Tharaka Nithi County: Climate Change Increasing Level of Marginalization
By Ronald Ng’eno
A team from the Commission, led by Commissioner Dr. Isabel Waiyaki, recently met with the Governor of Tharaka Nithi County, H.E. Muthomi Njuki, to discuss the newly-listed marginalized areas in the draft Third Policy and Criteria for Sharing Revenue Among Marginalized Areas.
The team also discussed the allocation of funds from the Equalization Fund to the marginalized areas in the County, based on the Second Policy. During the visit, the team also had the opportunity to tour the Governor’s official residence in Kathwana, Tharaka Nithi.
Governor Njuki highlighted the severe impact of climate change on the level of deprivation in the county. The alternating arid seasons and heavy rainfall have greatly affected the stability of the County. To address the chronic water scarcity issue, Governor Njuki proposed the construction of dams along the Tana River and the establishment of water pans.
Governor Muthomi also expressed his concerns about the incomplete Tharaka Nithi County Headquarters, noting the slow progress of the construction work. Additionally, he mentioned the deteriorating road conditions in some sub-locations, which hindered the transportation of agricultural produce to local markets.
Insights from the meeting with the County Commissioner
The CRA team’s meeting with Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner, Wesley Mabwai, revealed the uneven development in the County, exacerbated by low rainfall leading to food insecurity. Top priorities for the County, as identified by the Commissioner, include improving road infrastructure and enhancing education and healthcare facilities.
CRA Commissioner Dr. Isabel Waiyaki (right) with the Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner Wesley Mabwai
The following are the five marginalised sublocations in Tharaka Nithi County:
| # | Constituency | Ward | Location | Sub Location | Total Population |
| 1 | Tharaka | Mukothima | Kanjoro | Mauthini | 4497 |
| 2 | Tharaka | Gatunga | Kathangachini | Twanthanju | 4537 |
| 3 | Maara | Mwimbi | Kiera | Kathingitu | 708 |
| 4 | Chuka/ Igambang’ombe | Mariani | Kithangani | Rianthiga | 714 |
| 5 | Tharaka | Gatunga | Kathangachini | Kathangachini | 5388 |
Candid Focus Group Discussions with the local community
The CRA team held focused group discussions with members from Katangachini, Kathingitu, Kamwangu, Igamba-ng’ombe, and Kiaritha areas. These constructive conversations shed light on the dire state of road networks and the acute scarcity of water, particularly during the dry seasons when rivers dry up.
The Focus Group Discussion in Kabururu Centre, Tharaka Nithi County
