Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has outlined major infrastructure and social development projects underway in Tharaka Nithi County, as the government intensifies its development agenda at the grassroots.
Speaking during a visit to Kaanwa in Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency on Wednesday, Kindiki revealed that the National Government is implementing road projects covering 412 kilometres at a cost of KSh21 billion, alongside the construction of the Nithi Bridge valued at KSh7 billion.
He added that rural electrification projects worth KSh1 billion are also ongoing in the county.
The Deputy President further noted that Affordable Housing, fresh produce markets, and student accommodation projects cumulatively costing KSh7 billion are in progress, aimed at boosting economic growth and improving livelihoods.
On healthcare, Kindiki said Tharaka Nithi is among the top five counties in the country in the registration of Taifa Care, the government’s Universal Health Coverage programme. He disclosed that 70 per cent of residents in the county have already enrolled in the scheme.
“Taifa Care is designed to cushion Kenyans from catastrophic healthcare costs that have in the past forced many families to sell property or rely on fundraisers to pay medical bills,” he said.
Nationally, the programme has so far registered 30.2 million Kenyans, a significant increase compared to the 7 million who were covered under the now defunct NHIF.
The Deputy President made the remarks after inspecting several ongoing projects in Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency and later held a public sensitisation forum at Kaanwa Trading Centre to update residents on government programmes.
He was accompanied by Muthomi Njuki, Deputy Governor Nyaga Muisiraeli, Woman Representative Susan Ngugi, MPs Patrick Munene and Kareke Mbiuki, as well as County Assembly Speaker John Mbabu, MCAs, and other local leaders.
