Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, Senator John Methu, and Leshau Pondo MCA Kamau Gathungu. Photo/Handout
By Newsflash Writer
Leaders, institutions, and community champions from across Nyandarua County were celebrated at the 2025 Go-Getter Brand Africa Awards on December 6, in a vibrant ceremony held at a leading hotel in Ol Kalou Town.
The awards, aimed at recognizing excellence in leadership, innovation, and community service, brought together county officials, corporate entities, and grassroots organizations.
The event highlighted the exceptional contributions of individuals and groups whose dedication has positively impacted Nyandarua’s social, economic, and political landscape. Governor Kiarie Badilisha, Senator John Methu, and Leshau Pondo MCA Gathungu Kamau emerged as standout awardees, earning praise for their exemplary service and commitment to county development.
Celebrating leadership and public service excellence
Governor Kiarie Badilisha was awarded the prestigious “Excellent Leadership Award” in recognition of his visionary governance and steadfast dedication to community progress. In his acceptance speech, he urged fellow leaders to prioritize service delivery, transparency, and citizen engagement as the foundation of effective leadership.
Senator John Methu received the “Excellent Oversight Award” for his role in ensuring accountability and good governance within county institutions. MCA Gathungu Kamau was honored as the “Most Vocal MCA in Nyandarua” for actively representing constituents and raising key development issues in the County Assembly.
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Ambassador Judyleah Gathoni earned the “Peace Ambassador of the Year” award for her outstanding contributions to promoting harmony, social cohesion, and conflict resolution across the county. Speaker Wachira Waiganjo received the “Excellent House Leadership Award,” while Kiriitwa ward MCA Milkah Wanjiru was recognized as the “Best MCA in Development Track” for her proactive engagement in community-driven initiatives. Nominated MCA Patience Manga earned the “Best Nominated MCA” accolade. Lands CEC John Muiru was named “Best CEC” while Health CEC Paul Ngecha came in second in the development track category.
Institutions, groups, and enterprises recognized
The awards also recognized institutions, women’s groups, and local businesses driving growth and innovation in Nyandarua.
Nyandarua National Polytechnic was named “Best Skill-Based Institution,” highlighting its commitment to equipping youth with practical skills for employability and entrepreneurship.
Women’s groups were lauded for their dedication and impact. She-Jitume Women Group was awarded “Most Dedicated Women Group,” while Wikurie Women Self-Help Group earned second place. Kagaa United Self-Help Group, focusing on supporting persons living with disabilities, received the “Most Dedicated Person Living with Disability Group” award.
Local businesses also featured prominently. Link Valuer and Property Solutions was recognized as the “Most Trusted Property Management and Valuer Company,” Charis Farm received the “Best Demo Farm in Regenerative Innovation and Agribusiness” award, and Commercial Builder Hardware was named the “Most Trusted Hardware in Construction Materials,” with Budget Hardware Miharati taking second place.
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Retail and healthcare institutions were also celebrated. Jamaa Supermarket and Silmat Supermarket were honored for excellence in service delivery, while Equity Afya-Olkalou was named “Best Healthcare Centre” for providing accessible, high-quality health services to residents.
Other individuals and community entities recognized included Mr George Munene, named “Drugs and Abuse Champion,” Olkalou Bodaboda CBO, awarded “Most Disciplined Bodaboda SACCO/Stage,” and Mr John Kariuki, recognized as “Best Chief Officer” for exemplary administrative performance.
Observations on County challenges
Despite celebrating excellence, an observation report from the ground highlighted key challenges facing Nyandarua County.
Farming output has declined by 45%, even as improvements in road networks were expected to enhance agricultural productivity. Analysts noted that youth energies are often channeled into unnecessary projects instead of initiatives that could boost development.
Misinformation among residents also affected civic engagement, leading to low awareness during voting—even among those who had left the county months or years earlier.
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Additionally, the report observed that many unsung heroes and contributors to the county’s development experience low self-esteem due to a lack of recognition and motivational signals.
The ceremony concluded with calls for greater collaboration among elected officials, community leaders, and residents.
CEC Muiru and Mr George Munene, the county’s Drugs and Abuse Champion, emphasized the importance of tackling youth disengagement, substance abuse, and agricultural decline through concerted efforts.
Awardees: Go-Getter Brand Africa Awards 2025, Nyandarua chapter
- Dr. Kiarie Badilisha – Excellent Leadership Award
- Hon. Wachira Waiganjo – Excellent House Leadership
- Hon. John Methu – Excellent Oversight
- Nyandarua National Polytechnic – Best Skill-Based Institution
- Dr. Ambassador Judyleah Gathoni – Peace Ambassador of the Year
- She-Jitume Women Group – Most Dedicated Women Group
- Wikurie Women Self-Help Group – Second Best Dedicated Women Group
- Kagaa United Self-Help Group – Most Dedicated Person Living with Disability Group
- Link Valuer and Property Solutions – Most Trusted Property Management and Valuer Company
- Charis Farm – Best Demo Farm in Regenerative Innovation and Agribusiness
- Commercial Builder Hardware – Most Trusted Hardware in Construction Materials
- Budget Hardware Miharati – Second Most Trusted Hardware
- Jamaa Supermarket – Most Trusted in Service Delivery
- Silmat Supermarket – Second Best Trusted Supermarket
- Equity Afya-Olkalou – Best Healthcare Centre
- Hon. Kamau Gathungu – Most Vocal MCA in Nyandarua
- Hon. Milkah Wanjiru – Best MCA in Development Track
- Hon. Patience Manga – Best Nominated MCA
- Hon. John Muiru – Best CEC
- Hon. Paul Ngecha – Second Best in Development Track
- Mr. George Munene – Drugs and Abuse Champion
- Olkalou Bodaboda CBO – Most Disciplined Bodaboda SACCO/Stage
- Mr. John Kariuki – Best Chief Officer
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