Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti Speaking during a burial ceremony in Matuu, Yatta Constituency. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Residents of Yatta Constituency have received renewed hope after Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti announced decisive measures aimed at resolving the long-standing water shortages affecting Matuu Town and its surrounding areas.
Speaking during a burial ceremony in the constituency, Governor Wavinya said her administration had identified poor management within water service companies as the primary cause of the persistent shortages. She revealed that the county government has since restructured the companies, appointing new management teams to enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability.
The Governor further disclosed that funds have already been set aside for the cleaning of the Yatta Canal, noting that the procurement process has been advertised and works are expected to commence soon. In addition, the county plans to solarise key water projects to ensure sustainable and uninterrupted water supply.
“We identified management of the water service providers as the problem, but we now have new people who are accountable for their work. We have also set aside a budget for cleaning the Yatta Canal, and soon we will solarise our water projects so that these challenges become a thing of the past, as I promised during my campaigns,” Governor Wavinya said.
In a major boost to healthcare services in the region, the Governor also announced plans to upgrade Matuu Level 4 Hospital to a Level 5 facility. She said all the required infrastructure has already been completed and the facility will soon be commissioned.
According to Governor Wavinya, the upgrade will significantly improve healthcare delivery in Yatta Sub-County while easing congestion at the Machakos Level 5 Hospital.
“Our Matuu hospital will be upgraded to a Level 5 facility, and we will soon commission it. This will greatly help in decongesting our Level 5 hospital and improving service delivery,” she said.
The Governor also called on Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to expedite the passage of legislation required to operationalise the county empowerment initiative, popularly known as the Wikwatyo Fund. She expressed concern that the fund, which targets women and youth, has stalled at the County Assembly.
At the same event, Machakos County Executive Committee Member for Roads, Lands and Urban Development, Hon. Nathaniel Nganga, announced that the county government is finalising policies to establish the Yatta–Kithimani Municipality, a move expected to accelerate development in Yatta Sub-County.
Nganga further assured residents that the county remains committed to issuing title deeds across all towns in Machakos County to enhance land ownership security and stimulate economic growth.
