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Energy

FARMERS HARNESS ROAD RUN-OFF FOR SUSTAINABLE FARMING

Farmers along the 3-kilometer Kavingo-Kyamang’atu-Ilela road in Kako Waia Ward have embraced road run-off harvesting, a transformative initiative led by MetaMeta Research in collaboration with the County Government of Makueni. This innovative approach turns road run-off—traditionally regarded as a problem—into a valuable resource for nature-based farming.

The pilot program, launched by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr in August 2024, has seen over 4,500 meters of mitre drains excavated along the road, 2,000 tree-planting holes prepared, and two gullies successfully rehabilitated.

Beneficiaries of the initiative highlight its multiple benefits, including providing irrigation for crops, preventing soil erosion, recharging groundwater, stabilizing soils and reducing road maintenance costs.

On Friday, 15th November 2024, Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi led a team from her department and community beneficiaries in planting over 2,500 trees along the road. This effort included 500 fruit trees and indigenous pastures planted on private farms to enrich soil health and improve food access.

Eng. Nthambi reiterated that the county government has integrated the “roads for water” concept into all road-grading projects to ensure sustainable road maintenance and curb soil erosion.She was accompanied by Roads Director Eng. Martin Kitavi and Area MCA Dennis Musyoka during the event.

The team also launched a locally constructed drift, a project collaboratively undertaken by the community and the county government. The community-driven labor initiative demonstrates the sense of ownership and sustainability that defines the program’s success.

MAKUENI’S GRADING AND GRAVELLING PROJECTS TO BOOST ACCESS AND CONNECTIVITY

To strengthen connectivity and drive local economic growth, the Directorate of Infrastructure and Roads in Makueni County is diligently working to enhance access and mobility across multiple wards.

One of the key projects underway is the transformation of Mutulani- Ngangani road in Nzaui/Kilili/Kalamba Ward, a stretch that has until now been only a footpath, navigable by bicycles and motorbikes. Through extensive grading, this path is being turned into a fully accessible road, opening it up for vehicle passage and making it significantly easier for farmers to transport their produce to market. Grading works are also ongoing to open up Kwa Vutu-Yumbani road in Mbitini Ward.

The county machinery is also on site at the bustling Machinery Market in Thange Ward, which springs to life every Tuesday with hundreds of traders and customers. Gravelling efforts are in full swing to make market days smoother and more comfortable for everyone. The improved road surface around the market will enable easier access for vehicles, reduce dust and mud and create a safer, more inviting environment for trade.

These road works are part of a larger commitment by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr administration to create a resilient, accessible and prosperous Makueni, where better roads mean stronger communities and a brighter future for local agriculture and trade.

MAKUENI HOSTS 46 COUNTIES FOR LEARNING MISSION ON RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday hosted 46 counties for the Climate Compatible Growth Conference, aimed at promoting peer-to-peer learning on the productive use of renewable energy and strengthening climate resilience.

The conference, organized by the Council of Governors in partnership with UK PACT, brings together County Executive Committee Members (CECs) and Directors in charge of energy for a three-day learning mission in Makueni County.

Kericho County’s Energy CEC, Rosemary Rop, who also serves as the Chairperson for the Energy CECs caucus, said many counties struggle with building capacity to tackle energy challenges, and need practical guidance in transforming policies into viable solutions.

The conference follows the recent launch of Makueni’s 10-year energy plan, which is designed to guide the development and implementation of sustainable and affordable energy solutions for residents.

Governor Mutula, who officially opened the conference in Wote, noted that Makueni had already begun implementing the solarization project at the Makueni Referral Hospital prior to the launch of the energy plan.

The governor encouraged delegates to prioritize actionable outcomes from the energy policy documents, reminding them that the public is eager to see real development results.

“It is not enough to have sound policies, plans and budgets, what will matter to the citizen is the development outcomes from these policy documents. There must therefore be a deliberate effort to ensure development,” said Governor Mutula.

MAKUENI UNVEILS COSTED 10-YEAR GREEN ENERGY PLAN

Makueni has unveiled a 10-year Ksh 74B green energy plan touted as the solution to the county’s sustainable, and affordable energy requirements set to transform its economic landscape.

The Energy Plan, developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom Government, Strathmore Energy Centre and the World Resources Institute is a strategic blueprint designed to guide the development and implementation of energy systems and policies in the county, aiming to ensure sustainable, reliable and affordable energy for her residents and businesses.

The plan was launched on Tuesday in Wote by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya Dr. Ed Barnett, National Oil Corporation Chief Executive Officer Gideon Leparan Morintat among other local leaders.

Governor Mutula outlined his vision for a Makueni powered by clean, sustainable, and affordable energy aiming for complete electrification, extended business hours and improved clean-cooking solutions.

A notable step towards green energy in the county includes a Ksh. 30 million investment in a solar PV system at Makueni County Referral Hospital, expected to save Ksh. 7 million in energy costs annually.

Other notable leaders who graced the event are Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Strathmore University Energy Centre Director Dr. Churchill Saoke, World Resource Institute country representative George Mwaniki, county officials, local clean energy advocates and other energy sector stakeholders.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. COMMISSIONS SOLAR PROJECT AT MAKUENI COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday commissioned the solarization project at Makueni County Referral Hospital.

The hospital’s new solar energy system, designed to harness 200 kilowatts at peak capacity, is expected to save the facility Ksh. 7 million annually in electricity bills.Before installing the new system, the monthly power bill was over 1.8M. After installation, June 2024’s bill was 1.1M and July’s was 1.2M, saving the county at least 600k-700k per month.

Governor Mutula emphasized that the solar system will supplement the often unreliable grid electricity, ensuring a consistent power supply and minimizing disruptions to medical services.

Dr. Paul Musila, the Health Services CECM, noted the environmental benefits of the project, saying that it will reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint. He also announced that the savings from the reduced electricity bills will be reinvested into enhancing patient care and upgrading hospital facilities.

Governor Mutula further revealed plans to construct a new intensive care unit, surgical center, and a private wing at the county referral hospital to bolster health services.

Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, the CECM for Infrastructure Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy remarked that the project underscores the county’s commitment to fostering a greener future through investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

Governor Kilonzo was accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Assembly Speaker Hon. Douglas Mbilu,area MCA Felix Mateso and several MCAs, CECMs, and Chief Officers, among others, during the commissioning ceremony.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JNR COMMISSIONS A HIGH MAST FLOODLIGHT AND STREET LIGHTS AT KISAYANI MARKET.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr commissions a high mast floodlight and street lights at Kisayani Market in an endeavor to promote trade and security, during a development tour of Kikumbulyu North.

This initiative is part of a broader market lighting program by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy which has already benefitted Makindu and Kikima markets

The Governor assured that more market lighting projects will be rolled out across the county to create secure trading areas and foster economic growth.

MAKUENI, KWS PARTNER TO END HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT IN KIBWEZI EAST

Makueni, KWS partner to End Human-wildlife Conflict in Kibwezi East

In a bid to mitigate the long-standing human-wildlife conflict in Kibwezi East, Makueni has partnered with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to extend the protective electric fence by 20km.

The new 20km Wandei- Ngomano section extends the initial 60km Kamunyu-Wandei fence earlier erected by the county government.

This expansion aims to establish a buffer between Tsavo East National Park and human settlements, effectively curbing the numerous attacks on humans by marauding animals, especially elephants.

The contract for this crucial extension was awarded in a ceremony presided over by KWS representative of Senior Assistant Director for Tsavo conservation area Jeremiah Rono, flanked by Environment Chief Officer Dr. Geoffrey Ngovi and Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi.

MAKUENI AND BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION EXPLORE PARTNERSHIP FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY IN MAKUENI COUNTY.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Tuesday hosted  a British High Commission delegation led by Daniel Wilcox, the Economic Counsellor at the High Commission, who paid him a courtesy call in Makueni 

The team discussed modalities of joint resource mobilization to promote innovative renewable energy technologies and the transition from grid-powered to solar-powered systems within Makueni County.

One of the identified areas of partnership is setting up a state-of-the-art County Energy Center in Kisingo Technical Training Institute to serve the county and country at large.

The UK PACT team, county officials for Energy & Environment visited Makueni County Referral Hospital to inspect ongoing installation of solar panels that will enable 100% reliance on solar power. This project which is jointly funded by the UK in collaboration with the county government will generate 200 kilowatts and is expected to save power costs for the hospital by Sh 7 million annually.

MAKUENI COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL SWITCHES TO SOLAR POWER

By June 2024, Makueni County Referral Hospital will run on solar energy, guaranteeing patients uninterrupted health services even when there are grid electricity power outages.

Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi on Tuesday launched the solar installation project at the referral hospital hoping to harness 200 Kilowatts at peak working capacity and supplement the grid electricity which is at times unreliable due to outages.

Naomi says this project will save the hospital an estimated Ksh 7 million in annual electricity expenditures.

This project will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions while promoting a greener future through investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Successful implementation will also pave way for replication in other county strategic installations.

MAKUENI COUNTY EXPLORES RENEWABLE ENERGY COLLABORATION WITH BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday met a high powered delegation from the British High Commission Office to discuss potential collaborations and funding opportunities for renewable energy projects in Makueni County.

The discussions highlighted several areas of cooperation, including:

Establishing an enabling environment for renewable energy projects;

Capacity-building initiatives for local administrators in renewable energy management

Resource mobilization for innovative renewable energy technologies and

Transitioning grid-powered projects to solar-powered systems.

Robina Abuya from the British High Commission who led the delegation to Makueni detailed prospective grant programs aimed at supporting these initiatives. She emphasized the importance of accessing international development funds for clean energy, which can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, combat climate change, and stimulate economic growth.