By Billy Mijungu
The performance of Kiambu County under Governor Kimani Wamatangi provides a practical evaluation of whether devolution can deliver priority services effectively. Current fiscal and infrastructure indicators suggest a deliberate focus on the core county functions of water, health, roads, education, and agriculture.
Kiambu’s Own Source Revenue increased from KSh 2.79 billion to KSh 5.45 billion during the present administration. Growth in internally generated revenue is significant because it strengthens financial independence and expands development capacity beyond national allocations. In many counties, Own Source Revenue has historically been associated with audit disputes, under declaration, and weak accountability, often leading to reluctance in appearing before Senate oversight committees. In Kiambu’s case, revenue growth has corresponded with visible service delivery outcomes.
In health, the County has constructed six Level IV hospitals and twenty eight Level III hospitals, significantly expanding access to primary and secondary healthcare. This reduces travel distance for residents and enhances preventative and emergency care capacity.
In education, more than 500 ECDE classrooms have been delivered since the Governor assumed office, including over 220 in the last financial year alone. Expansion of early childhood infrastructure at sub location level reflects prioritization of foundational learning.
Water services have been strengthened through rehabilitation of distribution systems and expansion of supply networks to improve household access. On roads, the County has invested in upgrading and opening access routes to enhance connectivity between residential areas, markets, and service facilities. These improvements reduce transport costs and support economic activity.
Agriculture has been supported through extension services, facilitation of farm inputs, and market linkages to stabilize farmer productivity and incomes, reinforcing food security and rural resilience.
A significant component of this delivery model is attributed to the performance of Chief Officer for Delivery, Julie Njeri Waweru. Her coordination of implementation frameworks, monitoring systems, and interdepartmental alignment has strengthened execution capacity within the County administration. Effective delivery structures often determine whether budget allocations translate into measurable outcomes. In this regard, administrative follow through has matched fiscal growth.
While no governance system is entirely free from inefficiencies, performance should be assessed based on trajectory and impact in essential services. In Kiambu, revenue expansion has been linked to visible investments across priority sectors.
If the current momentum in fiscal management and structured delivery continues, continuity of leadership in 2027 would represent consolidation of a development path grounded in service provision, institutional coordination, and measurable results.