Trans Nzoia County commemorated Madaraka Day on Sunday, marking 62 years since Kenya attained internal self-rule. The event, held in Kitale, emphasized youth inclusion, agricultural transformation, infrastructure development, and accountable leadership.

Delivering the Governor’s message, County Executive Committee Member for Health Sam Onjwang described Madaraka as both “a memory and a mandate,” urging citizens to take active roles in shaping the future.

“Madaraka is not just a memory, it is a mandate. A daily summons to take charge of our destiny with courage, vision, and unity,” said Onjwang on behalf of Governor George Natembeya.

🌱 Youth Engagement: Structured Forums in All Sub-Counties

In a powerful call to empower young people, the county announced the launch of structured youth forums across the five sub-counties:

• Kwanza
  
• Endebess
  
• Saboti
  
• Cherang’any
  
• Kiminini
  

“Today’s youth are not rebels — they are informed, connected, and protected by the Constitution. We will not respond to tweets with threats or curiosity with censorship,” Onjwang emphasized.

🌾 Agriculture at the Heart of Economic Transformation

Agriculture remained a top priority in the governor’s address, especially under the Fukuza Njaa Initiative:

• 500+ tonnes of hybrid maize seed distributed
  
• 250,000+ households reached in 2025
  
• 25,000 kg of sunflower seed shared
  
• Investments in milk and poultry processing
  

“Our goal is to shift from subsistence farming to market-driven, commercial agriculture. True freedom is the ability to feed ourselves and control the value chain of what we produce.”

Dr. Caroline Naliaka, a local agricultural economist, noted that the county’s shift aligns with national food security goals, and could transform farmer livelihoods if sustained.

🛣️ Roads, Markets, and Lighting: Infrastructure Upgrades Underway

Infrastructure improvements cited in the address include:

• 800 km of roads graded
  
• New markets: Masinde Muliro Market (Kitale) and Kiminini Modern Market
  
• High-mast floodlights installed in informal settlements to enhance public safety
  

🏥 Health: New Facilities and Expanded Access

Trans Nzoia increased the number of health facilities from 138 to 151, and completed the Tom Mboya Mother and Child Hospital’s structural phase in Tuwan Ward.

“Once operational, this facility will drastically reduce maternal and infant mortality,” said Onjwang.

🎓 Education: Bursary Fund Suspension Sparks Concern

The Governor expressed deep concern over the suspension of the Elimu Bursary Fund, following a court order that has impacted 25,000 students.

“This has placed the dreams of thousands of students at risk,” Onjwang stated, vowing continued efforts to reinstate the program.

Parent Lucy Wanjiku shared her fears:

“We hope the county will find a solution soon. Without that support, we don’t know how our children will remain in school.”

🛡️ Land Protection: Warning Against Speculators

County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to illegally acquire public land, especially around Kitale National Museum.

“This land is not just property — it’s a national heritage. We are monitoring closely and will act on any fraudulent activity.”

📌 Key Themes from Trans Nzoia’s Madaraka Day:

• Youth voice matters: Forums to foster civic dialogue and leadership.
  
• Food security focus: Seeds, training, and market access.
  
• Healthcare expansion: Facilities upgraded and new hospital coming.
  
• Infrastructure boost: Roads, markets, and lights.
  
• Accountability: Tough stance on corruption and land grabbing.
  
• Education under threat: Legal push to save bursary fund.
  

Trans Nzoia’s celebration reflected not only on the past but on the urgent call for action in shaping a future rooted in dignity, productivity, and people-centered governance.

#MadarakaDay2025 | #TransNzoiaRising | #YouthInLeadership | #FukuzaNjaaInitiative | #SelfGovernanceMatters