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MAKUENI’S FIGHT AGAINST MATERNAL DEATHS EARNS GLOBAL RECOGNITION

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Sunday addressed the World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Cape Town, South Africa, where he showcased Makueni County’s incredible strides in combating postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Makueni is the first county in Kenya to adopt the use of heat-stable carbetocin, a uterotonic drug that prevents PPH, through a partnership with Jhpiego since 2023.

Unlike oxytocin, which requires refrigeration to remain effective, heat-stable carbetocin retains its potency even in high temperatures, making it ideal for rural healthcare settings.

Thanks to this innovation, the county recorded zero maternal deaths from PPH in 2023 and 2024. Governor Mutula’s administration has further strengthened this effort by procuring calibrated drapes to accurately measure blood loss during delivery, replacing unreliable visual estimations.

In recognition of his efforts, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. was declared a global champion in the fight against maternal deaths caused by postpartum hemorrhage.

He is accompanied by Chief Officer Health Dr. Harvey Mulei and Ag. Director preventive and Promotive Dr. Stephen Mwatha.

NEW MBOONI FAMILY HOSPITAL NEARS COMPLETION

Construction of the new Mbooni Family Hospital is 85% complete and on track for full completion by the end of October 2025.

The state-of-the-art facility, launched in May 2025, is set to boost healthcare services for residents of Mbooni and surrounding areas.

Once operational, the hospital will feature specialized neonatal and maternity wards, along with a range of clinical services, aiming to improve access to quality healthcare across the region.

During a recent site inspection, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Joyce Mutua, urged the contractor to prioritize timely delivery without compromising quality.

She emphasized the hospital’s critical role in enhancing health service delivery for Makueni County. Mutua was accompanied by CECM for Finance, Damaris Kavoi.

DESTINATION MAKUENI GOES DIGITAL

‘Destination Makueni’ is an e-platform designed to make exploring the county simple, exciting, and stress-free.

Tourists and visitors are able to search for their favorite spots with ease—getting directions, distances, prices and extra details all in one place.

From hotels, tour operators, taxi services, cultural centers and scenic hills to game parks, the platform brings Makueni’s gems to your fingertips.

The platform has become one of the key highlights showcased at the ongoing MagicalKenya Tourism Expo 2025 in Nairobi, attracting wide attention.

While attending the expo, Trade and Tourism CECM Doc Sonia Nzilani urged visitors to explore the county’s unique beauty through the Destination Makueni platform.

With easy bookings and access to attractions, Destination Makueni is not only selling the county’s beauty but also boosting trade, creating jobs, and empowering local residents through tourism.

OVER 15,000 MAKUENI FARMERS RECEIVE CERTIFIED SEEDS AHEAD OF THE INCOMING LONG RAINS

More than 15,000 farmers in Makueni County have received certified maize and bean seeds from the county government under the 2024/2025 budget.

The distribution, concluded on Friday, targeted six wards;Wote-Nziu, Tulimani, Mbooni, Mukaa, Mbitini, and Kee, where residents had prioritized grain value chain development during public participation forums.

Speaking at the Wote-Nziu ward forum, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili urged farmers to prepare their land early and embrace dry planting in readiness for the October–December rains, which the forecast predicts will be below normal and poorly distributed. She stressed that early preparation will be key in maximizing harvests despite the expected erratic weather.

Area MCA Felix Mateso emphasized that best practices will ensure farmers reap maximum yields and strengthen food security in the county.

Agriculture CECM Elizabeth Muli also encouraged farmers to adhere to good agricultural practices as guided by extension officers, noting that quality seeds alone are not enough without proper farming methods.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture, is designed to boost food production by providing quality inputs suited to different agro-ecological zones and farmer preferences.

MAKUENI SEALS DEAL WITH KEVEVAPI TO STRENGTHEN LIVESTOCK HEALTH AND DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Makueni County Government has signed a strategic partnership with the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI) in a move set to revolutionize livestock health and boost the local economy.

The collaboration seeks to improve vaccine uptake in the county, which currently stands at a low 30 percent, with an ambitious target of reaching 70 percent. Through this deal, farmers will benefit from a more reliable, timely, and efficient supply of vaccines.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the fight against devastating livestock diseases, including Foot and Mouth Disease, Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Caprine Pleuropneumonia, Rabies, Brucellosis, and Rift Valley Fever.

Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili hailed the partnership as a major boost to livestock farming, which contributes 20 percent to Makueni’s GDP and sustains 65 percent of households.

Her remarks were echoed by Agriculture CECM Elizabeth Muli, who reaffirmed the county’s pledge to fully support the initiative and ensure long-term success.

MAKUENI WOMEN GROUP GOAT PROJECT WINS BIG AT NAIROBI TRADE FAIR.

Utheu wa Aka Self-Help Group was started in 1998 in Kikumbulyu South by 22 women, mostly widows, with a simple idea—pooling just Ksh 5 weekly to support each other.

What began as a merry-go-round to buy kitchenware, household items and even build homes for vulnerable members soon grew into something bigger.

Before devolution, the group received a grant of Ksh 120,000 from the Njaa Marufuku Kenya initiative.

Instead of spending the money at once, they wisely invested in dairy goats to fight famine and provide their families with nutritious milk.

With guidance from county livestock extension officers, they later adopted Toggenburg goat farming, which soon caught the eye of agricultural experts in the county.

Their goats earned recognition and were presented at the Makueni Agricultural Show, where they won top awards for three consecutive years.

Inspired by their success, the group advanced to the Nairobi International Trade Fair in 2022, winning trophies for champion male and female meat goats.

While visiting their stand at this year’s International Trade Fair, County Assembly Speaker Mbilu Douglas and the Agriculture Sectoral Committee commended the group for their remarkable success in scooping two champion trophies and 26 awards.

Beyond trophies, goat farming has become a steady source of income, transforming livelihoods and aligning with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr ’s vision to empower women and youth.

Additionally, as a result of sustaining excellent performance, two members of the group have earned a slot in officiating at the international trade fair’s goat section.

89 YOUTH IN KATHONZWENI WARD RECEIVE “UJUZI TEKE TEKE” TOOLS OF TRADE

A total of 89 young people in Kathonzweni Ward have benefited from the “Ujuzi Teke Teke” empowerment program, receiving tools of trade to kick-start their enterprises.

Tools provided include barbering & salon kits, welding equipment, mechanical repair kits, tailoring kits and car wash machines. Mbuvo and Kathonzweni clusters each received a car wash set-up, while Ngomano cluster benefited from an irrigation kit.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, combines hands-on mentorship from seasoned business owners (master craftsmen) with the provision of start-up kits, enabling youth to establish and grow their businesses.

County Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni terms the program a catalyst for local economic growth and self-reliance. Youth Director Boniface Muting’a led the distribution exercise on Thursday.

STUDY REVEALS HEAVY NCD BURDEN IN MAKUENI, WOMEN CARRY THE CAREGIVING LOAD

A new study by the Department of Health Services and the ARUA Centre of Excellence for Non-Communicable Diseases at the University of Nairobi has revealed statistics on the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and caregiving in Makueni County.

According to the research, which was conducted among a study sample size of 155 caregivers, they reported the majority of the recepients of care suffered from comorbidity (more than one non-communicable disease). Majority of the recipients of care were diagnosed with hypertension (74.1%), followed by diabetes at 37.8%, chronic respiratory diseases at 8.4%, cancer at 6.3%, and other cardiovascular diseases at 3.5%.

_NB: These are proportions from a small study sample._

The findings also highlight the disproportionate burden of caregiving, with 69% of caregivers being women compared to 31% men.

Among care recipients, women account for 65%, while only 1% of caregivers receive payment, leaving 99% unpaid.

Speaking during the dissemination meeting on Thursday at the Mother and Child Hospital, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili cautioned against leaving children with caregiving responsibilities, terming it a violation of their right to education.

She reaffirmed the county’s commitment to work with the national government once the proposed national NCD caregiver policy is developed, to ease the pressure on caregivers already stretched to their limits.

Health CECM Joyce Mutua urged political leaders to embrace the study’s findings and use their platforms to advocate for reducing the rising NCD prevalence.

On his part, Professor Charles Nzioka of the University of Nairobi noted that the ultimate goal is to develop a national NCD policy that recognizes, reduces, and redistributes the burden of care work on women and girls, thereby promoting gender equity and improving their well-being.

HUNDREDS FLOCK KAKO AND WAMBITI LAND SUCCESSION CLINICS

Hundreds of residents from Kako/Waia Ward in Makueni County gathered Thursday for a land succession sensitisation forum, in what is being hailed as a major step toward resolving long-standing inheritance and property disputes that have crippled land use and family relations in the region.

The forum is part of a broader initiative launched by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration aimed at tackling the deeply entrenched land succession crisis facing Makueni County residents.

The land succession clinics, spearheaded by the County Solicitor’s Office, are designed to educate residents on the legal pathways to resolve inheritance issues and formalize land ownership.

Addressing the crowd, Chief Officer for Public Service Management Catherine Katuti urged locals to take full advantage of the county government’s free legal support, emphasizing that unresolved succession issues remain one of the biggest hindrances to effective land utilization and economic development in the region.

Residents shared emotional testimonies of family breakdowns, generational disputes, and economic stagnation tied to unprocessed succession cases, many dating back decades.

MAKUENI’S SCENIC HILLS ON THE SPOTLIGHT AT MAGICAL KENYA EXPO 2025

Makueni County is blessed with breathtaking hills that rise gracefully over the landscape, offering therapeutic nature walks, fresh air and unforgettable adventure.

From the iconic Nzaui Hill, the lush Chyullu ranges, the legendary Mbui Nzu Hill, to the tranquil Mbooni and Makuli hills, the county boasts secure and serene hiking destinations for both domestic and international explorers.

These natural treasures not only provide scenic beauty but also peace of mind, making them perfect escapes for adventurers and wellness seekers.

At the MagicalKenya Expo 2025, Makueni’s Tourism Directorate is marketing these attractions to the world, highlighting efforts to brand the county as a top travel destination.

Through tourism marketing, residents benefit economically when visitors explore, stay and transact business in the county, turning natural beauty into shared prosperity.