By Arnold Ageta
Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo has officially commissioned the UjiAfya Masomo Bora and Digital Learning programmes at Riomoro Primary School’s ECDE Centre, marking a significant milestone in the county’s investment in early childhood education.
The launch was part of an extensive development tour of Manga Sub-County, where the Governor initiated several projects aimed at boosting education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Revolutionizing ECDE Nutrition and Tech
Speaking at Riomoro, Governor Nyaribo noted that the UjiAfya Programme, launched in 2025 in partnership with the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), has already seen immense success.
“Every learner in our ECDE centers across the county is now benefiting from this free porridge program,” Nyaribo stated.
“The fortified cup of Uji addresses the nutritional needs of our children, supporting cognitive development and encouraging school attendance.”
Dr. Kelvin Khisa, Acting Director General of KIRDI, confirmed that the flour composed of a blend of finger millet, maize, and soya beans is fully approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
Since its inception last year, the program has been credited with a notable rise in enrollment and pupil retention.
Parallel to the nutrition drive, the Governor launched the Digital Learning Programme. The initiative currently covers 210 ECDE centers, aiming to provide a tech-driven foundation for over 30,000 learners.
Revitalizing the Coffee Sector
In a bid to restore Nyamira’s status as a coffee-producing county, Governor Nyaribo distributed 10,000 free coffee seedlings to farmers in Kemera Ward.
The county has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union (New KPCU PLC) to supply a total of 600,000 seedlings countywide.
“Nyamira’s highlands are perfectly suited for coffee. We are boosting the sector through the provision of high-quality seedlings and better market linkages,” the Governor added, noting that Kemera Ward currently leads the county in coffee production.
Infrastructure and Accessibility
To wrap up the tour, the Governor commissioned the upgrading of the 3KM Omogonchoro – Nyachichi – Kiendege Road to murram standard.
“Our commitment is to ensure no region is left behind. By improving the road network across Nyamira, we are easing the movement of people, goods, and services, which is the backbone of our local economy,” Nyaribo said.
The governor also commissioned a newly constructed 16-bed capacity ward at Kiangoso Level 3 Hospital in Kemera Ward.
The expansion aims to scale up inpatient services and ease the burden on sub-county referral facilities by ensuring quality, accessible medical care at the grassroots level.
