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Former Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (EAC & ASAL), Hon . Penninah Malonza EGH has spearheaded a major water initiative in Kitui County by distributing over 100 water tanks to local communities. Speaking at a press briefing during the distribution event, the former minister emphasized the urgent need for sustainable water solutions in arid regions like Kitui.
Addressing the gathered crowd and journalists, she underscored the importance of water access for households, schools, and community institutions. “Water is life, and for too long, our people in Kitui and other ASAL regions have suffered due to persistent droughts and unreliable water sources. These tanks will provide much-needed relief, but we need long-term solutions,” she said.
In her address, she also made a special appeal to President William Ruto to visit Kitui County ahead of Mashujaa Day to inaugurate key development projects that will uplift the region. “I humbly request His Excellency the President to come to Kitui and officially launch various projects that are crucial for our people. We need lasting interventions in water supply, infrastructure, and economic empowerment to ensure sustainable growth,” she urged.
The initiative comes at a time when Kitui and other semi-arid regions in Kenya continue to face water scarcity, affecting livelihoods, agriculture, and education. The former minister reiterated her commitment to advocating for policies that will drive long-term development in ASAL areas, including enhanced water harvesting systems and borehole drilling projects.
Residents who benefited from the water tanks expressed their gratitude, noting that the initiative will significantly ease their daily struggles. “This is a great relief for us. We hope more leaders will follow her example and bring real change to our community,” said a local resident.
As Mashujaa Day approaches, the call for presidential attention on Kitui’s development agenda adds to growing expectations that the government will prioritize marginalized regions in its economic and infrastructural plans. Whether the President will heed the request remains to be seen, but for now, the distribution of water tanks has provided immediate relief and a beacon of hope for Kitui’s residents.
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