Embu opens up a Tourists' Gateway to the top of Mt. Kenya

Embu CECM for Trade, Tourism, Investment and Industrialization Dr. Jamleck Muturi (standing)  accompanied by Directors in the docket, speaks to young porters recruited for the newly opened up Mt. Kenya East circuit at Camp Ndunda, a tourist attraction site in Embu. 

Embu County Government, KFS trains Guides, Porters to promote Mt Kenya East Tourism Circuit

Embu 17^th February 2020

The County Government of Embu has partnered with the Kenya Forest Service to train tour guides and porters as a way of enhancing tourism in the Mt Kenya East Circuit. 

The twenty youth trained by the county's department of Trade, Tourism, Investment and Industrialization will be acting as guides for domestic and foreign tourists to Mt. Kenya via Embu County. 

The initiative comes after the Embu County government set aside funds to open up a route to the mountain through Embu, Mt. Kenya South Eastern Irangi route. 

The youth will be hired by the county government and other tour companies to market Embu tourist attraction sites and other scenic points along the Mt. Kenya circuit. 

County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Tourism, Investment and Industrialization Dr. Jamleck Muturi called on the youth to be in the forefront of marketing the tourist attraction sites available in the region. 

Mt. Kenya peaks as seen from the Embu gateway 

"The main peaks, Lenana and Batian are more visible from this new route and so you will be engaged positively,” Muturi told the youth. 

The CEC said that the youth will also sensitize local communities on how to showcase cultural and Agricultural tourism. 

 "The youth will be mostly based at the entrance of Irangi forest where they will be picking up tourists to help them find their way up the mountain as guides and porters," said the county minister. 

Further, he said that the world was focusing on community-based tourism because of its high sustainability. 

Muturi urged area residents to take advantage and entrench tourism as a source of livelihood.

“Tourists visiting the area will in addition to mountain climbing be able to engage in sport fishing, nature walks and bird watching as well as visiting Mau Mau caves,” he said.

Mt. Kenya deputy park warden, George Ombuki encouraged the youth to take the knowledge earned as a business opportunity to grow themselves.

Ombuki, who is also the mountain search officer at the Mt. Kenya National Park said the youth will also be trained on wilderness first aid skills. 

"This is because they will be the first line of defense with tourist and hence these skills are important for the safety of guests," said Ombuki. 

NEW SERIES - #3: DEPUTY PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO Can Attest to the Development Record of Embu County

Embu governor Hon. Martin Wambora (second right) when he received Deputy President Hon. William Ruto in Embu on 25 October, 2018

A Glorious Past Points to a Bright Future in the Land of Opportunities

Though it has been argued that it is not advisable to keep on recalling things that happened in the past, some things are just too noble to let go without revisiting.  It is therefore with nostalgia that Raslimali Embu reminds you of some of the work that has been done in the last one year; some of which may have escaped the attention of many. In previous publications on this online newsletter, we highlighted some of the achievements accomplished by the current county government in the month of December 2018 (New Series #1) and November of the same year (New Series #2). Going forward, we hereby point out some of the major steps taken in the right direction by Embu County government in the month of October, 2018.

On 25 October 2018, Embu governor, Hon. Martin Wambora hosted Deputy President H.E Hon. William Ruto, whereby he was joined by the entire county leadership, renowned academicians and other dignitaries in launching of an Endowment Fund to cater for needy students at the University of Embu. The occasion, during which the Deputy President laid a plaque commemorating the official opening of the Prof George Magoha library, was an indication of the esteem in which the government holds education as a key driver of future prosperity.

Later in the day, agriculture, trade and industry were recognized when the DP commissioned PrivamNuts EPZ Kenya Limited, a model macadamia value addition factory in Embu County. On 22 October, the government distributed certified green grams seeds (N26 Variety) a process that was carried out in 8 wards in Mbeere North and Mbeere South sub-counties. On this matter, governor Wambora said that his government was set to distribute the seeds to over 2500 households, to boost food production in line with the national government's big 4 Agenda on food security.

The flagging off of the free medical camp in which drugs worth ksh31 million were distributed 

On health, the government recognizes that health is wealth. In this regard, the Department of Health distributed medicine worth 31million to 94 health facilities across the county on 8 October. The Department of health together with a number of partners proceeded with a medical outreach program with free medical camps at Dallas, Shauri and Grogon before holding a mega Medical Camp at Embu Stadium.

These are just but a few among many other notable accomplishments by the county government, that clearly indicate that the people of Embu can look forward to better times in future.

HEALTH IS WEALTH... Don't Be POOR, Be RICH!

A screenshot of a tweet by Embu first Lady, Theresia Wambora on the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

"A healthy society is a wealthy community", said the Minister for Health in Embu County, Dr. Jamleck Muturi. The esteemed health executive did a good job of reminding the people to recognize the opportunities currently available in terms of health resources in Embu County today. To be POOR is to Pass Over Opportunities Repeatedly, said another wise man, while to be RICH is to Recognize the Importance of Conditional Health, added the author of this article. The words were part of his speech when he addressed stakeholders on the International Day to end Obstetric Fistula on 23 May 2018 at Embu Level 5 hospital. Between 18th and 25th May 2018, the hospital offered free treatment to women living with the condition, whereby thousands of patients recognized the importance of this offer and had their health restored. They were indeed made​ rich, courtesy of Safaricom Foundation and the​ office of Embu governor, H.E. Hon. Martin Wambora.

Dr. Muturi addresses health stakeholders on the very day

The free medical services not withstanding, let it be remembered that cheap is expensive and free is costly. As much as many may have benefited from the exercise, it is important to recognize the existence of other medical practitioners offering excellent similar but personalised services at a small fee. One of such places is Medspan Hospital, a private medical facility located at the rapidly developing Gakwegori area in the outskirts of Embu town, on Nairobi-Meru highway.

Dr. Munene in his laboratory at Medspan Hospital

As the residents of the sorrounding villages of Kangaru, Kirigi, Manyatta, Gatunduri, Mutunduri and Karurina can attest, Medspan is one of the most visited and much loved private health care providers. This is attributable to the affordable personalised and quality medical services provided by the proprietor, Dr munene, and his friendly staff. Dr. Munene is a man known by many as a humble person, ever so keen on his patients' welfare.

Services offered at Medspan Hospital as advertised at the facility's entrance

At Medspan, both Inpatient and Out patient services are available. Also offered are comprehensive dental services, laboratory services, gynocological clinic, Family Planning and Ultrasound among many more. In case of any health-related need, no matter how sensitive, do not hesitate to make the contact below:

For more information and bookings, contact Dr. Munene on ‭0724 321031‬