GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS NEW FRAMEWORK TO LIFT ULTRA-POOR HOUSEHOLDS OUT OF POVERTY

Makueni County has launched a new framework aimed at lifting vulnerable households out of extreme poverty through the Makueni Ultra-Poor Graduation Act, 2026.

Speaking during the launch of the Act, an initiative jointly implemented by the county government and Village Enterprise, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said the programme is designed to make the government more responsive to the needs of the county’s poorest residents, particularly those surviving on less than KSh100 per day.

“This program makes the government humane by directly responding to the needs of the poorest among us,” said the governor.

As part of the rollout, the county has initiated pilot projects in six villages, one in each sub-county, selected based on poverty index scores. Beneficiaries will receive training, grants, and other forms of support to help them establish sustainable livelihoods and achieve economic independence.

Governor Mutula noted that while the six pilot villages mark an important beginning, they represent only a small portion of the county’s 3,663 villages, highlighting the need for gradual expansion of the programme.

Village Enterprise Chief Executive Officer Sazini Mojapelo said the initiative’s success will be measured by its ability to transform lives and enable households to move from poverty to economic self-reliance.

The Ultra-Poor Graduation Programme is expected to play a key role in reducing poverty levels across Makueni by equipping vulnerable households with the skills, resources, and support needed to build resilient and sustainable sources of income.