Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has linked the county’s development trajectory to Kenya’s long struggle for self-rule, using her Jamhuri Day statement to argue that local progress must reflect the ideals of independence.
The message, released on Thursday as the country marked 62 years of statehood, underscored the need for counties to sustain gains made under devolution.
Waiguru, who shared her remarks through a public post on X, said the national holiday offered a moment for Kenyans to consider the sacrifices that laid the groundwork for modern governance.
She noted that the responsibility to honour that journey now rests in the hands of current generations.
According to the governor, building stronger communities is part of safeguarding the freedoms won at independence.
Her statement highlighted a series of initiatives undertaken in Kirinyaga since devolution placed service delivery at the county level.
Waiguru pointed to improvements in healthcare, enhanced agricultural output, expanded road infrastructure, and renewed investment in local tourism.
She also referenced youth empowerment programmes that her administration says are opening more pathways for economic participation.
The governor framed these developments as evidence that counties can drive measurable change when priorities align with citizen needs and national policy.
“Our county continues to make real progress,” she said in the X post, adding that residents must help “protect what we have built” and “grow what we have begun.”
The message stressed the collective role of the public, reflecting an approach common among leaders marking national days.
Kirinyaga’s focus areas mirror national concerns, particularly around agriculture, which remains a central pillar of Kenya’s economy.
The county is a major producer of rice, horticulture and coffee, making improvements in production and market access essential for local income stability.
Jamhuri Day speeches across the country frequently revisit themes of unity, development and accountability—issues that continue to shape Kenya’s political and economic direction.
Waiguru’s message aligned with this broader trend, urging residents to remain committed to progress while acknowledging the historical foundation that informs present-day governance.