By Murugi Ndwiga
President William Ruto today hosted a delegation of Embu leaders led by Governor Cecily Mutitu Mbarire at State House, Nairobi, in a high-level meeting focused on fast-tracking development in the county.
Speaking during the event, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Embu’s economic growth, with a special focus on agriculture, infrastructure, health, and housing.
“The government will enhance the growing and marketing of muguka to benefit farmers in Embu County. Our goal is to add value to the crop by producing juices and sachets,” the President said.
He also addressed the recent dip in milk prices across parts of Mount Kenya, vowing to intervene and stabilize the rate at KSh 50 per litre, safeguarding farmers’ incomes.
Ruto lauded Embu’s efforts in registering residents under the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting the county’s 49% registration rate — the seventh highest nationally. He urged leaders to push for full coverage, saying, “We don’t want anyone selling their property to cover medical bills anymore.”
On affordable housing, Ruto announced that the first 100 units in Embu town are ready for occupancy, with plans already underway for an additional 400 units. He also revealed that the government will construct three more modern fresh produce markets on top of the nine already under development in the county.
In a major infrastructure boost, the President said KSh 1 billion will be spent to connect over 11,000 households in Embu to electricity.
Responding to media claims regarding a church being built at State House with public funds, Ruto clarified, “There was already a tin-structure church at State House. I am personally financing the construction of a modern chapel.”
Governor Cecily Mbarire praised the national government’s commitment to Embu’s progress, pledging continued cooperation to deliver development across the county.
“As leaders, we are united in our mission to uplift the people of Embu through partnerships in agriculture, healthcare, trade, and infrastructure,” she said. Mbarire expressed gratitude for the President’s support in various road projects including Kairuri–Kiriari–Gaciigi, Kanyuambora–Gachoka–Gachuriri, PI–Karaba–Machang’a, and others critical to enhancing connectivity and trade in the region.
She also thanked the President for the ongoing construction of major markets in Kiriari, Mutuobare, Kangaru, Siakago, Kiritiri, Kianjokoma, and Kathageri, as well as additional affordable housing units in Runyenjes, Siakago, and Kiritiri.
“We deeply appreciate the continued partnership with the national government and remain committed to delivering meaningful development to our people,” she concluded.
The meeting was attended by senior leaders from Embu County, including Public Service and Special Programmes CS Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, Senator Alexander Munyi Mundigi, Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi Karemba, Mbeere South MP Nebert Muriuki, Women Representative Pamela Njoki Njeru, MCAs, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders.