Governor Irungu launches foundation to support development projects

Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu gives an overview of the drought situation in Laikipia North during an interview at his offices in Nanyuki Town, October 21, 2022. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu has launched a foundation to complement the county development agenda beyond his five-year term in office.

The governor said the ‘Joshua Irungu Foundation’ is a different entity from the leadership of the county government and will not in any way compete with or compromise the delivery of service as per his manifesto.

“I am the governor and will do my part, and the Foundation will not compete with the county government these are two separate entities,” Irungu said.

The county boss said the foundation will focus on five thematic areas of environmental conservation, provision of clean and affordable energy, provision of water in rural areas, enterprise development and nurturing of youthful talents through games and sports.

“I am creating an environment where the work continues even when I leave the office. Some initiatives, such as nurturing sports and talents should continue beyond my tenure in office, and the foundation will focus on these areas,” the governor said.

During the launch at the Nanyuki Sports Club, his Nyeri counterpart Mutahi Kahiga lauded the initiative noting he had a similar program.

“I have something similar to what this foundation will do where I fundraise from friends to educate bright but needy students. Government bursaries are not enough to support the schooling needs of all needy students,” he said.

Kahiga noted funds allocated to counties were insufficient to cover all the development projects.

The foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Wangai said some programmes lined up include issuing 50,000 water tanks to homes in rural areas to encourage rainwater harvesting.

“We need to harvest rainwater either through fixing of gutters to our house roofs or trapping rainwater flowing through rocks like in Laikipia North Sub-county,” he noted.