News Categories: GPS

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.

Kabiyet – In a landmark event that marks a new dawn for the dairy sector in Nandi County, the Technical Commissioning of the Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) Milk Production line at the Kabiyet Milk Processing Plant was successfully conducted earlier today. This milestone is a testament to H.E Governor Stephen Sang’s unwavering commitment to transforming the agricultural economy of Nandi, as pledged under his TransformativeAgenda.

The UHT milk production line is set to revolutionize dairy farming in the region by extending the shelf life of milk, reducing post-harvest losses, and opening up new markets for local farmers. This development aligns perfectly with the governor’s vision of value addition, job creation, and economic empowerment for the great people of Nandi.

Present during the commissioning was the Area MCA, Leader Of Majority Hon. Walter Teno, who lauded the project as a game-changer for local dairy farmers. Also in attendance were the Nandi County Technical Team and Directors of the Nandi Dairy Cooperative Union (NDCU), who expressed optimism about the plant’s potential to boost incomes and strengthen the dairy value chain.

A Promise Delivered

Governor Sang has consistently emphasized the need to modernize agriculture and leverage technology to uplift farmers. Today’s achievement is a clear confirmation of his pledge to industrialize Nandi County and ensure that farmers reap maximum benefits from their produce.

With the UHT line now operational, Nandi is poised to become a leading milk producer in the region, supplying high-quality, long-life milk to both local and international markets. This move is expected to attract investors, create jobs, and enhance food security, further solidifying Nandi’s reputation as the “Dairy Hub of Kenya.”

Winchit – The Transformation Continues

As the county celebrates this milestone, residents have reaffirmed their support for Governor Sang’s leadership, confident that his transformative agenda will continue to deliver tangible results. The journey towards a prosperous, self-reliant Nandi is well underway, and today’s commissioning is proof that #Winchit is more than just a slogan – it’s a reality in motion.

Long Live Nandi County!

Long Live Governor Stephen Sang’s Vision!

#TransformativeAgenda #Winchit #DairyRevolution #GovernorSangDelivers

The maternity ward of Kapsabet County Referral Hospital, the rhythm of life is constant — the cries of newborns, the steady pace of footsteps, and the calm, steady presence of nurses who serve as lifelines to mothers and babies alike. Their resilience is unmatched — remaining composed in emergencies, compassionate in loss, and tireless even after long shifts. These nurses embody strength, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to care.

These nurses, working long hours under intense pressure, are the unsung heroes of Nandi County’s health system. From managing complicated deliveries to providing emotional support to families, they carry the immense responsibility of bringing new life safely into the world — all while maintaining professionalism, empathy, and grace.

“There are days we don’t rest or even eat, but the joy of helping a mother through delivery keeps us going,” shared one nurse. “We do this out of passion and commitment.”

During the recent Nurses Week celebrations in Kapsabet, the County Government of Nandi recognized the dedication of these frontline workers under the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future.” The event echoed the global call to invest in nurses as a key pillar of resilient healthcare systems.

The celebration was graced by Dr. Lydia Kosgei, Deputy County Secretary, as the Chief Guest. In attendance were key leaders including Dr. Angeline Kirui – CECM for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Philemon Bureti – CECM for Administration, Public Service and ICT, Frederick Kiptum – Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Christine Jebet – County Director for Health, and Eric Rotich – County Nursing Officer. Also present were representatives from the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) and Midwives Welfare Association of Kenya (MWAK).

Dr. Angeline Kirui applauded nurses for their tireless service and reaffirmed the county’s dedication to strengthening healthcare. “Nurses are the backbone of our health system. Their work deserves more than just praise — it demands investment and support,” she said.

Chief Officer Frederick Kiptum emphasized the county’s efforts to ensure fair promotions, timely remuneration, and conducive working environments for all nurses, especially those serving in critical departments like maternity.

Deputy County Secretary Dr. Lydia Kosgei highlighted the increased budget allocation to the health sector under Governor Stephen Sang’s leadership. These reforms are aimed at improving health infrastructure, staffing, and service delivery across the county.

The event also provided a platform for nurses to share their experiences, challenges, and hopes. They called for better staffing, adequate tools, and more opportunities for professional growth — needs that, if addressed, would significantly improve maternal and newborn care.

As Nandi County honors its healthcare workforce, one truth stands clear: nurses are not just caregivers — they are the silent strength of our health system. Their hands welcome life, their presence comforts pain, and their commitment keeps hope alive for countless families.

Nandi governor Stephen Sang has urged athletes to run clean and avoid using drugs to enhance their performance.

Speaking during the launch of the 2nd Edition of the Kapsabet Half Marathon at Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex in Kapsabet, governor Sang said that doping is still a challenge in Kenya and it needs to be addressed.

He thanked Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) church for reaching out to the young people and for coming up with an idea of supporting and nurturing talents in the region. He said that doping is a moral issue and asked the church leaders to step in and help in fighting the menace.

The county boss said that all the stakeholders should protect the integrity of sports especially athletics which is a God-given talent.

Governor Sang added that his administration has put in place many programmes to support athletes and other sports personalities in Nandi including the construction of facilities like Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex in Emgwen Sub- County.

The 1st edition of Kapsabet Half Marathon was held in March 2024 and Amos Kiplagat won the 21KM men’s race with a time of 1:02:48 while Marion Kibor won the women’s race taking home Ksh. 250,000 each.

The 2nd edition will be held on 21 April and athletes has been asked to start registering now in order to participate in this year’s event.

The race starts at Nandi Bears Club in Nandi hills town and ends at Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex in Kapsabet.

The categories include 21KM,10KM and 5KM fun race.

The event targets to conserve the environment and market Nandi as a tourist attraction site. Nandi is the source of champions and it is home to many renowned athletes.

2024 London Marathon World Record holder Peris Chepchirchir and 2022 London Marathon gold medalist Amos Kipruto are the race ambassadors. Both are residents of Nandi.

As the sun cast its golden glow over Nandi County, Teresa Jepkemboi, a 42-year-old widow from Aldai, clutched a bag of foodstuffs to her chest, her eyes brimming with tears—not of sorrow, but of relief. For the past few weeks, she had struggled to put meals on the table for her four children. for the first time in a long while, she felt a weight lifted off her shoulders.

“This food means everything to me,” she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. “There have been days when I sent my children to bed hungry, praying that tomorrow would be different. Today, that prayer has been answered.”

Teresa is one of the 3,000 widows benefiting from a major food distribution initiative spearheaded by the Nandi County Government in partnership with the Office of the Women’s Rights Advisor under the Executive Office of the President. The program, led by Dr. Harriette Chiggai, aims to support widows facing economic hardship across the county.

Life for widows in rural Kenya is often marred by hardship. Many, like Teresa, lost their husbands unexpectedly and were left to fend for their families alone. With limited job opportunities and little to no financial support, survival becomes a daily battle.

“When my husband died five years ago, I had no savings, no land title in my name, and no source of income,” she recalls. “I used to depend on casual jobs, but they are not easy to come by. Sometimes, I wake up and spend the entire day looking for work, only to return home with nothing.”

Despite these challenges, Teresa remains resilient. She has been farming small patches of land, growing maize and vegetables to feed her children. But with the rising cost of living and unpredictable weather patterns, her harvests have often been too meagre to sustain them.

Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony, Nandi Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting widows and other vulnerable groups.

“We recognize the critical role that widows play in our society, yet they often face immense struggles,” Dr. Mitei stated. “This food donation is a show of our commitment to ensuring that no widow in Nandi County goes hungry. But beyond today, we are working to create long-term solutions that empower them economically.”

She further emphasized the importance of collaboration, thanking Dr. Chiggai and her office for their support in making the initiative a reality.

“We are grateful to the Office of the Women’s Rights Advisor for partnering with us on this noble cause. Together, we can uplift widows, give them a voice, and open opportunities for financial independence,” she added.

Deputy County Commissioner Alfet Jillo echoed similar sentiments, noting that the initiative was a demonstration of how government partnerships can effectively address social challenges.

While food assistance is a crucial intervention, widows in Nandi County need more sustainable support. Many have called for initiatives that provide financial training, access to credit, and job opportunities to help them become self-reliant.

As Teresa walked home with her bag of food, her heart felt lighter. For the first time in months, she wouldn’t have to worry about what her children would eat that night.

“I know life is still hard,” she admitted, “but today, I feel seen. I feel cared for. And that gives me hope for tomorrow.”

Nandi County today marked a major milestone in its coffee sector with the closure of the TRACE Kenya Project, an initiative implemented by Solidaridad East and Central Africa that has transformed smallholder coffee farming through sustainability and climate resilience. The event, attended by key stakeholders, celebrated a historic achievement – Africa’s first-ever carbon credit payments to smallholder farmers, positioning Kenya at the forefront of sustainable coffee production.

Among the notable achievements of TRACE Kenya is the progress of Kibukwo Farmers’ Cooperative Society and Oasis Koiyet Farmers’ Cooperative Society, who have successfully undergone a rigorous audit process and are now on track for organic certification. This marks a landmark moment for Nandi’s coffee sector, reinforcing its commitment to producing high-quality, organic, and specialty coffee.

Beyond Nandi, the TRACE Kenya project has had a far-reaching impact across the country, benefitting farmers in Kericho, Bungoma, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, and other counties. Solidaridad’s collaboration with Nandi County has also extended beyond coffee to include initiatives in dairy farming, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture—efforts that continue to empower farmers and provide access to premium markets.

To build on these successes, Nandi County has federated over 90 primary coffee cooperatives under the newly formed Nandi Coffee Cooperative Union, which will oversee coffee milling. In addition, the Nandi Coffee Brokerage Company Ltd has been established to ensure that farmers get the best prices at auction. A farmer-owned coffee mill has also been launched, dedicated to supporting cooperative farmers. Notably, women are being integrated into leadership roles across the coffee value chain through the Association of Women in Coffee, ensuring inclusivity and equity in the sector.

Looking ahead, Nandi County is moving forward with the Nandi Escarpment Geographical Indication (GI) roadmap, a strategic initiative that will establish a globally recognized single-origin, organic coffee brand from Nandi. This move is expected to elevate local coffee to international markets, enhancing its competitiveness and premium pricing.

To reaffirm its commitment to a thriving coffee sector, the County Government of Nandi renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Solidaridad, ensuring continued collaboration in strengthening the county’s coffee value chain.

Speaking at the event, Governor Stephen Sang called on farmers, cooperatives, private investors, and policymakers to join forces in making Kenyan coffee a global leader in organic and specialty markets.

“The future of Kenyan coffee is here, and Nandi is proud to lead the way!” he affirmed