Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has praised Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata for what he described as bold efforts to transform the county’s economy through investment in infrastructure, agriculture and value addition.

Gachagua said county governments have a critical role to play in promoting economic development by implementing programmes that directly benefit residents at the grassroots.

The former Deputy President made the remarks after visiting the Murang’a County Government offices in Murang’a town, where he was accompanied by Governor Kang’ata.

Gachagua said devolved governments are strategically positioned to stimulate local economies by investing in grassroots infrastructure, supporting farmers and creating policies that make it easier for businesses to operate.

“County governments play a crucial role in fostering local economic development by investing in grassroots infrastructure, enhancing agricultural productivity, and streamlining trade policies to create a more conducive environment for businesses,” Gachagua said.

He singled out Murang’a County as an example of how county governments can use local resources and agricultural production to create new economic opportunities for residents.

According to Gachagua, the county government has taken significant steps towards adding value to locally produced agricultural commodities by promoting processing industries.

He said such investments have the potential to create employment opportunities, improve household incomes and enhance the overall welfare of residents.

Gachagua argued that instead of relying solely on the sale of raw agricultural products, counties should encourage processing and manufacturing so that farmers and local communities can benefit from the additional value created along the production chain.

He said Murang’a’s efforts in value addition demonstrate the importance of linking agriculture with industrial development to create sustainable economic opportunities.

The DCP leader said he was impressed by Governor Kang’ata’s commitment to transforming the county’s economic landscape.

“I had the privilege of visiting the Murang’a County Government offices in Murang’a town, accompanied by Governor Irung’u Kang’ata,” Gachagua said.

He added that witnessing the governor’s work firsthand was inspiring and demonstrated the impact that effective leadership at the county level can have on local development.

“Witnessing firsthand the dedication and commitment of Governor Kang’ata to transforming Murang’a’s economic landscape is truly inspiring and a testament to the impactful leadership at the county level,” he said.

Gachagua’s remarks come at a time when county governments continue to play an increasingly important role in promoting local economic development under Kenya’s devolved system of government.

He emphasized the need for counties to focus on programmes that generate tangible economic benefits for ordinary citizens, particularly through agriculture, infrastructure development, trade and industrialisation.

Agriculture remains a major economic activity in Murang’a, with thousands of households depending on farming for their livelihoods. Gachagua’s endorsement of the county’s value-addition initiatives highlights the growing push to move farmers beyond the production of raw commodities and into more profitable processing and marketing ventures.

The former Deputy President also linked improved infrastructure and supportive trade policies to the growth of local enterprises, saying businesses require a conducive environment to expand, employ more people and contribute to county revenues.

His visit to Murang’a County comes as Gachagua continues to strengthen his political activities through the DCP, with the former Deputy President increasingly engaging with leaders and communities in different parts of the country.

The meeting with Governor Kang’ata also placed the two leaders together in discussions around the county’s development agenda, particularly the need to strengthen the local economy and improve opportunities for residents.

Gachagua maintained that strong county leadership can make a significant difference when development programmes are designed around the needs and economic potential of local communities.

He urged county administrations to continue investing in initiatives that support farmers, entrepreneurs and businesses while creating jobs and improving living standards.

The former Deputy President said Murang’a’s experience provides an example of how devolved units can leverage local resources, agriculture and value addition to build stronger and more resilient county economies.

The visit is expected to further fuel discussions on the role of county governments in driving economic transformation and the importance of political leadership in delivering development at the grassroots.