From ‘chakula mezani’ to infrastructure drive: How Machakos is changing under Wavinya Ndeti

Guided by the slogan “Chakula Mezani, Pesa Mfukoni,” the county government reports that 2,160 projects and programmes have been implemented across all wards, targeting healthcare, food security, infrastructure, education, and economic empowerment.

In the health sector, the county has focused on expanding access to services through the construction, upgrading, and equipping of health facilities. The administration also cites the recruitment of additional medical personnel and the procurement of essential drugs as part of efforts to reduce the distance residents travel to access care.

Food security has emerged as another priority area. According to the county government, farmers have benefited from the distribution of free seeds, expanded agricultural extension services, and increased investment in water infrastructure, including weirs, dams, and boreholes to support irrigation.

The revival of coffee factories is also credited with boosting productivity and improving incomes for local farmers.

Infrastructure development has centred on improving road connectivity to unlock economic activity. New access roads have been opened, while existing networks have been graded, tarmacked, and maintained to ease transport and enhance access to markets.

In education, the administration has maintained bursary support for needy learners and expanded early childhood programmes through the Mama Milk and school feeding initiatives.

The county has also invested in the construction of modern ECDE classrooms as part of efforts to strengthen foundational learning.

Women and youth empowerment programmes have featured prominently in the county’s development agenda.

The government says it has invested in skills training, equipment provision, and access to tools aimed at enabling women and young people to start and grow income-generating activities. Flagship initiatives such as the Machakos Youth Services programme have been positioned as key drivers of employment and skills development.