Office of the Governor

Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Ouma Muganda has praised the working relationship between the Makueni County Government and security agencies, saying the collaboration has strengthened peace, security and service delivery.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday, Muganda urged continued cooperation between the two levels of government to advance development and improve the livelihoods of residents.

Governor Mutula, meanwhile, raised concerns over rising human-wildlife conflict, vandalism of public infrastructure and illegal sand harvesting cartels, calling for concerted action by security agencies.

He also urged authorities to embrace dialogue in resolving social and political disputes instead of using force.

The governor commended local security agencies for their support, citing the success of the Huduma Mashinani outreach programme as an example of effective collaboration.

Mutula further linked cases of gender-based violence, suicide and family disputes to unresolved land succession conflicts, saying the county had initiated interventions to address the problem and appealed for support from security agencies.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has been ranked fourth best-performing governor in Kenya in the latest InfoTrak CountyTrak Performance Index 2026, reinforcing the county’s reputation as one of the country’s top performers in governance and service delivery.

The survey, released on Tuesday, gave Mutula a 66 per cent approval rating, placing him in a tie for fourth position nationally with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. He trails Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who topped the rankings with 68 percent, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who both scored 67 per cent.

The latest rating marks a significant improvement for Mutula, whose approval stood at 57 per cent in the 2024 CountyTrak survey, reflecting growing public confidence in his administration midway through his first term in office.

The report also highlights Makueni’s strong showing across several indicators used to assess county performance.

Makueni was ranked the second-best county nationally in public participation, scoring 48 per cent, behind only Elgeyo Marakwet. The county maintained its standing among Kenya’s leaders in involving residents in governance despite a slight decline from the 56 per cent recorded in the previous survey.

In sectoral performance, Makueni ranked among the country’s top counties in agriculture and health, posting 46 per cent in both sectors. It also recorded strong scores in governance indicators, placing among the leading counties in the management of public funds, prevention of corruption, use of technology in service delivery, decentralisation of county services and efforts to combat drug and substance abuse.

The findings suggest that Makueni continues to distinguish itself in areas that directly affect service delivery and citizen engagement, strengthening its position as one of the country’s best performing devolved units.

The CountyTrak Performance Index 2026 is based on interviews with 36,200 respondents across all 47 counties conducted between January and May this year.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday committed his County Executive Committee Members to enhanced accountability and efficient service delivery after presiding over the signing of performance contracts at the Governor’s Office.

The performance contracts set clear targets and measurable outcomes for each department, strengthening the county government’s commitment to transparency, prudent use of public resources and timely implementation of development programmes.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Mutula said the contracts will strengthen performance management across the county, ensuring every executive member remains focused on delivering quality services and improving the lives of Makueni residents.

He emphasized that effective implementation of county programmes will accelerate development, enhance public confidence in government and ensure wananchi receive value from every public investment.

In the same event, Governor Mutula issued promotion letters, conversion-to-permanent-and-pensionable appointment letters, and letters of appointment to 123 members of staff as part of the county government’s efforts to strengthen service delivery.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has cautioned politicians against spreading misinformation to mislead the public and pledged to support residents opposing planned land payments affecting settlement schemes in Kibwezi East.

The governor spoke on Monday during the burial of Mzee Tom Nzoka in Nzembete Village, Masongaleni. The late Nzoka, grandfather of Masongaleni MCA Bryan Nzoka, was eulogised as a respected elder, community arbitrator and political mentor.

Mutula criticised remarks by some Members of Parliament who described bicycles issued to Community Health Promoters (CHPs) as “bicycle ambulances”, saying the claims misrepresented the programme and could mislead the public.

He also opposed plans requiring beneficiaries in 20 settlement schemes to make payments to settlement trustees despite already holding title deeds. The governor vowed to defend the residents’ land ownership rights and urged those affected to unite in opposing the proposed charges, which he alleged were politically motivated.

Also present were Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu,County Assembly Clerk Kevin Mutuku, several Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), and County Executive Committee Members.

Mzee Tom was a respected elder, arbitrator and political Mentor.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday met officials of the newly elected Law Society of Kenya (LSK) South Eastern Branch and pledged closer collaboration to improve access to justice and legal services in the county.

The delegation, led by Branch Chairperson Priscillah Kioko and Secretary Doreen Mwau, discussed legal aid, expansion of Huduma Mashinani services, settlement of pending bills, land succession disputes and plans to secure land at Matiliku for the construction of a court.

Governor Mutula urged lawyers to embrace a collective approach to addressing community challenges, saying stronger cooperation between the county government and the legal fraternity would enhance service delivery and promote social justice for residents.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday earned praise from senators after appearing before the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee to respond to audit queries and update members on the implementation of previous recommendations.

Senators commended Makueni County for the efficient utilization of Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) funds, citing the county’s prudent financial management .

Governor Mutula told the committee that the county was resolving land succession disputes affecting four parcels hosting the Makueni Fruit Development and Marketing Authority, a move expected to secure ownership of the property.

On the Makueni County Empowerment Fund, formerly known as Tetheka, the governor said the county had operationalized new regulations, was recovering debts inherited under the previous structure and had begun piloting the new model in 41 groups.

Senators also lauded the automation of the fund, describing Makueni as a benchmark in the management and implementation of county empowerment programmes.

The committee was chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

Irene Nduku Makau was sworn-in on Monday as Makueni County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism, filling a vacancy left by the death of Sonia Nzilani last year.

County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa administered the oath in a ceremony witnessed by Gov. Mutula Kilonzo Jr., Deputy Gov. Lucy Mulili, county executive members, members of the County Public Service Board and MCAs.

She takes office after a competitive recruitment process and approval by the Makueni County Assembly.

Also sworn in were Julius Mwania Kinyungu as chief officer for Agriculture and Eng. David Makau Ndolo as chief officer for Infrastructure, Transport and Public Works.

Members of the newly established Mbooni Kee Municipality Board, Penninah Nduku Muendo, Alexander Kyalo Munyao, Jones Makau Mutisya and Caleb Mbithi Vokila , also took the oath of office.

The county government also issued promotion letters to several staff members during the ceremony.

The governor urged the new officials to begin work immediately and consult the county leadership whenever necessary.

Makueni County on Tuesday marked Africa Public Service Day by recognizing outstanding departments, agencies, and employees, while issuing appointment, confirmation, re-designation, and promotion letters to hundreds of public servants.

Speaking during the celebrations, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. commended county workers for their contribution to development and improved service delivery across the county.

The county issued recruitment, confirmation, re-designation, and promotion letters to staff. Public Service Board Chairperson Benjamin Kioko Kasamba said the board had processed 85 new appointments, confirmed 179 permanent staff members, re-designated 11 officers, and approved 128 promotions.

Governor Kilonzo urged public servants to uphold integrity, dignity, and excellence in their work. He pledged to reward exemplary employees through the county’s new rewards and sanctions framework while addressing historical workplace injustices.

He congratulated the newly appointed and promoted staff, encouraging all workers to use their positions to positively impact the lives of residents.

Addressing the public servants, Governor Kilonzo expressed his appreciation for their dedication and services.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday hosted a team from Safaricom led by Madam Josephine Mwikali, Head of Medium Enterprises and County Engagement, who paid a courtesy call to his office.During the meeting, Safaricom presented potential technological collaboration solutions aimed at optimizing county operations.

The discussions focused on the digitization and centralization of systems to enhance the monitoring and coordination of emergency medical services as the county prepares to roll out free ambulance services at the beginning of July.

The County Government is seeking to strengthen its emergency healthcare response, with particular emphasis on automating ambulance management to improve efficiency and service delivery.

The team also explored revenue collection and management solutions designed to enhance efficiency, improve accountability, and seal revenue leakages.

Governor Mutula thanked Safaricom, including the Safaricom Foundation, for its continued support and collaboration with the county government in advancing service delivery and development initiatives.