Office of the Governor

GOVERNMENT TO FAST-TRACK WILDLIFE COMPENSATION, SAYS CS MURKOMEN

The national government is set to implement swift compensation measures for individuals affected by human-wildlife conflict, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.

Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama tour of the Lower Eastern Region, CS Murkomen assured residents that those injured or killed by wildlife, as well as those whose property is destroyed, will soon receive faster compensation.

The announcement came in response to growing public concern and appeals from local administrators who attended the forum.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr echoed the call, urging the national government to provide additional support to wildlife officers in the county.

He lauded the officers for their exemplary work in resolving conflicts and maintaining peace in wildlife-prone areas.

Governor Mutula also raised alarm over rising cases of vandalism targeting both county and national development projects.

He singled out Kilome Sub-county as the most affected, revealing that the county had suffered losses amounting to Ksh 55 million due to destruction of public assets.

In response, CS Murkomen pledged tough action against those found culpable, warning that the government would not tolerate criminal sabotage of development initiatives.

To enhance efficiency in crime reporting and response, the CS also announced plans to digitize police Occurrence Books (OBs), allowing citizens to report crimes remotely from any location.

MAKUENI HOSTS 26 COUNTIES FOR PEER LEARNING ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES

Makueni County is hosting Chief Officers in charge of Devolution and Citizen Engagement from 26 counties across Kenya, along with their directors, for a peer-to-peer learning forum on the establishment and operationalization of Project Management Committees (PMCs).

Speaking during the event, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili emphasized the power of community involvement in development planning adding that across the county , residents are actively involved in deciding how development funds will be utilized during the financial year.

Mulili further explained that at the close of each financial year, communities evaluate the outcomes, demand accountability, and make new proposals for the following cycle.

PMCs, she said, oversee the implementation of projects in line with the Bills of Quantities and also sign off on minutes that authorize contractor payments.

Counties represented in the forum include Nairobi, Mombasa, Homa Bay, Kirinyaga, among others.

The Deputy Governor was flanked by Nicholas Nzioka, CECM for Devolution, and other senior county officials during the forum.

KYAMBEKE HEALTH FACILITY UPGRADED TO LEVEL IV IN MAJOR HEALTHCARE BOOST

Kyambeke Health Facility has received a significant upgrade following its official gazettement from a Level III to a Level IV facility.

This milestone was confirmed during Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s development visit in Ilima ward on Tuesday.

As part of the upgrade, the facility has been equipped with a full haemogram machine for the laboratory department to enhance diagnostic services.

The facility is equipped with dedicated wards, offering 11 beds for female patients, 10 for male patients, 6 for maternity care and 2 baby cots, ensuring comprehensive healthcare services.

Additionally, 15 more healthcare staff have been deployed to improve service delivery to the vast surrounding community. The elevation marks a substantial step in improving healthcare services in the region.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Mutula reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare and ensuring improved services for all Makueni residents.

“We, as the County Executive, have agreed with the County Assembly to create a plan in the upcoming budget that will ensure Makueni residents receive quality healthcare,” said Mutula.

During the ward tour, Governor Mutula also handed over six 100-seater tents and 600 plastic chairs to community groups with membership of more than 3,000 members at a public baraza in Kyambeke Market.

The governor was accompanied by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, CEC Member for Lands Japheth Mang’oka, Majority Leader Kisungi Wa Katete and MCAs Jonathan Muthoka (Ilima), Urbanus Manzu Kee and Special-Elect Magdalene Mulwa.

GOVERNOR MUTULA MEETS SENATE TO SHARE WATER COMPANIES GOVERNANCE STRATEGIES

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Monday afternoon had an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Public Investments and Special Funds chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, at Bunge Towers in Nairobi.

Governor Mutula shared a raft of measures the county government is taking to minimise excessive non-revenue water from as high as 58 percent to allowable levels of not more than 25 percent as prescribed by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).

Some of these include:

● Upgrading of old distribution infrastructure such as Mulima dam pipeline (installed in 1984).

● Fastracking drafting and adoption of the debt recovery strategies for all the companies and standard tarrifs.

● Implementing use of digital master meters, smart consumer meters, installing High-Density Polyethylene pipes as well as leakage detectors to reduce physical losses.

He also reiterated the county government’s commitment to improve the management capacity of the boards through training and peer-to-peer learning.

GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS KEY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN KISAU/KITETA WARD

During a development tour of Kisau/Kiteta Ward on Thursday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr unveiled a number of development projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. Key projects unveiled include:

1. Lung’u Primary School Borehole Water Project: This is expected to provide reliable access to clean water for 720 households in 6 villages within the ward.

2. Solarization and Distribution of Song’eni Water Project: set to ensure sustainable and efficient water distribution to 600 residents at lowered costs.

3. Song’eni Modern ECDE Classes

The governor also handed 12 hundred-seater tents and chairs to organized groups.These tents are intended to support income-generating activities, promoting economic empowerment and social inclusion within the community.

ROAD TO UNIVERSAL WATER ACCESS IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr commissions Lung’u Primary School borehole water project at the school grounds in Kiteta/Kisau ward. This project is part of the governor’s ambitious Last Mile Water Connectivity Program, aimed at ensuring reliable access to clean and safe water for all residents.

The solar-powered project will supply clean and safe water for domestic use to 720 households across six villages—Kithongo, Kitile, Itakani, Katitu, Kivani, and Kalimani. In addition to benefiting the local community, the project will provide a sustainable water source for Lung’u Primary and Secondary Schools, addressing long-standing water challenges in the area.

In attendance is Area MCA Darius Mainga and his Tulimani ward counterpart Kyalo Mumo.

OVER 2,000 RESIDENTS IN THANGE WARD TO BENEFIT AS NZOUNI BOREHOLE IS LAUNCHED.

Makueni County Secretary Justin Kyambi on Tuesday led a team of leaders in commissioning key projects in Thange Ward to enhance water access and early childhood education.

Among the projects launched was the Nzouni Borehole, equipped with solar-powered pumping, a water kiosk, and a 10,000-liter tank, benefiting over 2,000 residents, including Nzouni Primary School.

The leaders also opened Nzouni ECDE and Kithasyu ECDE, improving early childhood education facilities.

Kyambi urged residents to safeguard the projects, noting that vandalism, especially of water infrastructure, remains rampant. He emphasized the importance of community ownership to ensure long-term benefits.

Kyambi was accompanied by CECMs Elizabeth Muli, Sebastian Kyoni, Chief Officer Devolution, Daniel Ndolo, Governor’s Political Adviser Kasamba Kiilu, Thange MCA Erick Katumo, Kambu DCC Teresia Mburu, among other officials.

WATER, DEVOLUTION CECS LEAD IN PROJECTS COMMISSIONING IN IVINGONI/NZAMBANI WARD

County Executive Committee Members John Kieti (Water) and Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution) on Monday led in commissioning of various development projects in Ivingoni/Nzambani ward meant to improve quality of life for residents.

The two commissioned, Kikwasuni ECDE, Kwa Maundu borehole, Kwa Kalekye borehole and the ward administrator’s office.

The boreholes are part of the Last Mile Water Connectivity program spearhead by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, meant to ensure no one walks more than 2 kms to the nearest water point.

The two county executive committee members were accompanied by Chief Officers Irene makau (Education), Nicholis Mutua(Gender) and area MCA Harrison mutie.

UNDERSTANDING LAND INHERITANCE

Land inheritance in Kenya follows a legal process to ensure fair distribution of a deceased person’s estate.

This process involves beneficiaries applying for Letters of Administration in court, which are then published in the Kenya Gazette for 30 days to allow objections.

The court then grants probate for wills or issues letters of administration if no will exists.

With regard to the above, Makueni County Government through the office of the County Attorney concluded a seven-day legal clinic on awareness of land succession matters in seven wards.

During the clinics that reached thousands of Makueni residents, it became evident that there was a lack of awareness about the succession process, including the transfer of a deceased person’s name to an administrator and the required documentation.

Speaking on Monday at Kithungo/Kitundu Ward, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. emphasized the importance of understanding the legal process to ensure smooth land ownership transitions.

“With proper documentation, families can avoid the risk of losing land due to disputes or fraudulent claims,” he stated.

Governor Mutula further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to simplifying land succession with proper legal guidance and encouraged residents to allocate funds for the process in the upcoming Budget cycle.

The legal clinics held at Kitundu Social Hall and Kithungo Chief’s Camp, were also attended by area MCA Kisungi Wa Ketete, County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa and Chief Officer Felistus Mutune among other officers.

MAKUENI TO PARTNER WITH CIM TO BOOST FARMER-LED IRRIGATION IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday engaged in a productive discussion with Bishop Dr. Titus Masika of Christian Impact Mission (CIM) to explore collaboration on a farmer-led irrigation initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

CIM, a faith-based development agency, focuses on creating community transformation models and training tools, with a strong emphasis on building resilience against climate change and other environmental challenges.

In partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), CIM is set to roll out an irrigation project in Marwa, Kiima Kiu/Kalanzoni ward.

The initiative will involve the excavation of 200 farm ponds, each with a minimum capacity of 250m³, targeting a total of 552 hectares. The project is expected to harvest at least 37,500m³ of water per watershed, ensuring sustainable water supply for irrigation.

Once completed, farmers will actively participate by shaping, fencing and dedicating at least one acre each for irrigation.

This piloting initiative is a step geared towards strengthening food security, promoting water conservation, and enhancing climate adaptation for vulnerable communities in the region.

The meeting was also attended by CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Joyce Mutua, as well as Livestock Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza and other county officials.

This collaboration highlights the governor’s commitment to innovative, sustainable agriculture solutions that empower farmers and secure livelihoods in the face of climate change.