Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has launched an ambitious climate action initiative aimed at enhancing environmental conservation and boosting sustainable livelihoods across the county. The campaign, rolled out at Kamiigua Grounds in Kutus on Thursday, saw the distribution of 5,800 gas cylinders to residents, marking a major stride in the county’s transition to clean energy.
Speaking during the event, which drew thousands of residents, Governor Waiguru highlighted the county’s commitment to proactive climate solutions under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program. “Climate change continues to pose serious challenges to our communities, but we are taking bold steps to empower our people to enhance adaptation and promote sustainable growth,” she said.
The meko gas cookers are part of a larger strategy to reduce deforestation and indoor pollution caused by traditional cooking methods. According to the governor, switching to clean energy could save over 500 mature trees annually and significantly improve the health of women and children exposed to harmful smoke. Last year, 600 gas cylinders were distributed to families bordering Mt. Kenya as part of a similar effort.
Waiguru also announced the establishment of a clean cooking training program at Kibingoti Polytechnic, where women’s groups will learn to make energy-saving jikos and water tanks—empowering them with skills for climate resilience and income generation.
The county also issued 10,000-litre water tanks to 20 community groups to promote rainwater harvesting and kitchen gardening, enhancing food security and health. In the area of sanitation, 26 garbage skips and a skip loader truck were handed over to improve waste management in local markets and trading centers.
Additionally, Waiguru outlined infrastructure support through the climate plan, including the Inua Jamii Rupingazi Water Project, which will supply clean water to 500 households in Njukiini and Murinduko. Pipes were also delivered for the Rukenya Irrigation Water Project to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
The governor noted that Kirinyaga’s Material Recovery Facility, currently under development, will support recycling efforts, create employment, and contribute to a cleaner environment.
