MCAs share mixed reactions on Governor Susan Kihika’s State of the County address

Susan Kihika’s second state of the county address on December 3 drew mixed reactions from Members of County Assembly (MCAs).

Governor Kihika in her 2025 state of the county address outlined the county’s progress across public finance, health, agriculture, education, and infrastructure, while underscoring the need for unity and continued reform. She described the annual address as an opportunity to review achievements, challenges, and shared priorities for a “thriving, inclusive, and resilient county.”

She  emphasized on unity across political, community, and institutional lines, saying Nakuru is advancing with determination as it strengthens governance, service delivery, and long-term development foundations.

The speech ended with a section of the legislatures breaking out in cheers after the speech, chanting tutam! while a few others seemed unimpressed.
David Waithiai, the Shabab MCA, says he is happy about the strides made within the education sector.
“Earlier this year, there was a motion that I presented on the floor of the house and it passed; that was with regards to making pre-primary education free, and according to the address she has said that they are bringing in a policy on how to implement this, and this makes me so happy,” he notes.

Peter Kajwang, the Kaptembwa MCA, says that even though the Governor claims there are successes, there are still some issues that are a thorn in the flesh of Nakuru residents.

“She highlighted the various successes that we have had in the agriculture and health sectors; however, when it comes to infrastructure, especially our roads, I think issues on infrastructure were not well highlighted. This is one of the areas where I think much more needs to be done to address the problem,” he notes.

Alex Mbugua, the Lake View MCA, who is also the chair of the Budget and Appropriation Committee, commends the county’s efforts in increasing own-source revenue.

“The growth of the own-source revenue by 11 per cent is something that is very impressive. Also, incorporating this with the strides made in the education sector, then I would say that is a step in the right direction. However, when you look at the Department of Disaster Management, I feel that is where we are lagging,” he notes.

“If you look at what is happening in Kihoto, I can honestly say that the County Government has been overwhelmed, and so much more can be done to help the residents in Kihoto,” he states.
So what next?

Anthony Kamau, the Deputy Speaker at the County Assembly, commends the Governor for fulfilling her constitutional mandate in giving a state of the county address.

“We have heard her speech and the strides that her government has made in various sectors; however, all is not cast in stone. As a house, we will have to discuss this and gauge what she said and the reality on the ground. It is only after doing so that we will make an informed decision based on our own findings,” he says.