President Ruto Launching a Project in Tharaka Nithi. Photo/Courtesy
By Daisy Okiring
President William Ruto’s administration has rolled out dozens of infrastructure, education, agriculture, and digital projects in Tharaka Nithi, sparking debate over whether his development agenda is meeting the promises made during the 2022 campaigns
Development on the Ground
When William Ruto swept into power in 2022, he promised a people-centered government, one that would channel resources directly into counties long marginalized by the central system. Today, Tharaka Nithi stands as one of the counties under the spotlight, with residents asking: is the president fulfilling his word?
Evidence on the ground suggests significant progress. From the registration of over 156,000 title deeds to the construction of modern roads, schools, water projects, and digital hubs, Tharaka Nithi has become a microcosm of Ruto’s wider “Bottom-Up” economic model. The county is seeing both completed projects and others at various stages, with the government insisting that the goal is not just brick and mortar, but measurable improvements in people’s lives.
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Roads Connecting Communities
Roads have been a cornerstone of the government’s delivery in Tharaka Nithi. The ongoing construction of the Kathwana–Kanjuki Road and the near-complete Chuka University Access Road illustrate a deliberate attempt to link learning institutions with communities. Periodic maintenance of major routes such as the Kathwana–Nguni–Mitunguu and Ndagani–Market Loop Roads has improved accessibility for farmers, students, and traders.
For residents, the benefits are immediate. Improved road networks mean farmers in Igambang’ombe can transport tomatoes, bananas, and livestock to markets faster and at lower costs. University students, once stuck in mud during rainy seasons, now access campuses with relative ease. According to transport experts, good roads are not just about convenience—they directly impact local economies by reducing post-harvest losses and attracting new businesses.
Water and Irrigation Projects
Perhaps the most transformative projects in Tharaka Nithi are in water and irrigation. The Chuka water supply project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), is already improving access for 160,000 people, with works over 56 percent complete. Smallholder farmers are also benefiting from schemes like the Mwerteri irrigation project in Maara and the Mukami infield works, which promise to enhance food security in a region that often struggles with erratic rainfall.
In Kamwangu, the irrigation project covering 169 acres is already 87 percent done, giving local farmers a lifeline. Another cluster project in Rianthiga and Nithi Kari is targeting over 400 acres, bringing with it hopes of higher yields in maize, beans, and vegetables. For the residents, these projects symbolize more than pipes and canals—they mean stability against droughts and rising food prices.
Education and Youth Empowerment
Tharaka Nithi is also experiencing a quiet revolution in education. At Chuka University, a 16-storey administration and law school building is 80 percent complete, while two major learning complexes are nearly finalized. Tharaka University is constructing a KSh 500 million main library, with progress standing at 16 percent, alongside a new administration block.
At the tertiary level, digital hubs have been set up at Chuka Technical and Vocational College, Tharaka Technical and Vocational College, and Muraga TVC. Each hub is equipped with over 100 computers, with connectivity to Chuka County Referral Hospital’s telemedicine system already complete. These investments are aimed at preparing young people for the digital economy, reducing unemployment, and enhancing access to modern skills.
Youth empowerment centers, particularly in Maara, are also offering platforms for entrepreneurship and community innovation. For many young people, these spaces are the first real opportunity to access government support without leaving their county.
Title Deeds and Housing
Land ownership has long been a thorny issue in Tharaka Nithi, with thousands lacking formal documentation. So far, Ruto’s government has processed and registered more than 156,000 title deeds, bringing legal ownership and unlocking opportunities for credit access.
Housing projects are also taking shape. In Kathwana Municipality, 200 affordable housing units are in the pre-design stage, while Marimanti and Kathwana Town have 800 units each nearly ready for occupation. These homes are expected to address the housing deficit, provide dignity, and create jobs for local artisans.
Public Reaction and Outlook
Reactions among residents are mixed, though many acknowledge that progress is visible. Traders in Kathwana market have praised the construction of a new ESP market project, saying it will give farmers a reliable outlet. Parents are optimistic about the university expansions, while farmers see irrigation as the answer to perennial hunger.
However, critics argue that while delivery is happening, some projects are moving slowly or remain incomplete. They also caution that the ultimate test is whether these investments will translate into long-term economic independence for locals, not just short-term jobs.
As the 2027 general election inches closer, Tharaka Nithi is becoming a litmus test for Ruto’s promises. Success here could give his administration political capital to show that the “Bottom-Up” model is working. Failure could fuel opposition claims that much of the development talk is cosmetic.
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What Next?
Tharaka Nithi is changing. Roads are opening, taps are flowing, classrooms are expanding, and digital centers are buzzing. For residents, these are not abstract policies—they are the tangible outcomes of promises made three years ago.
The question remains: will Ruto maintain the momentum and complete the projects to deliver a fully transformed county? For now, eyes remain firmly on Tharaka Nithi.
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