Nyeri: The County Government of Nyeri has embarked on an ambitious beautification programme aimed at revitalizing its urban centres. The initiative, termed the "Adopt A Street/Roundabout" campaign, seeks to partner with local businesses and institutions to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the county's towns.
According to Kenya News Agency, the programme encourages business operators and institutions to select a section of a street or a roundabout, which they can embellish with unique murals representing their brand. In return, these entities receive advertising waivers for promoting their products and services, thereby improving the towns' visual appeal and cleanliness.
Nyeri Municipal Town Manager Perister Kigwa highlighted the programme's objective to transform urban areas into vibrant and welcoming spaces. The initiative promotes conservation and beautification projects while integrating open public spaces with the natural environment. It also addresses challenges such as climate change, rapid population growth, and the need for regular urban maintenance.
According to Kigwa, the beautification programme is a community-driven effort that encourages groups and citizens to take responsibility for specific streets or roundabouts. This involvement contributes to the cleanliness, beautification, and overall enhancement of urban life, fostering pride and improving the quality of life in metropolitan areas.
The Board is actively seeking partnerships with organizations that share this vision. Corporate institutions and agencies are encouraged to bring expertise, resources, and innovation to complement community involvement. Kigwa noted that through such collaborations, the initiative aims to improve Nyeri's Central Business District and serve as a model for sustainable urban management, inspiring other regions to adopt similar strategies.
Entities such as Mathenge Technical Training Institute, Nyeri National Polytechnic, Teach2Give, Teslak Linguistics and Communication, Top Square Electrical, Skin Hub Clinic, and Options Education Agency have already embraced the initiative. According to Kigwa, their participation enhances their brand image, engages the community, and strengthens corporate social responsibility.
Lands, Housing, Planning and Urban Development CEC Ndirangu Gachunia stated that Nyeri town will serve as a model before expanding the programme to other urban areas like Othaya, Karatina, and Mukurwe-ini. He emphasized the need for proper legal structures and functional municipal boards before further implementation.