Author: Kiambu Observer

Introduction: The Power of a Well-Run Nursery This guide offers a comprehensive roadmap for smallholder farmers to establish and manage a successful tree nursery, drawing inspiration from proven practices in Kenya, as supported by the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF). Designed with a pro-poor, resource-efficient, and women-friendly approach, this guide emphasizes practical techniques to maximize seedling survival rates. Poor timing, inadequate technical knowledge, and improper care often result in low survival rates for planted trees. By following these steps, farmers can create nurseries that produce healthy, robust seedlings for personal use or market sale. Phase 1: Laying the Foundation A. Selecting…

Word spread fast through Kiambu’s bustling Cleanshelf area when residents spotted a woman they believed was part of a notorious gang preying on unsuspecting people. Videos circulating online show a crowd restraining her on the ground, her hands bound, as voices accuse her of blowing a powdery drug into faces to make victims compliant. She pleads for mercy, promising to name her accomplices if they don’t harm her, while onlookers demand she reveal where the stolen goods are stashed. The substance in question is scopolamine, street-named “Devil’s Breath,” a plant-derived chemical that wipes out willpower and memory, turning people into…

The Auditor-General’s adverse opinion for Kiambu Constituency’s National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) for the financial year ending June 30, 2024, highlights significant and widespread misstatements in financial records, a downgrade from the qualified opinion of 2022-2023. The total questionable spending, including unsupported expenditures, irregular procurements, and unverified assets, amounts to approximately KSh 122 million, based on audit findings. The audit identified multiple issues. Bursary disbursements totaling KSh 21 million were problematic, with KSh 17.8 million lacking documentation like acknowledgement letters, KSh 1.2 million awarded to tertiary students without admission numbers, and KSh 2.2 million misclassified (tertiary funds recorded as…

In a post that has already drawn thousands of views and shares on X, former Senior Advisor to President William Ruto, Moses Kuria, made a strong statement about Kiambu’s political direction. “Let me state categorically that Kiambu will always be part of Mt Kenya. And not an isolated Mt Kenya but one that will be a proud part and parcel of our wonderful nation, Kenya,” he wrote from his verified account @HonMoses_Kuria. He went on to declare that the region’s estimated six million voters would cast all their votes together in 2027 without demanding the presidency, the deputy slot, or…

In a concerted effort to combat the growing menace of illicit drugs in Kiambu County, police officers from Ikinu Police Station, working alongside National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), executed a successful raid in Githunguri on July 24, 2025. The operation, part of a broader nationwide crackdown on illegal substances, resulted in the recovery of an unspecified quantity of illicit drugs, marking a significant step in addressing drug-related challenges in the area. The raid comes amid heightened concerns over drug abuse in Kiambu County, particularly in Githunguri, where substances like cannabis (bhang) and illicit brews such as chang’aa have been linked…

Oliver Musembi Governments, media and nutritionists should work together in promoting best practices while addressing African children’s nutrition. Experts are concerned that millions of young children in the continent are faced with malnutrition, a challenge that needs to be addressed urgently and conclusively. According to the Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) Director for Policy Advocacy and Communications Francis Hale, pointed the media has overlooked crucial subjects like nutrition and agriculture. “Journalists working closely with governments and stakeholders can play an important role in influencing policy on agriculture and nutrition, particularly for young children,” Hale said. He…

On July 15, 2025, the Kenyan entertainment scene was rocked by the unexpected death of Zakaria Kariuki, popularly known as Mr. KK Mwenyewe. He passed away at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital after a brief illness. The 22-year-old comedian, celebrated for his uncanny impersonations of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, had amassed over 1.1 million TikTok followers and 412,000 on Facebook with his humorous skits. His death, announced by close friend and fellow content creator Kafengo, sparked an outpouring of grief across social media, highlighting his impact on Kenya’s growing digital content creation industry. Zakaria Kariuki hailed from Lari, Kiambu County,…

On the evening of July 7, 2025, Bridget Njoki Wainaina, a 12-year-old Grade Seven pupil, sat in the living room of her family’s modest home in Kiriguini, Ndumberi, a village in Kiambu County. It was around 6:20 p.m., and she was watching television, a routine activity for the bright, hardworking girl who had stayed home from school due to escalating tensions from the Saba Saba protests. Her mother, Lucy Ngugi, was nearby, unaware that a tragedy was about to unfold. Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the house, followed by chaos. A stray bullet, allegedly fired by police during clashes…

KIAMBU, July 2, 2025 – Across the lush green landscapes of Kiambu County, a vibrant fitness movement is taking root. From the rolling hills of Gatundu to the bustling streets of Thika, residents are ditching indoor gyms for the fresh air and camaraderie of outdoor wellness groups. This lifestyle shift, fueled by a growing emphasis on health and community, is transforming how Kiambu’s residents stay active. “Every weekend, the grounds near Karura Forest in Kiambu come alive with joggers, yoga enthusiasts, and cycling groups. ‘It’s not just about exercise,’ says Jane Wambui, a 32-year-old teacher from Ruiru who leads a…

Kiambu County is witnessing rapid transformation through major infrastructure investments, agricultural support, and innovative business ventures. As these developments unfold, they bring both opportunities and challenges to the region’s economic landscape. Kiambu Road Upgrade to Dual CarriagewayKenya has secured a KSh 37.2 billion ($286.1 million) loan from China to upgrade Kiambu Road into a dual carriageway. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve access to businesses along the route. While it promises to boost trade and connectivity, looming evictions of residents and businesses pose short-term disruptions. TOP KING SERVICE CENTER Launching on Kiambu RoadA new venture, TOP KING…