Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has made it clear that her journey in public service is far from over, even as she approaches the end of her second term. Renowned for her transformative leadership in the county, Waiguru has consistently steered Kirinyaga through political challenges while achieving notable progress in governance, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. In a comprehensive interview, she shared insights into her career, legacy, and her continued commitment to serving Kenya at higher levels.
From her early career as a government reform adviser and director of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) to her tenure as Cabinet Secretary where she played a key role in launching the Huduma Programme, Waiguru describes her professional path as foundational for taking on greater responsibilities. Her tenure as governor has further strengthened her experience in leadership, service delivery, and county development.
When asked to assess her performance, Waiguru stated that evaluations consistently place her among the top-performing governors in Kenya. These ratings reflect substantial improvements in service delivery, governance, and developmental outcomes across Kirinyaga County. She emphasizes a leadership style that is consultative, democratic, and transformative, allowing citizens to engage in and own county initiatives.
Health and Social Services
Waiguru highlights health as her administration’s most defining achievement. Under her leadership, Kerugoya County and Referral Hospital was upgraded from Level 4 to Level 5, expanding access to specialized services. Kimbimbi, Kianyaga, and Sagana hospitals were similarly elevated from Level 3 to Level 4. Additionally, her administration constructed and equipped 24 new health facilities, strengthened human resource capacity, and implemented digital systems such as the Health Management Information System and Electronic Health Information System to enhance healthcare delivery throughout the county.
Economic Growth and Agricultural Development
Agriculture and trade have also seen remarkable progress under Waiguru’s leadership. Through the Wezesha Kirinyaga Programme, over 100,000 households received support to increase productivity in crops including rice, coffee, tea, and tomatoes. This initiative has substantially increased farmers’ incomes, contributing to poverty reduction in the county. The Sagana Industrial City, incorporating an Export Processing Zone, Special Economic Zone, and County Aggregation and Industrial Park, is a flagship project designed to boost value addition, marketing, and processing. Once completed, it is expected to generate more than 10,000 direct jobs and over 100,000 indirect jobs. The construction of more than 20 markets across the county has further strengthened the local trading environment.
Infrastructure and Service Delivery
In infrastructure, Waiguru’s administration has upgraded roads and towns through extensive cabro paving, covering more than 118,000 square meters across Kerugoya, Wang’uru, Sagana, Kagio, Kutus, Kianyaga, and Kagumo. In the water sector, more than 100,000 households now have access to clean water for domestic and irrigation use. Revenue collection has been streamlined with the Kiripay System, improving efficiency, reducing leakages, and making it easier for residents to pay for permits and licenses.
Youth and Women Empowerment
The governor has prioritized economic empowerment for women and youth. They form the main beneficiaries of the Wezesha Kirinyaga Programme and the Sagana Industrial Park. A dedicated County Empowerment Fund and a policy framework guide empowerment efforts, while mentorship programs like Daughters of Kenya (DoK) encourage active participation in leadership and decision-making.
Looking Ahead
Waiguru acknowledges that while many goals have been achieved, some projects, such as developing Gichugu as a Resort City, are still in progress. She remains committed to advancing tourism through agritourism, Thiba Dam, Castle Lodge, and Mount Kenya climbing trails. On national politics, Waiguru emphasizes her continued readiness to contribute to Kenya’s development beyond 2027, highlighting her experience in government reforms, IFMIS, Cabinet service, and the Council of Governors.
Reflecting on challenges, Waiguru credits resilience, focus on service delivery, faith, and community support for her ability to overcome political opposition and public scrutiny. She draws inspiration from leaders like former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, emphasizing perseverance and impact in leadership.
As 2025 draws to a close, Waiguru’s message to Kenyans is one of pride in the country’s democratic maturity, cultural richness, and economic potential. She expressed her hope to continue contributing to national development while wishing citizens a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2026.
