's young people at the heart of the county's digital transformation after 467 youth graduated from the Youth Digital Skills, Innovation and Creative Technologies Training Programme.

Graduands' parade PHOTO|GPS

The graduates, drawn from across the county, were trained through the Department of Youth Empowerment in partnership with Achievers College of Professionals, acquiring practical skills in digital literacy, cybersecurity, digital entrepreneurship, content creation, e-commerce, remote work and emerging technologies.

Speaking during the colourful graduation ceremony, Governor Mbarire said her administration is deliberately investing in skills that connect young people to real opportunities in Kenya's rapidly expanding digital economy.

The moment PHOTO|J. Mutuanga

"We are not simply training young people to look for jobs; we are equipping them with the skills, confidence and tools to create opportunities for themselves and others," she said.

The programme forms part of the County Government's wider youth empowerment agenda, positioning skills development, innovation and technology as key pillars of Embu's socio-economic transformation and prosperity.

ROADS

𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞t𝐞𝐯𝐞 - 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝

Embu County Deputy Governor H.E. Justus Kinywa Mugo, on behalf of H.E. Governor Cecily Mbarire, on 22 July presided over the official launch of the tarmacking of the Roseteve - Billionaire Road, reaffirming the county's commitment to improving road infrastructure.

The event was attended by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Roads, Francis Ndwigah, and the Chief Officer for Roads, who led the department's technical team overseeing the implementation of the project to ensure quality workmanship. 

Once completed, the tarmacked road is expected to enhance the movement of people, goods and services, stimulate business growth, and significantly reduce dust, improving the living and working environment for residents and traders.

Speaking during the launch, Deputy Governor Mugo said the county government remains committed to expanding its road infrastructure programme through the tarmacking of more roads across Embu, with the aim of boosting economic development and improving connectivity for residents.

NURTURING THE FUTURE

'Torchlight Dreamers' Ignite Young Talent in Embu Cultural Showcase

Embu County came alive on April 25, 2026, as the County Government, under Governor Cecily Mbarire, hosted the vibrant Torchlight Dreamers Showcase, celebrating children’s creativity and promoting a strong reading culture.

The event featured a screening of Torchlight Dreamers alongside captivating performances of the award-winning dances Little Feet Big Fight and My Cat My Friend by Embu County primary school pupils who recently shone at the national stage.

Education Chief Officer Peter Njagi Hudson lauded the initiative, noting its role in nurturing talent and strengthening libraries as safe, educational community hubs. Library staff played a central role in coordinating activities that encouraged children to register as members and embrace reading.

Organised in partnership with Embu Buzz Theatre, the event brought together parents, educators, and multiple county departments, reinforcing collaboration across education, culture, and youth development.

Stakeholders pledged to sustain the programme annually, positioning it as a key platform for empowering young creatives and fostering holistic child development in Embu County.

EDUCATIONAL PROMOTION

Embu Governor Elevates Education Sector with Promotion of Teachers and Trainers

A vibrant ceremony at Embu Stadium marked a significant milestone in the transformation of education in Embu County, as Governor Cecily Mbarire presided over the promotion of more than 560 ECDE teachers and Vocational Training Centre (VTC) instructors.

The colourful event underscored the county administration’s steadfast commitment to strengthening the education sector through strategic investment in early childhood development and vocational training. Governor Mbarire reaffirmed that a strong educational foundation is key to nurturing well-rounded individuals and securing future success for learners.

She highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance access, equity, and quality in education, noting that empowering educators remains central to achieving these goals. The promotions, she said, are part of a broader agenda to motivate the workforce, support career progression, and boost service delivery.

The initiative is expected to invigorate the education sector by fostering professionalism, enhancing skills development, and advancing the county’s vision of self-reliance and job creation.

TOWN CLEAN-UP

Embu County Steps Up CBD Clean-Up Amid Heavy Rains

Residents of Embu Town have witnessed a renewed commitment to cleanliness and public health after a major clean-up exercise was conducted across the Central Business District. The initiative, undertaken by the Municipality of Embu and spearheaded by the Department of Lands, Mining, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development under the leadership of Raymond Kinyua, saw teams take to the streets to clear waste and unclog blocked drainage systems.

The exercise, led by CECm Kinyua alongside Municipal Manager Catherine Nyaga and supported by the Municipal Board and officers from Environment and Public Health, comes at a critical time when heavy rains have threatened sanitation and mobility within the town.

This proactive intervention reflects the broader vision of Cecily Mbarire, whose administration continues to prioritise a clean and healthy environment. By tackling drainage challenges head-on, the county is safeguarding residents from flooding and disease.

Indeed, Embu is living up to the timeless adage that 'Cleanliness is second to Godliness'.

READING CULTURE

Embu Revives Reading Culture with Mobile Library Comeback

Embu County has ignited a fresh wave of intellectual growth following the grand resumption of its mobile library services, a flagship initiative under the Department of Education. Embu Governor, Her Excellency Hon. Cecily Mbarire has had the department repositioned as a champion of knowledge access; rolling out monthly book distributions to schools and tertiary institutions across the county.

Speaking while sending out the mobile library bus, Chief Officer Peter Njagi Hudson hailed the programme as a transformative step toward nurturing a vibrant reading culture among learners. He affirmed the county’s commitment to bridging resource gaps and inspiring academic excellence.

Institutions already benefiting include Hunter College of Health Sciences, Fidenza School of Nursing, Kangaru School, and several primary schools, with more set to be reached in the ongoing exercise.

The colourful relaunch signals a renewed dedication to education empowerment, ensuring that books—and the opportunities they unlock—reach every corner of Embu, fostering a generation that is informed, inspired, and ready to shape the future.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Embu Steps Up War on Waste with Strategic 2032 Plan

Embu County has intensified efforts to tackle solid waste challenges, with the County Executive Committee member (CECm) for Lands, Mining, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, Raymond Kinyua, leading the charge on behalf of Governor Cecily Mbarire.

Speaking during the official opening of a three-day training workshop, Waziri Raymond highlighted the county’s commitment to sustainable waste management through strong partnerships and coordinated departmental action. He revealed that, with support from GIZ, the county has developed a comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan set to guide operations up to 2032.

Accompanied by his departmental chief officers, directors, the municipality manager and key stakeholders from Public Health and Environment sectors, he noted, "Waste is not waste until it's wasted."

The plan is expected to streamline waste handling, enhance environmental conservation, and improve public health outcomes, marking a significant step in transforming Embu into a cleaner and more sustainable county.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Governor Mbarire’s Road Projects Boost Infrastructure in Manyatta

Embu Governor H.E Cecily Mbarire’s development agenda has scored another milestone as key roads in Manyatta Constituency successfully passed technical inspections. The exercise covered the Itabua–Embu Airstrip Road, Kirigi–Mutunduri Road, Kangaru–Muthigini–Kathangari Road, and several KRB roads in Nginda Ward, including Nguviu–Kangethia, Kathangariri–Kangethia, and Kibugu–Kirurumwe Primary Road.

Technical teams, alongside the Governor’s office, community Project Management Committees, and local leaders, verified that the works meet the required standards and approved Bills of Quantities. Contractors in Kirimari Ward further extended some road sections by 200 meters, a goodwill gesture welcomed by residents.

The improved roads are set to enhance access to schools, markets, and health facilities, while improving safety and transport efficiency. Residents lauded Governor Mbarire for prioritizing infrastructure, underscoring her administration’s commitment to quality, accountability, and impactful development across Embu County.