Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku marked 10 years in office on September 26, 2026, and defended his administration's record, highlighting significant improvements in various sectors. Speaking at Ildamat Stadium in Kajiado town, Lenku cited enhanced healthcare, education, water access, roads, and land reforms as key achievements. He acknowledged that several challenges remained unresolved but expressed satisfaction with the progress made. Lenku's administration has implemented various initiatives aimed at transforming the county.
In the healthcare sector, Lenku reported notable progress, including an increase in health facilities from 182 in 2017 to 298. The number of healthcare workers has also risen from approximately 1,140 to 2,014. Additionally, the county has progressed from having two district hospitals to one Level Five Teaching and Referral Hospital and eight Level Four hospitals. Lenku stated that the county has mobilized around Sh3 billion in healthcare partnerships and investments, while the number of Community Health Promoters has increased from 785 to 2,086.
Lenku's administration has also made significant strides in education. The number of Early Childhood Development teachers has increased from 480 to 1,500, while the county's average secondary school mean score improved from 2.8 in 2022 to 4.0 in 2025. The county bursary allocation has grown from Sh40 million in 2017 to Sh300 million in the current financial year, benefiting around 12,000 students. Lenku emphasized that education remains a top priority, and the county has established seven vocational training centers, up from two when he took office.
The governor also highlighted land reforms as a major achievement, with 43,942 plots validated in 52 urban centers and 39,837 allotment letters issued. A public land inventory has been established, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms have been introduced to address land conflicts. Lenku stated that land in Kajiado must become a source of security, dignity, investment, and shared prosperity, rather than a source of conflict and uncertainty.
Lenku reported that water access has increased from 35% in 2017 to 55%, with 150 boreholes drilled and equipped and another 250 rehabilitated and solarized. The county has also made significant improvements to its road network, opening and grading over 1,920 kilometers of roads and graveling nearly 1,192 kilometers. These developments have enhanced the county's infrastructure and improved the quality of life for its residents.
Despite these achievements, Lenku acknowledged that several challenges remain. He identified the establishment of a university, strengthening the Maa economic bloc, protecting devolution, addressing the Magadi situation, and managing the Amboseli transition as key issues that require attention. Lenku emphasized that his administration's journey is far from over and that the focus must now be on building upon the foundation laid.
Lenku concluded by stating that his administration's scorecard is not the end of their journey but rather a foundation for future progress. He expressed his commitment to continuing to work towards the betterment of Kajiado County and its residents. The governor's address was a clear indication of his administration's efforts to showcase its achievements and commitment to the county's development.
Key points
- Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku marks 10 years in office, defending his record on healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
- Lenku's administration has made significant strides in healthcare, education, and land reforms.
- Despite challenges, Lenku remains committed to the county's development and progress.