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STIRRING GROWTH: MAKUENI FARMERS REJOIN KENYA’S COFFEE COMEBACK

The dream to revive coffee farming in Makueni is gaining fresh momentum with the new nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Enterprises (MSMEs) Development through cooperative societies.

This move seeks to rejuvenate coffee production in both traditional coffee belts and in emerging regions, which have witnessed a decline in the once-thriving cash crop.

On Wednesday, the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union (New KPCU) held a sensitization meeting in Mbooni Subcounty, to engage stakeholders on the revival strategy. The event aimed to create awareness, present program objectives, and share best coffee production practices to guide a new era of innovative, sustainable farming.

The meeting that was graced by the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs, FCPA Wycliffe Oparanya, emphasized the government’s commitment to revamping the coffee sector.

“The government is fully invested in supporting coffee farmers by providing certified seedlings, improving market access, and restoring the value chain through vibrant cooperative societies,” said Oparanya. “We are not just bringing coffee back—we are making it profitable for every smallholder farmer.”

The Permanent Secretary for Cooperatives Patrick Kiburi Kilemi echoed these sentiments, highlighting sustainable farming as a cornerstone of the strategy.

“This is not about short-term gains,” the PS said. “We are laying the groundwork for long-term, climate-smart farming that guarantees higher yields, quality beans, and better prices.”

Makueni’s County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Cooperative Development,

Joyce Mutua, expressed strong support from the county administration, pledging to work hand-in-hand with the national government to empower local farmers.

“Our farmers are ready, and so are we,” said Mutua. “We are committed to this partnership that promises not only to revive coffee farming in Makueni but to transform livelihoods.”

With renewed planning and practical training on best practices such as proper pruning, timely harvesting, disease management and cooperative marketing, Makueni’s coffee sector could soon reclaim its place on the global map.

GOVERNOR MUTULA BANS SINGLE-USE PLASTICS IN MAKUENI COUNTY OFFICES AND FUNCTIONS

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has declared a ban on single-use plastics in all county offices and official functions in a move to combat plastic pollution.

The announcement was made during World Environment Day celebrations in Wote, on Thursday, where the World sought to draw strategies to end plastic pollution.

“Enough is enough! We must act now before plastics choke the life out of us,” declared Governor Mutula. Plastic waste, a major pollutant, has become an eyesore, clogging drainage systems and harming the environment.

Wote Municipality, for example, generates 20 metric tons of waste daily, with plastics accounting for 25% of the total waste. To tackle this challenge in the long-term, the county government has unveiled plans to construct a Sh180 million Material Recovery Facility. The facility will enhance waste segregation, recycling, and reuse, while also creating employment opportunities for youth.

In addition, Governor Mutula launched the County Forest Landscape Restoration Plan, developed in partnership with the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF). The plan will guide the implementation of nature-based solutions to restore degraded landscapes in Makueni.

MAKUENI, NYS ROLL OUT ROAD UPGRADE IN 8 WARDS

Makueni County has kicked off a major road maintenance program targeting eight wards, thanks to a new partnership between the county government and the National Youth Service (NYS).

Beginning in Wote and Ilima Wards on Wednesday, this initiative follows a recent agreement between Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and the NYS, known for its disciplined workforce, precision in project execution and use of well-maintained machinery.

NYS’s reputation in road construction stems from its elite training programs and efficiency in delivering durable, high-quality infrastructure.

The wards set to benefit from this countywide road upgrade are: Wote-Nziu, Muvau-Kikumini, Mbitini, Kasikeu, Ilima, Kee, Kithungo-Kitundu and Mtito-Andei.

Each of the eight wards will receive a grader, while one ward will also benefit from a shovel to aid in the works.

The equipment will be used over at least 220 working hours to rehabilitate roads that were damaged or rendered impassable by the recent heavy rains.

The improved roads are expected to ease transport for farmers delivering produce, boost trade, ensure better access to schools and health facilities, and support general mobility for residents attending social functions.

This joint effort marks a significant step in improving rural infrastructure and bringing essential services closer to the people of Makueni.

MAKINDU CHRONIC CARE CENTER COMMISSIONED TO ENHANCE INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Wednesday led the official commissioning of the Makindu Chronic Care Center, a facility designed to offer integrated treatment for chronic illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.

The center, constructed with the support of AIDS Healthcare Foundation Global, is set to serve over 2,000 patients. It promotes a model of care that integrates services under one roof, aiming to reduce stigma, especially among people living with HIV, while improving access to quality healthcare.

The facility is a key milestone in Makueni County’s broader health agenda and aligns with global healthcare trends that focus on comprehensive care supported by modern information and communication technologies.

As part of the county’s preventive health efforts, Mulili emphasized the focus on young people, identifying the “triple threat” of new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence as critical areas of concern.

The new center is expected to play a crucial role in managing these interconnected health issues through early intervention and support.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation Global Chief of Operations Laura Boudreau praised the county for embracing integrated healthcare, noting the shift away from fragmented services to more coordinated care that ensures patients receive the treatment they need efficiently and without discrimination.

MAKUENI MOVES TOWARDS GREEN FUTURE WITH ENERGY POLICY VALIDATION

The County Energy Directorate in collaboration with Strathmore University and the World Resources Institute, on Wednesday hosted a validation meeting for the draft Makueni Energy Policy.

The session brought together members of the County Executive Committee to review and strengthen the policy framework.

Anchored in the Energy Act 2019 and the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the policy is set to guide the county in planning, regulating and rolling out sustainable energy initiatives.

Its goal is to ensure all residents have access to modern energy that is sustainable, affordable, reliable and secure.

Present at the validation meeting were CECMs Eng. Peter Mumo (Transport and Energy), Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Eng. John Kieti (Water), Dr. Sonia Nzilani (Trade), County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa and Chief Officer for Energy Eng. Naomi Nthambi.

HOPE FOR RESTORATION OF NOLTURESH WATER AS PARTNERS MEET TO CHART RESTORATION STRATEGIES

There is renewed hope for the restoration of Nolturesh water supply to consumers, particularly residents of Makueni in areas such as Emali and Kilome along the pipeline corridor.

This follows a multi-stakeholder consultative forum held in Nairobi on Wednesday, chaired by Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) Acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Cheruiyot. The meeting resolved to explore swift rehabilitation of the main pipeline to resume water distribution.

Key proposed interventions include:

• Metering all connections along the pipeline to curb wastage, particularly where consumers pay a flat rate of Sh5,000 but engage in flood irrigation.

• Cracking down on cartels operating illegal connections.

• Licensing Nolturesh Water Company as a bulk water service provider to integrate additional water resources into its distribution system.

• Deploying the Critical Infrastructure Police Unit to safeguard the main pipeline and prevent unauthorized access.

The meeting brought together representatives from Nolturesh, Tanathi Water Services Authority, water chief officers from Kajiado, Machakos, and Makueni counties, with Makueni represented by David Makau.

Makau urged for the implementation of a rehabilitation assessment survey proposed by Konza Technopolis, a major water consumer. The survey recommends adopting smart technology to improve efficiency.

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for June 19, where the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) will analyze the survey report and discuss its implementation strategy.

KITHUNGO KITUNDU YOUTH RECEIVE BUSINESS START-UP EQUIPMENT

Young entrepreneurs in Kithungo Kitundu Ward have taken a significant step toward self-reliance after receiving essential business start-up equipment from Makueni County’s Ujuzi Teke Teke empowerment program.

The initiative which is spearheaded by the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, equips participants with practical skills and tools to launch and sustain their businesses. After completing an intensive 8-week hands-on training in entrepreneurship, the graduates were awarded trade-specific equipment to kickstart their ventures.

County Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni presided over the equipment distribution ceremony, flanked by Area Member of County Assembly Kisungi wa Kitete.

This is part of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr administration’s commitment to fostering youth innovation and reducing unemployment through such empowerment programs.

KOMEX EYES TO PIONEER DIGITAL AGRICULTURAL TRADING IN MAKUENI.

The Kenya National Multi Commodities Exchange Limited (KOMEX) is set to transform agricultural trading in Makueni through a new digital platform linked to the Warehouse Receipt System.

This was disclosed by a team from KOMEX who paid a courtsy call on Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Tuesday.

The digital trading platform is designed to streamline access to markets for both agricultural and non-agricultural commodities. It will also offer essential services such as price discovery, risk management, market information, trade financing, and other trade support systems, creating a more structured and transparent trading environment.

KOMEX, a financial state corporation under the State Department for Trade, is mandated to promote market access and address inefficiencies in commodity trading.

The platform is currently in the onboarding phase, targeting a broad range of stakeholders including farmers, aggregators, cooperatives, traders, warehouse operators, financial institutions, off-takers, service providers, and institutional consumers.

Led by Deputy Director Boniface Makau, the KOMEX delegation commended Makueni for being the leading producer of pulses, particularly green grams, cowpeas, and pigeon peas in the country, key commodities that stand to benefit greatly from the new trading system.

Through the digital platform, farmers will be able to list their produce and preferred selling prices. Buyers can then make direct payments to sellers’ bank accounts within 48 hours, ensuring faster transactions and reducing exploitation by middlemen.

Deputy Governor Mulili emphasized the need for national legislation to expand storage infrastructure in the counties. She noted that inadequate storage facilities often leave farmers vulnerable to exploitation and called for stronger collaboration between national and county governments to address the gap.

GOVERNOR MUTULA RALLIES FOR DEVOLUTION AS MAKUENI CELEBRATES MADARAKA DAY

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr used the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations in Mukuyuni as a rallying call to defend devolution and highlight the county’s progress, despite facing severe budget cuts and delayed national disbursements.

Addressing hundreds of residents, Governor Mutula decried the shrinking County Allocation of Revenue, which saw Makueni lose Ksh. 265 million in the 2024/2025 financial year. He expressed concern over stalled devolution, warning that counties cannot function effectively when funds are either delayed or drastically reduced.

“Devolution is not a favour. It is a right enshrined in our Constitution. We will not sit back and watch our progress reversed,” he stated passionately.

Despite these financial hurdles, the governor gave a hopeful picture of transformation in the county by announcing plan to work with a development partner to construct the Kiia Nzou Dam, aiming to tackle water scarcity in the County. He also praised the progress made under the FLLoCA program, which links water access with farming and environmental protection.

Mutula noted that despite severe water shortages and prolonged droughts, his administration had made significant strides in water access through projects like the AKWASH initiative—where five boreholes have been drilled in partnership with World Vision Kenya—and other collaborations with Water Mission and WHH. “Over Kshs. 403 million has been allocated for last-mile water connectivity to ensure households and villages gain direct access to clean water,” said the governor.

Governor Mutula highlighted that mango farmers were now earning higher returns, with prices increasing from Ksh 18 to Ksh 25 per kilogram due to enhanced market access. This improvement follows the establishment of the Makueni Horticultural Pack House, which facilitated exports valued at Ksh. 25million. To further empower farmers, the governor said 210 agripreneurs had been deployed across all Wards to provide extension services, aiming to enhance productivity, increase incomes, and create jobs in the agriculture sector.

“Land injustices in Makueni will be addressed through expanded Legal Aid Clinics and targeted support for succession and title deed processing,” Mutula also highlighted that the new Land Integrated Management System (LIM) will enable residents to access land services and documents online, effectively reducing bureaucracy.

In his speech, the governor highlighted a significant progress in improving Makueni’s trading environment through the establishment of over 50 market committees that ensure order and promote economic participation. He promised that his administration was committed to facilitating election and training of market committees in all remaining markets to foster development.

The governor’s speech cited major progress in infrastructure development, particularly in water projects, with completion of mega projects like Ndukuma Dam rehabilitation and Mulima Water Purification Plant. He stated that his administration was committed to drilling more boreholes and improving last-mile water connectivity in every ward. He also noted that the partnership with the National Youth Service is intended to fast-track infrastructure projects, moreso roads, while keeping costs low.

Mutula further reaffirmed his commitment to achieving universal access to affordable, quality healthcare for all Makueni residents. “With over 270,000 people already enrolled under the Social Health Agency, the County will roll out “Mutula Care” in FY 2025/26 to further reduce out-of-pocket expenses and ensure health services reach every household,” said Mutula.

He further emphasized the transformative role of international partnerships in accelerating access to clean water, healthcare and agricultural productivity, citing collaborations with organizations like World Vision, Water Mission and the Mpesa Foundation. Mutula affirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding such partnerships to deliver long-term solutions and unlock greater opportunities for the people of Makueni.

The Governor who was accompanied by his deputy H.E DG-Makueni Lucy Mulili thanked the people for their dedication and pledged prudent use of resources to deliver meaningful development outcomes.

The celebrations began with a morning church service at AIC Mukuyuni and were attended by several dignitaries, including Makueni County Commissioner Duncan Darusi, area MP Joshua Kimilu, MCAs Jonathan Muthoka (Ilima), Eng. Ndolo Kimunyi (Ukia) and Ulbanus Manzu (Kee), along with a number of county security and administration officers.

CULTURE MEETS CARE: KMTC MAKUENI CELEBRATES DIVERSITY

Makueni KMTC, Wote Campus came alive on friday, as medical students celebrated the third annual Cultural Day under the theme “Beyond Borders; One Medicine, Many Cultures.”

The theme highlights how medicine, though practiced globally, is enriched by diverse cultural backgrounds and traditions.

The vibrant event showcased colorful cultural attire, traditional music and even creative rap performances. Students also thrilled the crowd with innovative outfits inspired by their medical training and blending creativity with their profession.

The Campus Principal Mary Kioko who was joined by Culture Director Mutua Mulonzya applauded the event’s growing impact, describing it as a powerful celebration of diversity that continues to unite students through culture and creativity.

Jointly organized by the college and the Makueni County Department of Culture, the event is steadily gaining traction—with corporate sponsors now eyeing future partnerships to support this unique fusion of health and heritage.