Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr used the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations in Mukuyuni as a rallying call to defend devolution and highlight the county’s progress, despite facing severe budget cuts and delayed national disbursements.
Addressing hundreds of residents, Governor Mutula decried the shrinking County Allocation of Revenue, which saw Makueni lose Ksh. 265 million in the 2024/2025 financial year. He expressed concern over stalled devolution, warning that counties cannot function effectively when funds are either delayed or drastically reduced.
“Devolution is not a favour. It is a right enshrined in our Constitution. We will not sit back and watch our progress reversed,” he stated passionately.
Despite these financial hurdles, the governor gave a hopeful picture of transformation in the county by announcing plan to work with a development partner to construct the Kiia Nzou Dam, aiming to tackle water scarcity in the County. He also praised the progress made under the FLLoCA program, which links water access with farming and environmental protection.
Mutula noted that despite severe water shortages and prolonged droughts, his administration had made significant strides in water access through projects like the AKWASH initiative—where five boreholes have been drilled in partnership with World Vision Kenya—and other collaborations with Water Mission and WHH. “Over Kshs. 403 million has been allocated for last-mile water connectivity to ensure households and villages gain direct access to clean water,” said the governor.
Governor Mutula highlighted that mango farmers were now earning higher returns, with prices increasing from Ksh 18 to Ksh 25 per kilogram due to enhanced market access. This improvement follows the establishment of the Makueni Horticultural Pack House, which facilitated exports valued at Ksh. 25million. To further empower farmers, the governor said 210 agripreneurs had been deployed across all Wards to provide extension services, aiming to enhance productivity, increase incomes, and create jobs in the agriculture sector.
“Land injustices in Makueni will be addressed through expanded Legal Aid Clinics and targeted support for succession and title deed processing,” Mutula also highlighted that the new Land Integrated Management System (LIM) will enable residents to access land services and documents online, effectively reducing bureaucracy.
In his speech, the governor highlighted a significant progress in improving Makueni’s trading environment through the establishment of over 50 market committees that ensure order and promote economic participation. He promised that his administration was committed to facilitating election and training of market committees in all remaining markets to foster development.
The governor’s speech cited major progress in infrastructure development, particularly in water projects, with completion of mega projects like Ndukuma Dam rehabilitation and Mulima Water Purification Plant. He stated that his administration was committed to drilling more boreholes and improving last-mile water connectivity in every ward. He also noted that the partnership with the National Youth Service is intended to fast-track infrastructure projects, moreso roads, while keeping costs low.
Mutula further reaffirmed his commitment to achieving universal access to affordable, quality healthcare for all Makueni residents. “With over 270,000 people already enrolled under the Social Health Agency, the County will roll out “Mutula Care” in FY 2025/26 to further reduce out-of-pocket expenses and ensure health services reach every household,” said Mutula.
He further emphasized the transformative role of international partnerships in accelerating access to clean water, healthcare and agricultural productivity, citing collaborations with organizations like World Vision, Water Mission and the Mpesa Foundation. Mutula affirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding such partnerships to deliver long-term solutions and unlock greater opportunities for the people of Makueni.
The Governor who was accompanied by his deputy H.E DG-Makueni Lucy Mulili thanked the people for their dedication and pledged prudent use of resources to deliver meaningful development outcomes.
The celebrations began with a morning church service at AIC Mukuyuni and were attended by several dignitaries, including Makueni County Commissioner Duncan Darusi, area MP Joshua Kimilu, MCAs Jonathan Muthoka (Ilima), Eng. Ndolo Kimunyi (Ukia) and Ulbanus Manzu (Kee), along with a number of county security and administration officers.
