News Categories: Executive

Nandi County has been honored with the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Local Program Award for Excellence in Access to Information during the 2025 OGP Global Summit held in Spain, recognizing its outstanding commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.

Under the visionary leadership of Governor Stephen Sang, Nandi County has advanced open governance and inclusive development, earning global acclaim. The award ceremony was attended by His Majesty King Filipe VI, who pledged continued support for the OGP Movement worldwide. Senior county officials present included H.E. Dr. Yullita Cheruiyot Mitei, Deputy Governor; Dr. Francis Sang, County Secretary; Mr. Jonathan Misoi, Chief Officer for Administration, Public Service, and ICT; Mr. Japheth Tirop, Head of Supply Chain Management and Commitment Lead on Open Contracting; and Mr. Robert Kirui, ICT Administrator – all instrumental in advancing Nandi’s open government agenda.

Key achievements highlighted include the Equitable Ward Development Fund Act of 2023, mandating that 50% of development funds are allocated through participatory ward-level planning. In collaboration with the National Taxpayers Association, Nandi has implemented civic education programs and produced accessible versions of the Act, including an upcoming Kiswahili edition to broaden information access.

Further partnerships with organizations such as Mzalendo Trust have enhanced public engagement and accountability. Notable initiatives like the County Information Portal, multilingual communications, open data sharing, and the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program – which reserves 30% of procurement for women, youth, and persons with disabilities – underscore Nandi’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency.

H. E Governor Stephen Sang emphasized the county’s vision, stating, “Our goal is to ensure that every resident – from remote villages to town centers – can access and use public information. Open government is about dignity, inclusion, and shared progress.”

The award positions Nandi County as a leading model of transparent, inclusive, and citizen-centered governance, setting a high standard for local governments across Africa and beyond.

Nandi County Governor H.E. Stephen Sang has been elected as the Chairperson of the Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Committee at the Council of Governors (CoG).

The committee plays a critical role in strengthening partnerships with development agencies, mobilizing resources for counties, and supporting sustainable financing mechanisms to accelerate development across devolved units.

Governor Sang expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for the confidence and trust they have placed in him to lead the committee. He reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with fellow governors, development partners, and key stakeholders to advance the goals of devolution.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as Chairperson of this important committee,” said Governor Sang. “I look forward to working closely with all our development partners, fellow committee chairs, and members of the Council as we continue to advance our shared vision and strengthen devolution across the country.”

Governor Sang emphasized that effective resource mobilization and strong partnerships are key to ensuring that counties deliver quality services, improve livelihoods, and foster inclusive growth.

In his remarks, Governor Sang also extended his congratulations to H.E. FCPA Ahmed Abdullahi, Governor of Wajir County, on his re-election for a second term as Chairperson of the Council of Governors, H.E. Dr. Mutahi Kahika, Governor of Nyeri County, on his re-election as Vice Chairperson, and H.E. Muthomi Njuki, Governor of Tharaka Nithi County, on his unopposed election as the new Whip of the Council.

He wished the new leadership, committee chairs, and all members of the Council continued success as they work together to strengthen devolution and enhance service delivery to the people of Kenya.

Nandi County’s delegation has left for Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, to participate in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit 2025, taking place from October 5th to 12th. The team will represent Nandi as a proud key member of the OGP Local initiative.

Nandi County continues to gain global recognition for its leadership in promoting transparency, public participation, and civic engagement in governance. Through its commitments under the OGP framework, the county has made notable strides in areas such as Public Participation, Open Contracting, and Access to Information.

The county’s efforts have earned international accolades, including the prestigious Access to Information Award received at the 2023 OGP Global Summit in Tallinn, Estonia. This award highlights Nandi’s dedication to making governance more open and inclusive.

Locally and internationally, Nandi County is celebrated for its inclusive governance model that centers citizens in every decision-making process. This year’s summit presents an opportunity for the team to share their success story, exchange knowledge with global counterparts, and build partnerships to further enhance open governance and innovation at the local government level.

As Team Nandi flies the Kenyan flag at the summit, they reaffirm that open government empowered by citizen participation is a powerful force for change. The county wishes the delegation a successful and impactful experience in Spain. #OGP2025 #spain #teamnandi #continuedtrasformation

The County Government of Nandi is relentlessly advancing its ambitious mission to revolutionize the healthcare landscape, marking a new chapter in its commitment to superior medical services for all residents.

In a powerful demonstration of hands-on leadership, Governor Stephen Sang yesterday conducted an inspection tour of the rapidly progressing construction of a new Outpatient Unit at Kobujoi Health Centre in Aldai Sub County. This project is a cornerstone of the county’s broader strategy to dismantle barriers to quality healthcare.

The modern facility is poised to be a game-changer for the community. Upon completion, it will dramatically decongest existing ward and nearby facilities, streamline patient flow for greater efficiency, and, most importantly, deliver specialized medical care directly to the doorsteps of locals. This targeted upgrade is expected to profoundly benefit vulnerable groups, including mothers seeking maternal care, children, and the elderly.

Speaking at the site, Governor Sang reinforced his administration’s unwavering focus on health. “This is not just about building structures; it is about building a healthier future for every citizen of Nandi,” he stated. “Our investment in robust healthcare infrastructure is the very foundation upon which we will achieve universal health coverage, ensuring that quality medical services are a guaranteed right for all, not a privilege for a few.”

This development at Kobujoi Health Centre is a vivid testament to the county government’s proactive and transformative agenda, solidifying its pledge to elevate the well-being and prosperity of Nandi residents through a world-class health sector.

For Nancy, a Form Three student at a girls’ secondary school in Nandi, the journey through education has been anything but easy. This term alone, she has faced days of sitting at home, watching her friends head to class while she waited for her parents to scrape together a few hundred shillings for school fees.

Her parents, smallholder farmers, have struggled with poor harvests and rising living costs. For Nancy, this has meant missing out on valuable lessons, falling behind in her coursework, and fearing she might be forced to drop out altogether.

“I want to finish school and become someone who can change my family’s life,” Nancy says with a quiet determination. “But when school fees keep sending me home, it feels like my dream is slipping away.”

This week, hope arrived. Nancy is among the 7,911 students in secondary schools and learners with special needs who will benefit from the County Government’s bursary program. A total of Ksh. 74 million has been disbursed under the first cohort, giving learners like her a lifeline to continue their education.

For Nancy, the bursary means peace of mind. “Now I can sit in class without worrying if tomorrow I’ll be sent home again,” she says, her face finally showing relief. But she also carries a plea – not just for herself, but for thousands of learners across Kenya.

“I call upon the National Government not to halt bursaries but to support them more,” Nancy says firmly. “For many of us, this is the only way we can remain in school and chase our dreams.

Governor Stephen Sang echoed her sentiments, stressing that education must never be disrupted by financial barriers. “As a County, we have done our part to support learners, but this is a shared responsibility. We urge the National Government to strengthen and expand bursary support so that no child is denied the right to education because of fees,” he said during the launch of the program.

For Nancy and thousands of others, bursaries are not just about paying fees they are about protecting dreams, leveling the playing field, and ensuring that every child, regardless of background or ability, has the chance to thrive.

In the quiet, hilly village of Kipsebwo in Nandi County, the story of Mercy Jepkoech is one of courage, hard work, and hope.

For years, Mercy worked as a tea plucker, moving from one farm to the next under the sun and in the rain, just to earn a living. The days were long, the pay was little, but she never gave up on her dream — to one day wear a chef’s coat and cook in a real kitchen.

Today, that dream is finally within reach.

Mercy is one of over 350 students graduating from Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) across Nandi County through the KCB 2jiajiri programme, a partnership between KCB Foundation and the Nandi County Government. She trained in Hospitality at St. Augustine Kipsebwo VTC, where she learned not just how to cook, but how to present food with passion, skill, and confidence.

“When I joined the VTC, I didn’t even know how to hold a kitchen knife properly,” Mercy says with a laugh. “Now I can prepare full-course meals, bake cakes, and even serve in a professional setting. It has changed my life completely.”

The KCB 2jiajiri programme gave her more than just skills. It gave her a second chance — to dream again, to plan a future, and to walk away from casual labor that had trapped her for so long.

As she walks across the graduation stage in her chef’s uniform, Mercy’s smile says it all. She is no longer just a tea plucker. She is now a trained chef, ready to take on the world.

“My dream is to start my own small catering business and maybe one day open a restaurant,” she says. “I want to employ other young people like me who just need someone to believe in them.”

Mercy’s journey is just one among hundreds, but it carries a powerful message: with the right support, skills, and opportunity, young people can transform their lives.

In a landmark moment for sports development in Kenya’s athletics heartland, Nandi County Governor H.E. Stephen Sang stood witness today as the official site for the transformative Kipchoge Keino Stadium was handed over to a contractor, marking the commencement of its highly anticipated construction. This event signifies a monumental stride towards realizing a long-held dream and solidifying Nandi’s global reputation as a cradle of champions.

The ambitious project, now firmly under the capable stewardship of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and The Arts, promises to deliver an ultra-modern sporting complex that meets the highest international standards. Governor Sang, speaking during the event, hailed the handover as “a bold leap forward in our county’s sporting journey,” a journey intrinsically linked to the legendary Kipchoge Keino, whose legacy the stadium proudly bears.

A Beacon of Excellence:

Once completed, the Kipchoge Keino Stadium will be a world-class facility boasting: A modern tartan track compliant with World Athletics standards, A 10,000-spectator seating capacity, State-of-the-art amenities designed to host international competitions and Comprehensive facilities supporting elite athlete training and development.

The 10,000-seater stadium, built to CAF and World Athletics standards, addresses a critical need, providing Nandi’s world-renowned athletes with a much-deserved, top-tier training and competition ground within their own county. Its significance is further amplified by its designation as an official training ground for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, bringing international prestige and opportunity directly to Kapsabet.

Governor Sang, speaking on behalf of the people of Nandi, extended profound gratitude to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, for his pivotal role in actualizing this transformative project. “His commitment to uplifting sports infrastructure across the country continues to inspire hope and unlock the immense potential residing in our youth,” Governor Sang stated.

The official site handover ceremony was led by a high-powered delegation reflecting the project’s national importance. Key figures present included: Dr. Patrick Mariru, Principal Secretary, State Department for Defence, Mr. Elijah Mwangi, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Sports, Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary, State Department for Medical Services, Brigadier Titus Sokobe, Chief of Special Projects, Defence Headquarters, Hon. Rose Angira, CECM for Sports, Hon. Dr. Philemon Bureti, CECM for Administration.

The presence of these senior officials underscored the collaborative effort and national significance attached to delivering this premier facility.

With the site now formally handed over and construction set to begin, the vision of a world-class sporting citadel in Kapsabet moves decisively from blueprint to reality. The Kipchoge Keino Stadium stands poised to become a crucible for future champions, a hub for international events, and an enduring symbol of Nandi County’s unwavering commitment to sporting excellence and progress.

Kabiyet, July 5, 2025 – Nandi County joined the rest of the world in celebrating the 103rd International Day of Cooperatives, also known as Ushirika Day. The event was held at the Nandi Dairy Cooperative Union Milk Processing Plant in Kabiyet, a key project owned by farmers and supported by the County Government.

Governor Stephen Sang led the celebrations and used the opportunity to highlight the progress made through the cooperative movement in Nandi. He said cooperatives remain central to improving the lives of farmers and growing the local economy.

“Cooperatives are not just a model; they are a way of life in Nandi. They are the bridge between individual effort and collective success,” the Governor said.

Since 2017, the County Government has focused on building strong farmer groups through training, revival of dormant cooperatives, and improved access to funding. Today, Nandi has over 400,000 cooperative members, with share capital of more than Ksh 2.35 billion and a turnover of nearly Ksh 2 billion annually.

The Nandi Dairy Milk Plant, valued at Ksh 700 million and capable of processing 200,000 litres daily, is one of the major achievements. With Nandi producing over 190 million litres of milk each year, farmers now have a reliable processing and marketing facility.

Progress Across Other Sectors

Nandi is also investing in other key value chains such as coffee, avocado, poultry, and sheep farming. In coffee, the County has distributed over five million seedlings since 2018 and launched the Nandi Coffee Mill in Tinderet, a Ksh 60 million facility that supports over 90 primary cooperatives.

The County is also working to have Nandi Coffee recognized globally under a Geographical Indication (GI) label. New nursery management and licensing guidelines were launched to ensure farmers receive high-quality, certified seedlings.

In avocado farming, over 40,000 seedlings have been distributed this year. The County has also built an aggregation centre in Nandi Hills and obtained an export license. In poultry, a slaughterhouse in Emgwen is complete, with plans for full operation by year-end.

The Governor also mentioned that Dorper sheep farming is gaining popularity among youth, and a registered breeders’ cooperative is now in place. The goal is to make Nandi a regional hub for quality Dorper genetics.

Empowering SACCOs and Embracing Accountability

Through the new National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), SACCOs are being established in all 30 wards to support farmers with access to credit, inputs, and training. This project builds on the earlier NARIGP initiative.

To improve accountability, the County is enforcing new governance rules for cooperatives, including proper elections, audits, and transparency in operations. Plans are underway to introduce iCoop, a digital system to support cooperative compliance and record-keeping.

Looking Ahead

Governor Sang emphasized the importance of cooperation and trust in building a better future. “When the farmer rises, Nandi rises,” he said, encouraging all farmers to work together and take advantage of opportunities provided by cooperatives.

KAPSABET, Kenya – As the world marked World Environment Day today under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” signs of change though modest are beginning to emerge in Kapsabet’s busy markets. Traders, once heavily reliant on single-use plastics, are slowly rethinking their habits in a quiet but meaningful shift toward sustainability.

Walking through Kapsabet Main Market today, one couldn’t help but notice the subtle but promising changes. A few traders had reused sacks to package goods. Others, like Beatrice Jebet, had arranged her mangoes and avocados in colorful nets, a practice she says helps reduce plastic use while keeping her produce well-aired and visible to customers.

“Some still ask for plastic, but I explain to them that it’s harmful to our environment,” she told me. “A few listen and change. That gives me hope.”

Not every stall has gone green, but conversations about pollution are happening more openly. At a stall selling second-hand clothes, David Kipruto was using a mix of paper and old polythene bags that he collects and reuses.
“There’s no denying plastics make things easier,” he admitted. “But if we keep dumping them everywhere, soon this market will be unbearable.”

Plastic waste has long posed a challenge in Kapsabet’s markets. It’s not uncommon to see plastic bags clogging drainage systems or littering the spaces between stalls. But today, traders and shoppers alike seemed more aware. Some carried reusable bags and woven baskets. Others brought small containers from home for their purchases.

As I moved from one stall to another, it was clear the effort may not yet be perfect, but it’s genuine.

I came across Alice Ngeno, a vegetable trader in Namgoi Market, who had set up a small corner with a sack labeled “Takataka ya Plastiki.”
“We’ve started separating it,” she said. “It’s not much, but we’re trying. If we don’t care for our space, who will?”

There were still traces of plastic scattered here and there, but compared to previous visits, the markets felt a little cleaner, a little more conscious.

As a local communicator and observer, I found today encouraging. It reminded me that change doesn’t always begin with big declarations sometimes, it begins with a conversation at a vegetable stall, a reused bag, or a cleaner walkway.

World Environment Day may be a global event, but in Kapsabet, it’s becoming a local movement one small choice at a time.

During a recent visit to Munich, Germany, a delegation from Nandi County, engaged in high-level discussions and development-focused meetings aimed at fostering strategic partnerships across governance, health, vocational training, and labour mobility. The visit resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the city of Schwabmünchen, setting the stage for meaningful collaborations expected to benefit key sectors in the county.

Twinning Cities for Mutual Growth

A central highlight of the visit was the agreement to twin Schwabmünchen with Kapsabet Municipality. The partnership is designed to encourage the exchange of knowledge, technology, and skills between the two municipalities. The agreement also opens doors for material and technical support to enhance service delivery in Kapsabet.

“We are looking to build not just administrative links, but a long-term exchange of expertise and resources that will elevate the standards in our municipalities,” said one of the lead representatives from Nandi County.

Boosting Emergency and Health Services

Plans are underway for the Schwabmünchen Fire Brigade to provide training and equipment support to Nandi’s disaster management teams. The goal is to strengthen local emergency response systems and preparedness through shared expertise and technical assistance.

In the health sector, the partnership with Wertach Hospital introduces a medical exchange program with Kapsabet County Referral Hospital. Selected medical personnel from Nandi will train and serve in Germany, while German staff will visit Kapsabet to share knowledge and practices. Additionally, this partnership will enable the transfer of medical equipment and introduce modern healthcare technologies to the county.

Labour Mobility: Creating New Opportunities for Youth

The delegation also advanced discussions related to the Kenya-Germany bilateral labour mobility agreement. Meetings with German stakeholders focused on developing practical pathways that would allow Kenyan youth—including those from Nandi—to pursue employment and training opportunities in Germany under structured and secure conditions.

These efforts were strongly supported by the Kenyan diaspora, who shared critical insights on navigating the German labour market and potential areas for quick implementation.

High-Level Engagements and Skills Development

While in Germany, the Nandi County team met with senior officials including Mr. Tobias Gotthardt, Vice Minister for the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Regional Development; Mr. Martin Sailer, Head of County Authority; and mayors Mr. Lorenz Müller (Schwabmünchen) and Mr. Michael Wörle (Gersthofen). They also engaged with the leadership of VBW—the Bavarian Industry Association—opening dialogue with potential investors and collaborators.

A visit to LW School and Vocational Centre provided a firsthand look at Germany’s industry-aligned vocational training approach. This inspired plans for collaboration with Kenyan TVET institutions, with the goal of adopting a similar hands-on model to enhance the quality of technical training back home.

Engaging the Diaspora: A Shared Vision

The mission concluded with a constructive meeting with members of the Kenyan diaspora in Bavaria. Their perspectives helped clarify realistic goals and strengthen the county’s approach to international partnerships. Their support will be vital as Nandi moves to implement quick wins and longer-term initiatives emerging from this visit.

Through these engagements, Nandi County continues to position itself as a proactive and globally connected region, leveraging international relationships to drive local development and open new frontiers for its people.