As Kenyans commemorated Madaraka Day in Embu county, one of the notable highlights of the event was the significant infrastructural projects completed in the county prior to the grand occasion.
During the celebrations, Governor Cecily Mbarire commended the national government for the construction of the Embu Moi Stadium, which cost Sh300 million.
"This stadium was constructed within a remarkable 15-week period, and I would like to express my appreciation to the government for supporting our county with various developments," she said.
Governor Mbarire highlighted the successful pre-Madaraka Day Micro and Small Enterprises Expo, which attracted over 300 exhibitors.
"We engaged in productive discussions regarding various value chains, including tea, coffee, miraa, and horticulture," she stated.
Mbarire also emphasised the support of the national government in implementing affordable housing projects in the county.
"The President laid the foundation stone for the initial phase of the Manyatta Housing scheme, which will consist of 100 units out of a total of 400 houses to be constructed on the site," she said.
The governor further mentioned that the government had pledged to construct up to 5,000 housing units during this administration.
Additionally, Mbarire said the President inaugurated free Wi-Fi services at the bus park and market, while the ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo launched the Jitume programme at Runyenjes Technical and Vocational College and Jeremiah Nyaga Technical Institute (JNTI).
"The Jitume programme is a government initiative aimed at providing digital skills, e-services, and online opportunities to young people throughout Kenya."
The governor also highlighted the establishment of two Konza Digital Skills Laboratories by the government. Under this programme, students from both institutions will undergo three months of training to acquire digital skills, enabling them to access digital job opportunities.
"We are urging the national government to consider elevating 11 Technical Institutes to the status of National Polytechnics," she appealed.
Embu county also benefitted from the recent upgrade and renovation of the paediatric, maternity, pre- and post-natal wards, maternity theatre, outpatient, and renal units at Embu Level 5 Hospital.
Furthermore, several roads were improved, and the commissioner's residence underwent upgrades. Plans are also underway to complete the construction of Njukiri Sports City Stadium, which was initially intended for the Madaraka Day celebrations.
