Kitui Governor, His Excellency Dr. Julius Malombe, today hosted a delegation from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), led by its General Secretary, Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui Kamau. The purpose of the meeting, held at the governor’s office, was to formalize a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on various community-driven development initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of Kitui residents.
The NCCK revealed plans to invest Ksh 500 million in critical sectors to support the county’s communities. The investment will focus on areas such as climate-smart agriculture, health, water and sanitation, tourism, and women’s empowerment.
This collaboration promises to bring much-needed infrastructure and resources to one of Kenya’s arid regions, where challenges such as water scarcity and food insecurity are prevalent.
With Kitui County frequently experiencing erratic rainfall and drought, climate-smart agriculture has been identified as a key pillar in addressing food security. The NCCK will play a pivotal role in this by donating drought-resistant seedlings and providing training to local farmers. The initiative aims to increase food production while ensuring farming practices are sustainable and adaptive to changing climatic conditions.
Water scarcity remains one of the county’s biggest challenges, and NCCK’s contribution will target improved access to water for both domestic use and agriculture. The organization has committed to the construction of seven sand dams and the distillation of seven earth dams, which will provide reliable water storage and enhance irrigation. Additionally, tanks are being provided to local institutions, with 30 out of 100 tanks of 10,000 liters each being distributed today to further support water access in schools and communities.
Beyond water access, NCCK is focusing on enhancing health services in Kitui. The organization will work closely with communities, particularly women, to educate and empower them to improve health outcomes within their households. Women’s groups, such as those in Ikutha, have collectively saved Ksh 10 million to invest in health and educational welfare projects, thanks to NCCK’s support and financial literacy training.
The organization also plans to boost local tourism by supporting the development of the Mutomo Snake Park, a unique attraction that could draw visitors and create economic opportunities for the county. This will be part of a larger effort to diversify the region’s economy and promote its cultural and environmental assets.
One of the standout initiatives by the NCCK is its focus on women’s empowerment. By engaging women in training programs and community savings schemes, the initiative seeks to enable them to become self-reliant and support their families in education and health matters. Additionally, the construction of 45 gabions will help mitigate soil erosion, contributing to land reclamation and improved agricultural output, particularly in the Ikutha region. In Ikutha alone, 1,500 locals will be trained in smart agricultural practices, providing them with the tools they need to farm more efficiently.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Governor Malombe lauded the NCCK for its commitment to Kitui County’s development and expressed optimism about the partnership. “This collaboration is timely and aligns with our county’s vision of sustainable development. By working together, we will be able to address key challenges like water scarcity, food insecurity, and the empowerment of women and youth,” said Dr. Malombe.
Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui Kamau, the General Secretary of NCCK, emphasized the organization’s longstanding commitment to social justice and community development. “Our aim is to uplift communities through sustainable and impactful projects. We are excited to work alongside the county government to ensure that these initiatives bring real change to the people of Kitui,” he said.
Also in attendance was The Country Director for Help A Child, Rachael Kigame, and Edwin Onyancha of Dorcas Africa AID International,kitui deputy governor Augustine Kanani, County Secretary Agnes Mulewa, CECMs and other notable figures.
About The Author
