The Kenya Democratic Health Survey (KDHS)-2022 has revealed that over 31% of women in Nakuru County aged 15–49 have experienced physical, sexual, and emotional violence from their spouses. The report revealed that 24% of women in Nakuru have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, while 14% have also experienced sexual violence. The county commissioner, Mr. Leyford Kibaara, raised concern over the rising cases of teenage pregnancies and the growing number of new HIV infections, stating that the vulnerability of the girl child continues unabated. The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) report reveals that at least 41% of all new HIV infections in Kenya occur among adolescents and young people aged between 15 and 24 years. In 2022, 260,734 adolescent pregnancies were reported in Kenya, with 13% of all pregnancies being girls aged between 10 and 14 years. The report presented new indicators not collected in previous KDHS surveys, such as early childhood development, health expenditures, and information on chronic diseases.
Nyandarua County is set to build its largest ever County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP), aiming to address the country’s poor agricultural status. Governor Kiarie Badilisha cited the county’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture and lack of value addition as reasons for the poor ranking. The CAIP will begin its execution after finalizing legal instruments. The county is also accelerating an Artificial Insemination programme to improve milk production. Nyandarua County Commissioner Mohamed Barre reassured residents of security during Christmas and New Year festivities and urged moderate drinking.
Marsabit County Commissioner Nobert Komora has warned about an increase in HIV/AIDS infections despite efforts to control the issue. He called on parents to advise their children against premature sexual activities and teenage pregnancies, and reminded them that female genital mutilation is illegal. Plans to reconstitute Kenya police reservists (KPR) in the county are being finalized, but the plan may fail if local Morans continue to engage in banditry activities, especially livestock theft. Komora praised the good relations between the two levels of government in the county and called on security organs to guard the restored peace and harmony. Governor Ali emphasized the need for result-oriented efforts on climate change mitigation to make communities resilient and food secure, pointing out that persistent droughts have reduced pastureland in Marsabit County by 800,000 hectares in the past four decades.
The government has raised concerns about the widespread use of fake miraa and muguka chemicals in Embu, Meru, and Kirinyaga counties, where cash crops are primarily grown. Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuo warned farmers against using unknown pesticides, citing the risk of harmful toxins. Measures have been put in place to educate farmers on safe pesticide use and ecological and health risks. On the other hand, the manufacture and sale of counterfeit liquor are still prevalent in certain parts of the county, particularly in Mbeere South and North Sub-counties. Obuo announced a crackdown on illegal manufacturing plants and outlets, warning of severe legal consequences for those involved. Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo announced plans to close all bars in villages to curb excessive alcohol consumption and advised those intending to continue their business to seek premises in larger towns.
Makueni County Acting County Commissioner Moses Gicharu has warned residents against engaging land brokers in land transactions, as they are taking advantage of residents by selling parcels of land multiple times. Gicharu stated that there is no need for land brokers in land transactions, and that anyone can apply for a land administrator to facilitate land succession. He also assured residents of security during and after festive seasons. Gicharu stressed that anyone can apply for a land administrator and that no one should hold the family hostage.