NAIROBI, Kenya — Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has come under criticism after his administration published a 24-page pullout in both the Daily Nation and The Standard highlighting his development record during his first term.
The extensive newspaper advertisements showcase projects and achievements the county government says it has delivered since Wamatangi took office in 2022.
Among the achievements highlighted are an increase in Own Source Revenue (OSR) to Sh6.5 billion, the establishment of 512 new Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres with a feeding programme, and the construction of 32 new hospitals.
“Governor Kimani Wamatangi has in just four years increased OSR to Sh6.5 billion, built 512 new ECDE centres with a feeding programme, and constructed 32 new hospitals,” part of the Daily Nation pullout stated.
The publication also highlighted the modernisation of medical equipment, installation of 12,000 solar streetlights, construction of seven bus parks and 26 markets, and provision of 100,000 water connections.
The administration further listed the upgrading of 19 Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and support for more than 750,000 farmers through farm inputs.
Wamatangi’s administration also says it is developing nine stadia, while roads, bridges and drainage infrastructure are among the projects either completed or under construction.
Questions over cost of advertisements
The scale of the newspaper campaign has triggered debate on social media, with some users questioning why the county’s development record was being advertised nationally and who paid for the publications.
Social media user Mungai Kihanya questioned the decision to publish the 24-page pullout in the Daily Nation and raised questions about the reported cost.
“Governor Wamatangi has placed 24 full pages of advertisement in today’s Nation newspaper showcasing his development projects. I have two questions: 1] Why tell the whole country about development in your county? 2] Who paid the Sh21 M for the adverts: Wamatangi or the County?” Kihanya wrote.
However, the Sh21 million figure has not been independently verified from the material available.
The question of whether the advertisements were funded by Wamatangi personally, the county government or another source therefore remains unresolved.
Any public expenditure on such advertising would ordinarily raise questions about procurement, budget allocation and the purpose of the expenditure, particularly where the material prominently promotes the record of a sitting governor.
Critics question development record
Other social media users also criticised the governor’s development record.
Francis Nduati alleged that some markets being rebuilt by the county remained inaccessible to residents.
Another critic, identified as The Manager, linked what he described as uneven development in Gatundu North to local political loyalties.
“Gatundu North was largely with ‘Wa Jungle’, their own son, and not for Wamatangi, and that’s why he assumes and marginalizes them development-wise,” he alleged.
The claims are political assertions and have not been independently substantiated.
The county government’s extensive list of projects nevertheless provides Wamatangi with an opportunity to place his record at the centre of public debate as he approaches the end of his first term.
Wamatangi’s political record
Wamatangi, whose full name is Paul Kimani Wamatangi, is the fourth Governor of Kiambu County.
He was elected governor in 2022 on a UDA ticket after serving as Kiambu Senator for two consecutive terms between 2013 and 2022.
He is widely expected to seek a second term in the 2027 General Election, although political realignments in the Mt Kenya region could influence the party through which he eventually seeks re-election.
The extensive publicity around his administration’s achievements therefore comes at a politically significant time.
High-profile names eye Kiambu governor’s seat
Wamatangi is likely to face a competitive field if he seeks re-election.
Patrick Wainaina Wa “Jungle”, the Thika Town MP, is positioning himself for another gubernatorial bid after contesting the seat in 2022.
Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a has also publicly declared her intention to seek the governor’s position in 2027 and has been mobilising support.
Businessman John Mwaura Kogi was unveiled in April 2026 as the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) gubernatorial aspirant for Kiambu.
Other names linked to the race include Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, former governor William Kabogo Gitau, Juliet Kimemia, Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia, policy expert Mwende Gatabaki, Kimani Waceke and Robert Ndirangu.
Kabogo, who served as Kiambu governor between 2013 and 2017, has also been linked to a possible return to the county’s top seat through the Tujibebe Wakenya Party.
Juliet Kimemia has been associated with the KANU ticket, while Mwende Gatabaki has reportedly been linked to the Safina Party.
