Former Kiambu Governor James Nyoro has officially launched his bid to recapture the county executive seat, directing sharp criticism at incumbent Governor Kimani Wamatangi. Nyoro pledged to steer the county away from superficial public relations initiatives and prioritize comprehensive industrialization, sustainable economic advancement, and inclusive governance.
During a recent interview, Nyoro targeted the current administration, describing it as an isolated regime that depends on short-term political handouts rather than addressing the root causes of poverty in Kiambu.
Nyoro specifically questioned the governor’s flagship agricultural distribution programs, which hand out livestock like chickens and pigs without putting supportive infrastructure in place to guarantee sustainable economic benefits for vulnerable households.
He emphasized that authentic transformation relies on value-addition processing plants and intensive agricultural frameworks. While keeping livestock is advantageous, he stressed that it only forms a viable income source when local processing facilities are readily available.
Addressing the evolving demographics across Kiambu, Nyoro pointed out that rapid land subdivision in neighborhoods like Ruaka, Uthiru, Kabete, and Kiambu Town has severely limited space for conventional farming, prompting him to advocate for organized economic support programs driven by youth and women groups.
He committed to reviving the stalled Uplands Bacon Factory project in Lari, which faced previous legal hurdles, promising to resume the initiative upon taking office so local farmers can supply the facility directly. He also recommended adopting successful large-scale cooperative models inspired by established commercial setups.
Focusing on the dairy industry, Nyoro drew attention to his previous collaborations, noting that Kiambu accommodates numerous dairy enterprises. He recalled securing donor funding for milk cooling units during his tenure and outlined plans to acquire modern pasteurization technology, alongside utilizing Lari’s high fruit production to supply raw materials for commercial enterprises.
Nyoro voiced deep concern regarding the current leadership’s strained rapport with major private investors, particularly referencing Tatu City, and argued that demanding arbitrary land surrenders undermines essential public-private partnerships and job creation.
Should he secure victory, Nyoro promised that his administration would compel operating companies within Kiambu to enforce strict Corporate Social Responsibility policies that favor local youth employment.
Highlighting his previous tenure, Nyoro compared his healthcare administration favorably against the current leadership, noting that his team navigated the COVID-19 pandemic without medical strikes and expanded critical care capacities at several regional facilities.
Addressing growing public frustration over deteriorating conditions at county mortuaries, Nyoro blamed the situation on administrative oversight and claimed that a newly built modern mortuary facility at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital has been kept idle by the current regime.
Nyoro also underscored his achievements in infrastructure, pointing to extensive water initiatives and road upgrades in areas like Ruiru Town and Ndeiya, while emphasizing his commitment to maintaining an accessible leadership style through regular consultations with local traders and transport operators.
Looking forward, Nyoro promised to establish a leadership institution to mentor young adults and pledged to harness resources from Kiambu’s diaspora community by initiating a specialized investment bank and international city partnerships to enhance public service delivery.