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SMART FARMING INNOVATIONS STEAL THE SHOW AT MAKUENI TRADE FAIR

Innovation, technology and agribusiness opportunities came alive as the 2026 Makueni Agricultural and Trade Fair officially opened at Makindu Showground, with climate-smart farming and value chain development emerging as the major attractions for hundreds of farmers, investors and trade enthusiasts.

On the first day of the show, exhibitors showcased modern farming technologies, climate-smart farming practices, quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation systems, farm machinery, livestock production technologies, value addition, post-harvest handling, financial services, agribusiness solutions and locally manufactured products.

Speaking during the official opening of the three-day exhibition, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Makueni as a leading agricultural powerhouse through investment in smart farming, value chain development and market access.

The innovations are aimed at increasing awareness on productivity, reducing production costs, enhancing food security and creating sustainable income opportunities for farmers.

Mutula further expressed confidence that the county is steadily earning its place among Kenya’s top agricultural producers, with the sector playing a key role in improving household incomes and driving economic growth.

These exhibitions features latest agricultural technologies, certified seeds, modern irrigation systems, farm machinery, livestock innovations, quality agrochemicals, greenhouse technologies, post-harvest solutions, value addition, financial and insurance services, agribusiness advisory, trade innovations and locally manufactured products.

Additionally, the innovations are empowering farmers to boost productivity, reduce losses, improve food security and unlock profitable markets.

The first-day ceremony that culminated with awarding of stunning exhibitors brought together County Executive Committee Members led by acting Agriculture CECM Damaris Kavoi, Members of the County Assembly led by Majority Leader Kisungi wa Katete, national government representatives, development partners, exhibitors and local leaders, all united in advancing agriculture as the engine of Makueni’s economic transformation.

SH 13 MILLION FLLoCA PROJECT TO TRANSFORM AGRICULTURE IN MBITINI WARD

Mbitini Ward is poised for a major agricultural transformation following the launch of the Muuoni–Mbitini Water Distribution for Agriculture and Livelihood Restoration Project.

The KSh 13 million project, funded by the Government of Makueni County through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme, will harness water abstracted from the Muuoni River through the construction of a 100,000-litre underground sump and a gravity-fed distribution system to support irrigation at Kavuthu area.

The project is expected to benefit residents of Wenzi, Kwa Ngundo, and Maiden villages, which have long experienced acute water shortages, especially during prolonged dry spells. By providing reliable irrigation water, the initiative will boost horticultural production while promoting banana and avocado cultivation as part of efforts to restore degraded land and diversify household livelihoods.

To enhance the value chain, the project will also capitalize on the ward’s existing cold storage facility by training farmers in post-harvest handling, value addition, and market linkages, helping to reduce post-harvest losses, improve produce quality, and increase household incomes.

GOVERNOR MUTULA SIGNS STRATEGIC MoUS TO BOOST WATER SECURITY, FOOD PRODUCTION AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday signed two strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADS-E) and Rural Water Management Solutions (Kenya) to accelerate access to safe water, enhance food security and build climate resilience across the county.

Governor Mutula said the collaborations, which will focus on sustainable development, will ensure prudent use of available resources while delivering tangible benefits to the people of Makueni. He challenged the partners to prioritize sustainability, safeguard water infrastructure from vandalism and deliver measurable results that improve the lives of Makueni residents.

Under the MOUs signed in Wote, ADS-E will invest KSh 910 million over the next three years to support climate-smart agriculture, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), environmental conservation, health and community resilience, while the renewed collaboration with Rural Water Management Solutions will expand access to reliable and safe drinking water through professional water management, digital technologies and strengthened water systems.

ADS-E CEO, John Mutua, and CEO Rural Water Management Solutions Eng. Jamlick Mutie signed MOUs for their respective organisations. Acting County Executive Committee Member, Water, Irrigation and Sanitation, Japheth Mangoka also attended the event.

MAKUENI RALLIES PARTNERS TO ACCELERATE MATERNAL AND NEWBORN HEALTH INITIATIVE

The Department of Health Services on Friday convened a Reproductive Health and Family Planning Technical Working Group meeting to develop a coordinated plan for accelerating the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) initiative across Makueni County.

The meeting brought together key development partners, including Jhpiego, the Kenya Red Cross, Jacaranda Health, Women Engaged in Development, Anita Mbinya Foundation, VSO, Makueni Development Trust and Vitamin Angels, to strengthen collaborative efforts aimed at reducing maternal and newborn deaths.

Participants agreed on several priority actions to guide implementation of the initiative. These include establishing an EWENE Steering Committee to oversee implementation, strengthening Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR), improving emergency obstetric care and referral systems, enhancing access to essential health commodities and blood products, and ensuring that mothers receive postpartum family planning counselling and services before being discharged from health facilities.

The agreed interventions are expected to enhance coordination among stakeholders and improve the quality of maternal and newborn healthcare services across the county.

MUTULA, LSK OFFICIALS FORGE PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND ACCESS TO JUSTICE

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday met officials of the newly elected Law Society of Kenya (LSK) South Eastern Branch and pledged closer collaboration to improve access to justice and legal services in the county.

The delegation, led by Branch Chairperson Priscillah Kioko and Secretary Doreen Mwau, discussed legal aid, expansion of Huduma Mashinani services, settlement of pending bills, land succession disputes and plans to secure land at Matiliku for the construction of a court.

Governor Mutula urged lawyers to embrace a collective approach to addressing community challenges, saying stronger cooperation between the county government and the legal fraternity would enhance service delivery and promote social justice for residents.

RASTAFARIAN YOUTH LEADER CHAMPIONS CLIMATE ACTION IN TULIMANI.

𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐊𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚, popularly known as 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘀, the youth representative in the Ngoano Sand Dam Project Management Committee (PMC) at Nthaani Village, Tulimani Ward.

His election by the community was unanimous, a clear vote of confidence in the role of young people in driving local development and climate action. As the youth representative, Muras has pledged to champion the successful implementation of the Ngoano Sand Dam Project and rally fellow youth to embrace climate-smart farming, leveraging the reliable water supply that the project will provide to build resilient livelihoods.

The KSh 10 million project, funded by the Government of Makueni County through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme, is expected to transform livelihoods by providing year-round water for domestic use and irrigation, while supporting climate-smart agriculture through the establishment of coffee, macadamia, and Juncao fodder demonstration farms.

Construction is set to commence this week, marking the beginning of another community-led investment in climate resilience and sustainable development.

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬: Community site handover and the location where the Ngoano Sand Dam will be constructed.

MAKUENI PRAISED BY SENATE COMMITTEE OVER PRUDENT USE OF SPECIAL FUNDS

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday earned praise from senators after appearing before the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee to respond to audit queries and update members on the implementation of previous recommendations.

Senators commended Makueni County for the efficient utilization of Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) funds, citing the county’s prudent financial management .

Governor Mutula told the committee that the county was resolving land succession disputes affecting four parcels hosting the Makueni Fruit Development and Marketing Authority, a move expected to secure ownership of the property.

On the Makueni County Empowerment Fund, formerly known as Tetheka, the governor said the county had operationalized new regulations, was recovering debts inherited under the previous structure and had begun piloting the new model in 41 groups.

Senators also lauded the automation of the fund, describing Makueni as a benchmark in the management and implementation of county empowerment programmes.

The committee was chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

COUNTY FILLS KEY VACANCIES AS OFFICIALS TAKE OATH OF OFFICE

Irene Nduku Makau was sworn-in on Monday as Makueni County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism, filling a vacancy left by the death of Sonia Nzilani last year.

County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa administered the oath in a ceremony witnessed by Gov. Mutula Kilonzo Jr., Deputy Gov. Lucy Mulili, county executive members, members of the County Public Service Board and MCAs.

She takes office after a competitive recruitment process and approval by the Makueni County Assembly.

Also sworn in were Julius Mwania Kinyungu as chief officer for Agriculture and Eng. David Makau Ndolo as chief officer for Infrastructure, Transport and Public Works.

Members of the newly established Mbooni Kee Municipality Board, Penninah Nduku Muendo, Alexander Kyalo Munyao, Jones Makau Mutisya and Caleb Mbithi Vokila , also took the oath of office.

The county government also issued promotion letters to several staff members during the ceremony.

The governor urged the new officials to begin work immediately and consult the county leadership whenever necessary.

MUTULA URGES CLOSER COLLABORATION TO PROTECT WATER PROJECTS FROM VANDALISM

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has called for stronger collaboration between county governments and water agencies to safeguard public water projects from vandalism, saying the destruction of infrastructure continues to undermine investments in the sector.

The governor made the remarks on Monday when he met the leadership of the Tanathi Water Works Development Agency (TAWWDA) led by Board Chairperson, Regina Ndambuki and Chief Executive Officer Sammy Lemunke Naporos.

Mutula said security should be incorporated into the design and implementation of water projects to protect critical infrastructure from sabotage and ensure investments deliver lasting benefits to residents.

The governor also urged the agency to fast-track the development of a sewerage system for Wote Town, warning that delays could trigger serious public health challenges once the government’s Affordable Housing Programme becomes operational.

The TAWWDA delegation is in Makueni to oversee the implementation of key water and sanitation projects aimed at improving access to clean water across the county.Among the flagship projects is the construction of a reinforced concrete weir on the Kaiti River, a 400-cubic-metre sump, infiltration galleries, submersible pumps, a 20-kilometre water distribution pipeline and 1,000 household water connections.

The Agency also handed over two motorcycles, office equipment and 10 smart water meters to the Makueni County Government to strengthen water service delivery and improve administration.