We've done well in our first year in office, governor says

Governor Kiraitu Murugi (pictured) is satisfied with the performance of his administration in his first year in office.

Mr Kiraitu, who addressed county staff at Kinoru Stadium during a thanksgiving ceremony, said the 'people's government' he formed performed beyond his expectation.

He urged residents to be patient, promising to fulfill the promises he made ahead of last year's elections.

He said agriculture remained a pillar area of focus in his government's development agenda.

He said he would establish a capacity building facility at Kaguru Farmers Training Centre to attain best practices.

"I want to be remembered for introducing additional 1 million macadamia and 1 million avocado," said Kiraitu.

He added that his administration was keen on enhancing access to clean water.

Kiraitu said the remaining boreholes, out of the 100 he had promised within the first year of his leadership, would be completed by next week.

"Most of the boreholes have been drilled in Nyambene. We have 400 water pans in Buuri and Tigania. Another 300 will be done next year. In Imenti, each ward will benefit from at least one water project," said Kiraitu.

"I am also proud that our county's fire brigade has been rated the best in the country. Meru is on course to becoming a reference point in fire fighting in Kenya."

"When we came in, staff in the fire fighting department were demoralised. All of them had been employed as casual labourers. However, we gave them jobs on permanent and pensionable terms when we came in and they haven't let us down," said the governor.