In the heart of a town in Murang’a, the air is filled with the sounds of bustling activities, with vendors calling out passers-by and the occasional honk of buses weaving through the crowd.
Businesspeople expertly balance baskets of tomatoes and fragrant spices on their heads. But this sight is disrupted by a convoy belonging to Governor Irungu Kang’ata.
Kang’ata, who is a charismatic figure known for his community initiatives, makes his way through the crowd, greeted by enthusiastic cheers and waves. On this particular day, the governor is on a tour to distribute fertilisers and maize seeds to the farmers and villagers, who were waiting for his presence.
As he steps from his vehicle, the residents gather around, eager to receive the goodies arriving in huge trucks and also to hear what his plans are to make Murang’a a better county. Shaking hands and smiling at the crowd, the governor says the progress in the county is not defined by a 9-5 pm weekly schedule.
“I have been doing this for a while and enjoy seeing my people happy at all times,” the governor says.
EMPOWERING FARMERS
One of the residents who received the seedlings and fertilisers jumps up and down, talking to other residents. “I am a 75-year-old man, born and raised here. I am happy to receive fertiliser and maize seeds from our governor. We pray that he continues with the great work,” the resident Francis Kimani says.
Another resident said, “We are happy with what the governor is doing and we pray that God continues to keep him alive.” Maragua MCA Pauline Muchiri, who had accompanied the governor, said the county launched the project of distributing fertiliser and maize seeds to all residents.
It was one of the first programmes to be approved in the county assembly. “This programme was initiated to empower men and women in the county. If everything goes well with farming, we are going to get the buyers,” she says.
“And we will have a ready market and we are proud of our governor.” The governor paused to exchange a few words with the residents, saying he needs to be at Gatitu Dispensary in no time to distribute more fertiliser and maize seeds.
“Today, we were distributing certified maize seeds and fertiliser to about 70,000 farmers, consisting of 57,000 registered and 13,000 unregistered farmers, to boost food security in our county,” he said.
Through the Mkulima Subsidy Programme, farmers get a chance to redeem foodstuffs and farm inputs at selected outlets in the county. The programme benefits mango and dairy farmers.
MAN ON A MISSION
The governor begins his day at about 6 am and works until around 8 pm. His personal assistant helps him schedule events for the day.
“When I wake up, the first thing I do is check my phone for updates. I hit the shower, have breakfast and make my way to Murang’a town,” he says.
Kang’ata says he has a diary that contains all the projects and plans for the day, adding that it keeps him up to speed with where and what he needs to do at a specific time. “The diary is usually planned on Friday, with details about the meetings I need to attend, mainly departmental meetings,” he says.
“There are usually three meetings per day. The diary outlines the time I am scheduled to attend education, land and agriculture meetings.” The governor attributes his hard work to the praise he receives from residents.
“My success is an indication that Murang’a residents are getting the services they deserve. I do not sit alone and make decisions. I inquire from other sectors, experts and also from the committees,” he says.
The stakeholder meetings and consultations are the key to achieving the mission of the county, he says.
“These people can text and call whenever they have something that needs to be discussed,” Kang’ata says. The governor spends most of his time in the office, planning how he will execute projects on the field. “We have schedules. Like for the past one month, we have been on the ground, meeting the people and distributing maize and fertiliser to the wards around the county,” he said.
In this chaotic environment, Kang’ata says he has also uplifted the lives of the people of Murang’a with the ‘Kanga’ata care’. Under the medical insurance cover, the governor says about 160,000 households in the county to get free medical services.
The deal, entered in 2022 between the devolved unit and the then NHIF (now Social Health Authority), ensures needy people access quality healthcare in local facilities.
The cover provides free inpatient and outpatient services, dental and optical services. Beneficiaries also get ‘last expense’ insurance that provides Sh50,000 to their families if their parents die or Sh100,000 if they lose a member of their nuclear family.
In 2024, Kang’ata was ranked among the top-performing governors in terms of development in their counties. The county boss has further implemented the maize seeds and fertiliser programme, where thousands of farmers benefit during the planting season.
Through the Uji Feeding programme, about 42,000 ECD learners in schools get free uji, boosting their health and concentration. Murang’a has also implemented a programme that helps those who cannot afford education go to school. Kang’ata said his success is mainly due to executing these programmes.
He said Africa has lagged behind and leaders must consider all avenues to help it develop. “Those of us who are in government have a moral duty to work very hard for the betterment of the people. We have only this life to live and it is our duty to ensure that poverty is a thing of the past. We have been elected to serve them. We are not 100 per cent but we make our little contribution for the betterment of our country,” he said.
To maintain a solid relationship with other leaders from around and outside the county, Governor Kang’ata attends their events and meetings.
LEADERSHIP AND FAMILY
The governor has moved step by step in leadership to become the county boss. He has served as a one-term MCA representing Central Ward in Murang’a town, then Kiharu MP and then served in the Senate.
Born and raised in Muranga, Kang’ata attended Murang’a Township Primary School (now Vidhu Ramji Primary School) between 1986 and 1993.
He was admitted to Thika High School in 1994, where in 1997, he qualified for admission to the University of Nairobi for a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
The governor is a law graduate from the University of Nairobi and runs a law firm, Irungu Kang’ata & Co Advocates. Kang’ata draws his inspiration from his two late brothers, one of whom he says was the bright child at their home.
He said his brother’s death hit him hard because he did not live to fulfil what he admired most in him. Kang’ata vowed to do everything possible to be successful and as bright as his late brother.
“He died while I was in Form 2. He was very good in books. He was the only person who had gone to the university. I pray that one day I will be as bright as him,” the county chief said.
Kang’ata said the death of his brothers inspired him to help people, especially those who are sick. The father of four children narrated how he makes time for his family despite a busy schedule during the week.
“I spend time with them in the house every day in the evening. On weekends, I also prioritise time with them,” he said.
“Despite my busy schedule, I always strive to be with them.” The governor said his involvement in politics has impacted his family in terms of the need to balance time, their interests and those of his job. Kang’ata turns to prayers in dealing with personal and political challenges.
His motivation is to change the country and Africa at large, the governor said. During his free time, Kanga’ata listens to gospel and reggae music, where he gets inspired to work hard.
Christina Shusho and Ben Githae are among musicians who top the list of the governor’s favourite musicians.
For the reggae genre, Kang’ata resonates more with Peter Tosh, Grams Morgan and Bob Marley. “I will not give up until Africans are free”, an excerpt from reggae musician Peter Tosh, inspires him with the message of justice, equity and righteousness.
He often cooks fish, which is his
favourite meal, and reads books on
politics and the economy.