Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Environment

MAKUENI MOVES TO RESTORE THREATENED MUAMBWANI KALUMBI COMMUNITY FORESTS

Muambwani and Kalumbi Community Forests in Mbitini Ward are more than just trees—they are lifelines. These precious ecosystems provide the neighboring communities with clean water, firewood, medicinal plants and food, while sheltering hundreds of wildlife species.

These forests are however under threat from unsustainable human practices such as logging, cattle grazing and encroachment, putting both nature and people at risk by shrinking the resources they rely on.

Alarmed by this crisis, Makueni County’s Department of Lands, Urban Planning & Development, Environment and Climate Change has sprung into action. In partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the European Union under the Digital Land Governance Programme, they have completed an intensive four-day biodiversity and socioeconomic assessment—documenting the forests’ rich flora and fauna while mapping the damaging effects of human activity.

This assessment paves the way for the formulation of a Participatory Forest Management Plan (PFMP)—a community-driven blueprint to restore and sustainably manage the two forests.

Led by FAO’s Cluster Land Technical Specialist, Christopher Sowek, and Makueni County Forester Damaris Mwikali, the plan will empower locals to protect their natural heritage while creating eco-friendly livelihoods such as beekeeping, agroforestry, ecotourism, and plant-based medicinal extracts.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. COMMISSIONS ECDE CENTER AND DELIVERS AID TO VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES IN TULIMANI WARD

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday unveiled a new Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) center at Wambuli Primary School, as part of his ongoing development tour of Tulimani Ward.

The initiative ,part of a broader program under the Department of Education,aims to provide quality learning facilities for the pre-primary children across the County.

In addition to this educational advancement,

Governor Mutula and his team distributed 300 blankets to the elderly residents in the ward to cushion them against weather related ailments during the rain and cold season.

The initiative aims to offer warmth and comfort during the current cold season.

The governor’s tour also featured a legal land clinic, where residents were able to access free legal services.

Governor Mutula was joined by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Tulimani Ward MCA Kyalo Mumo, and other local leaders during the event.

MAKUENI HOSTS NATIONAL CELEBRATIONS TO MARK WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY

Makueni County was on Sunday privileged to host the national celebrations to mark World Meteorological Day, an event dedicated to raising awareness about weather and climate concerns.

This year’s theme, “closing the early warning gap together” resonates well with Makueni’s desire for proper climate information dissemination to enhance agricultural production and prepare for emergencies that have rocked the county and the region for years.

Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Festus Ng’eno, led the celebrations at the Makindu Meteorological Station. The event was also graced by the Director Meteorological serivies-Dr David Gikungu, World Meteorological Organizations Director- Hlobille Shikhosana, MPs Jessica Mbalu, Mwengi Mutuse, Executive Committee Member for Devolution Nicholas Nzioka, County Commissioner, and Makueni Chief Officer in charge of Environment Geoffrey Muthoka.

Mr. Nzioka, representing Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, said the county government is keen on equipping farmers with the knowledge they need to adapt to changing climatic conditions. He highlighted the significance of partnership’s between government and non-governmental organizations in fostering resilience against climate-related challenges.

MASONGALENI RESIDENTS TASTE ‘SWEET WATERS’ PURIFIED BY THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND WORLD BANK


Residents of Mukaange Sub-location in Masongaleni ward are enjoying the sweet taste of purified water desalinated through reverse osmosis courtesy of a joint effort by Makueni County Government and World Bank, through Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program.

The county government drilled Kiambani borehole but the water was unfit for human consumption due to high salinity levels. 

Through the Climate Change Unit’s Participatory Climate Risk Assessment, the community allocated funds for purification of the saline water. After installation of a reverse osmosis treatment plant, residents can now enjoy safe quality water, ending many years of severe scarcity. 

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and Principal Secretary for the State Department of ASALs and Regional Development Kello Harsama commissioned the project in an event attended by Kibwezi East MP Jessica Mbalu, MCAs: Brian Nzoka, Jades Kalunda, Harrison Mutie and Eric Katumo. 

Governor Mutula said his administration will in the next phase of the project allocate funds for distribution of this clean water to reach more households as part of the Last Mile Water Connectivity Program. The program targets to reduce distances to the nearest water point to 2 km. 

The project also entails an agricultural component to support local farmers with climate-smart agricultural practices and pasture as well as apiculture (50 beehives) in Muliluni forest to enhance biodiversity and support sustainable environmental practices


GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS COUNTY TECHNICAL TASKFORCE TO ADDRESS THANGE OIL SPILL.

Thange, Kibwezi East

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday unveiled a County Technical Working Team to assess the effects of oil spillage in Thange Ward.

The spill, first detected in 2015, has continued to affect community and the environment in Kibwezi East Sub County leading to serious health risks, including respiratory issues and skin conditions, as well as environmental damage such as water contamination, loss of aquatic life and reduced soil fertility.

While addressing a public forum in Thange market, Governor Mutula called on the newly unveiled team to accelerate their investigation into the effects of the oil spillage and submit an interim report within a month.

“Let’s refrain from prioritizing personal and political interests at the expense of affected residents and the damaged local ecosystems,” stated the governor.

The 8 member team, consisting of technical officers from the environment, water, livestock, public health and water analysis sectors, will play a key role in establishing the foundation for filing a formal complaint and determining the way forward for the affected community.

Mutula was joined by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, CECMs Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Dr. Paul Musila (Health), Eng. John Kieti (Water), County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, and MCAs Eric Katumo, Harrison Mwanzia, and Brian Nzoka.

EARLY WARNING SYSTEM TO HELP MAKUENI FARMERS PLAN FOR MARCH-APRIL-MAY RAINS

The Kenya Meteorological Department, in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Support and Extension (ADSE) and the Makueni County Government, has rolled out an early warning system to help farmers prepare for the upcoming March-April-May (MAM) rain season.

According to weather forecasts, Makueni County is expected to receive between 250mm and 500mm of rainfall, with variations across different wards. Farmers are advised to align their planting strategies with localized rainfall patterns to maximize yields.

To ensure a successful harvest, residents are encouraged to:

*Use certified seeds as recommended.

*Practice proper crop spacing for optimal growth.

*Control weeds, pests, and diseases in a timely manner.

Farmers are urged to stay informed and utilize Agro-climate Advisories to enhance food security and resilience in the face of changing weather patterns.

Those who attended included Jacline Kamusa, Assistant Director of Climate Change, County Forester Damaris Mwikali, the Ward Climate Change Planning Committee, among others.

WAUTU/KYANGAATI SAND DAM: TRANSFORMING LIVES WITH CLEAN WATER, CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE.

Wautu/Kyangaati sand dam in Ilima ward, Kaiti Sub-county, currently 80% complete, is being constructed across Wautu River and is set to transform the lives of the local community.

Once operational in a month, the project will provide clean water for domestic use to 250 households, nearby educational institutions, and Wautu Market. Additionally, it will support irrigation for the cultivation of 5,000 avocado trees, boosting household incomes through sustainable agriculture. As part of the project’s environmental impact, 400 riparian tree species will be planted to restore the land and promote conservation efforts.

This project is a collaborative effort between the Government of Makueni County and the World Bank, funded under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program.

KWA NZOONGO DAM: A NEW HOPE FOR WATER AND FOOD SECURITY IN IVINGONI/NZAMBANI

Kwa Nzoongo Earth Dam, powered by the community-driven climate action program (FLLoCA), is set to revolutionize the water, agriculture, and environmental situation in Ivingoni/Nzambani Ward.

The Kshs 10M dam (funded by the World Bank and Makueni County Government) is nearly complete, with the contractor currently undertaking repair works on the embankment that breached during the recent rainy season.

Once fully operational, the dam will provide water to 400 households for both domestic use and micro-irrigation, including the establishment of vertical gardens to enhance food security.

A climate-smart agricultural demonstration farm will be set up near the dam site to educate farmers, alongside capacity-building programs on farmland and rangeland management. Additionally, efforts will be made to develop pasture through grass reseeding.

MAKUENI AND KWS CHARTS A NEW PATH FOR CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. met with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Prof. Erastus Kanga on Tuesday to discuss critical issues affecting Makueni County.

Top in the discussion was the regularization of the Ngai Ndethya settlement scheme, which is currently a national reserve. It was resolved that the county government will initiate a management plan for excision to allocate 13,860 hectares for human settlement and 7,279 hectares for wildlife conservancy.

It was agreed that the conservancy would remain public land and be designated as a game reserve, to be managed collaboratively by the County Government of Makueni and the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Prof. Kanga emphasized the importance of wildlife conservation for biodiversity and sustaining life, as highlighted by UNESCO.

During the meeting, Governor Kilonzo committed to establishing a resource centre with offices for the County Game Warden and Liaison Officer. In turn, KWS pledged to improve road access in Mtito Andei town to enhance connectivity.

Further, he noted that the collaboration would boost revenue by positioning Mtito Andei as a key tourist destination. “This partnership is a win for conservation, development, and the people of Makueni.” Kilonzo remarked

Additionally, the meeting addressed the urgent need for concerted mitigation of human-wildlife conflict in the county with the completion of 20 Kilometre electric fence from Wandei to Gaza set before the end of February 2025. KWS was urged to implement swift intervention measures and expedite compensation for affected residents.

The Governor was accompanied by CEC Members Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), Eng. Peter Nyamai (Transport), and Chief Officers Eng. Naomi Nthambi (Energy), Dr. Geoffrey Ngovi (Environment), and Daudi Kyalo (Lands and Urban Planning).

UN EYES EXPANSION OF MAKUENI’S SAND DAMS SUCCESS ACROSS KENYA

Makueni’s sand conservation efforts have caught the eye of the United Nations Mission in Kenya, which now seeks to replicate the sand dam conservation technology to the rest of the country.

On Friday, a delegation of 12 UN agencies and the State Department of Devolution trooped to Makueni for an experiential learning mission on the impact of sand dams towards addressing water shortages, food security, climate change and ecological restoration.

The experience, according to UN-Mission Kenya Resident Coordinator Dr. Stephen Jackson will be key in upscaling sand dams’ construction in Makueni and other parts of the country through a joint working framework with the Ministry of Devolution and counties.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr who hosted the delegation said Makueni is heavily investing in sand dams as a solution to perennial challenges of hunger, water shortages and negatives effects of climate change. The county has a total of over a 1,000 sand dams, with potential for 1,000 more across its major seasonal rivers.

Devolution Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika who coordinates all development partners in the country led the UN delegation to Makueni.