Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika makes first public appearance after maternity leave in the U.S.

The visibly jovial governor attended a function in Turi, Molo, to launch pyrethrum seedlings and participate in a field day event.

The occasion was graced by several dignitaries, including Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, and Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Paul Rono.

Governor Kihika outlined her administration’s agenda, highlighting the revival of pyrethrum farming in the county. She expressed her ambition to increase the land under pyrethrum cultivation from the current 3,384 acres to 30,000 acres across 8 of the 11 sub-counties in Nakuru County.

She noted that, to date, her administration had distributed over 51 million pyrethrum seedlings to about 9,000 farmers, covering an estimated 2,500 acres.

Using the platform to reconnect with her electorate, Governor Kihika touched on several areas of development achieved during her tenure.

She emphasized improvements in maternal health, noting that lactating mothers like herself are now accessing better health facilities. She also mentioned notable progress in road infrastructure across the county.

Since her return, Kihika has maintained a low profile, meeting with members of her County Executive Committee to catch up on developments during her absence and to align priorities in the county’s budget-making process as the financial year nears its end.

However, she assured attendees that they would be seeing more of her moving forward, as she races to implement the promises outlined in her campaign manifesto.

During the event, Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe announced a ban on 50 harmful pesticides, citing their risk to human health. He also emphasized the need for farmers to actively participate in reviving the once-thriving pyrethrum industry, which has seen a significant decline over the years.