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SENATORS HAIL MAKUENI FOR PRUDENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior has earned praise from Senators for his county’s sound and transparent financial management and investment.

The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds Tuesday commended Makueni County for its exemplary stewardship of public finances, particular special funds and investments.

Appearing before the committee, the Governor outlined measures his administration has implemented to maintain a record of zero non-performing loans.

Senators reviewed and discussed all matters presented before the committee, describing Makueni’s financial policies and management practices as progressive and accountable.

Governor Kilonzo said the recognition and commendation inspires the county government to continue managing public resources responsibly for the benefit of residents.

Committee Chair Godfrey Osotsi, who also serves as the Senator for Vihiga County, said Makueni County stands out as a model of effective funds governance for other devolved units.

192 YOUTH LICENSED IN MAKUENI’S ROAD SAFETY EMPOWERMENT DRIVE

In a bid to enhance road safety and reduce accidents, Makueni County Government through the department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports & Social Services has implemented a one-month, fully sponsored motor vehicle and motorcycle training program targeting young people.

On Monday, 65 youth from Kilungu Ward were awarded Class B2 driving licenses, while 68 from Nzakika and 59 from Kitise Wards received motorcycle riding licenses after successfully completing the training. This brings the total number of trained and licensed youth to 277 across the county in the 2024/2025 financial year.

The initiative, a key component of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s inclusive development agenda, seeks to empower young people with employable and life-enhancing skills, fostering resilience and self-reliance among the county’s youth.

MAKUENI WELCOMES LATEST COHORT OF INTERNS

The Government of Makueni County has expanded its efforts to tackle youth unemployment by inducting a second large cohort of interns this year. Following the initial onboarding of 49 interns on September 15, 2025, the county government today officially welcomed another 55 young professionals.

The event was graced by CECM Japheth Mang’oka, Chief Officer for Education & ICT Irene Makau and the Director of Revenue, alongside other facilitators who will guide the new recruits. These 55 innterns will be spread across various county departments, marking a substantial commitment by the Department of ICT, Education, and Internship to integrate Makueni’s youth into the public sector workforce.

The overarching goal of the 12-month internship programme is to equip Makueni’s youth with the necessary employability skills crucial for navigating the competitive job market.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT, Education & Internship highlighted the program’s significance, stating: “This initiative is not just about filling positions; it’s an investment in the future of Makueni County. We are committed to empowering our youth with the hands-on experience and professional discipline that will make them competitive in the modern job market, both locally and internationally.”

This practical exposure within the county public service is specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and real-world professional demands, fostering a more skilled and dynamic local workforce.

MAKUENI TRADERS DRIVE INNOVATION AT EAST AFRICA MSMES EXPO

Makueni traders are showcasing their innovations at the 25th East African Community (EAC) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Trade Fair taking place at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

The event, organized by Kenya’s Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) under the State Department for MSMEs, brings together exhibitors from across the region to promote trade, skills exchange and market linkages.

With shifting and unpredictable climate patterns affecting farming output in Makueni, the Department of Trade, Marketing and Industry is championing value addition as a key pathway for resilience and market growth—turning local produce into competitive, high-value products.

One standout exhibitor is Elizabeth Mulika a young agripreneur from Mbumbuni and founder of Lisa Farmer Service Center.

Her enterprise promotes Nyota beans—a high-nutrition, drought-tolerant variety. Through training, access to quality seeds and value-added products such as pre-cooked beans, bean flour and Nyota bean snacks, Elizabeth is empowering smallholder farmers to earn more while improving household nutrition.

Nyota beans are rich in iron and zinc, essential in strengthening immunity and supporting healthy growth.

Makueni’s participation reflects Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s vision of an economically empowered, innovation-driven county.

MAKUENI COUNTY EXECUTIVE, ASSEMBLY HOLD JOINT CAPACITY- BUILDING SESSION ON KENYA DEVOLUTION SUPPORT PROGRAM

Makueni County convened a 2-day high-level consultative and capacity-building session bringing together members of the County Executive Committee and the County Assembly to deepen understanding and strengthen collaboration on the implementation of the Kenya Devolution Support Program (KDSP II).

The sessions focused on equipping legislators with knowledge on the design, objectives, and operational framework of KDSP II — a World Bank–supported program aimed at enhancing county governance, institutional performance, and service delivery.

Speaking during the meeting, the County Executive Committee Member for Devolution, Nicholas Nzioka commended the County Assembly for its continued support in passing policy and legal frameworks that enhance fiscal discipline, planning, and performance management within the county.

He emphasized that joint engagement is critical in achieving the key results areas of KDSP II.

Devolution Chief Officer , Daniel Ndolo noted that through the Governance and Institutional Support Grant, the county will implement reforms in planning, financial management, and human resource systems, while the Service Delivery Investment Grant (SDIG) will finance critical infrastructure in sectors such as agriculture, health, transport, and disaster management.

MAKUENI UNVEILS AGROECOLOGY POLICY TO CHAMPION SUSTAINABLE FARMING

Makueni County on Friday took a major step toward sustainable agriculture with the official launch of the Makueni Agroecology Policy in Wote, presided over by Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili.

The new policy provides a framework to guide farmers in producing food sustainably while protecting the environment, conserving soil and water, and reducing dependence on expensive chemical inputs.

Agroecology, a farming approach that harmonizes with nature, emphasizes healthy soils, environmental conservation, and improved food and nutrition security through the use of locally available resources.

Mulili emphasized that the county’s future lies in responsible land stewardship, noting that the policy secures livelihoods today while safeguarding future harvests.

The launch, which brought together development partners, county officials, and farmers highlighted Makueni’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring a resilient, food-secure future for its residents.

The event was also attended by Agriculture CECM Liz Muli and Members of County Assembly drawn from Agriculture Committee led by Francis Mutuku.

MULILI CHAMPIONS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN MAKUENI

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Thursday led a women’s empowerment forum in Ivingoni Nzambani Ward, rallying women to take charge of their social and economic growth.

The meeting brought together women from across the ward for discussions on key topics such as healthcare, economic empowerment programs, and leadership participation. The initiative aimed to inspire women to take up active roles in politics, business, and community decision-making.

Mulili reaffirmed the County’s commitment to supporting women in achieving full empowerment and equitable representation in all spheres of leadership.

During the forum, County Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Coordinator Theresa Maweu sensitized participants on GBV prevention and urged communities to safeguard children from sexual and gender-based abuse, a message reinforced by Chief Officer for Gender, Nicholis Mutisya.

Mulili further called on the community to abandon harmful cultural practices such as gum cutting, which endanger children’s health.

She also encouraged women affected by fistula and other reproductive health complications to seek medical care at county health facilities without fear or stigma.

EMALI TRAUMA CENTER LAUNCHED TO BOOST ROAD SAFETY ALONG MOMBASA HIGHWAY

Makueni has taken a major step in strengthening emergency response along the busy Mombasa Highway following the launch of a new Trauma Center in Emali, established through a partnership between the county government and St. John Ambulance.

The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with two fully fitted ambulances, will cater to accident victims along the 170-kilometer stretch of the highway passing through the county, one of Kenya’s busiest and most accident-prone routes.

During the launch, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili described the facility as a “game changer” for road safety and pledged the county’s commitment to deploy additional emergency response personnel to sustain its operations.

She further urged the national government to intensify efforts to curb drunk driving, citing it as a key contributor to road accidents in the region.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who presided over the event, lauded St. John Ambulance for the lifesaving initiative and revealed that the national government plans to construct a new trauma hospital in Emali to further enhance emergency medical care along the corridor.

County Executive Committee Member for Health Joyce Mutua welcomed the development, noting that it will greatly reduce response time and improve survival rates for accident victims.

According to the chancellor of St. John Ambulance Brigade, Dr. Gome Lenga, the Emali Trauma Center is one of only two major trauma facilities along the Mombasa–Malaba corridor, the other being in Naivasha.

He added that the project will also focus on training and equipping members of the bodaboda sector with basic first aid skills to safely handle accident victims.

St. John Ambulance currently operates 14 trauma centers across the country, underscoring its growing role in improving Kenya’s emergency response network.

AVOCADO SUMMIT SPARKS NEW HOPE FOR FRUIT FARMERS

Agriculture remains a key pillar in Makueni, contributing about 27.7% to the County’s Gross Product. An estimated 70% of households engage in fruit farming, with mangoes leading the sector.

Though avocado currently accounts for a smaller share, its value and production have been steadily rising—making it a promising venture for farmers seeking growth.

It is against this backdrop that a two-day Avocado Summit is underway in Kikima Town, bringing together farmers from Mbooni, Kaiti and Kilome.

The summit, organized by the County Government in partnership with agricultural stakeholders, focuses on equipping farmers with practical knowledge on soil management, orchard establishment, farm nutrition, pest and disease control, flowering and pollination, fruit development, marketing and export standards.

Speaking during the event, Chief Officer for Agriculture, Japheth Kiminza, encouraged farmers to adopt high-quality Hass and Fuerte avocado varieties to boost yields and income.

The CO who was accompanied by East Africa Marketing Development Authority CEO Eunice Ngina and area MCA Alex Mulemba among other stakeholders reaffirmed the County’s commitment to supporting the value chain by supplying clean planting materials, promoting certified nurseries, offering grafting and spraying services, and linking farmers to reliable market outlets and exporters.

With avocado production in Makueni rising from 2,100 MTs in 2021 to 2,394 MTs in 2023, the summit signals a growing opportunity, one that promises better incomes, jobs and value addition for households across the county.

MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES RURAL ELECTRIFICATION DRIVE IN KAKO-WAIA AND KALAWA WARDS

The Makueni County Government has rolled out a new electricity connectivity initiative targeting key public facilities in Kako-Waia and Kalawa Wards.

The program, led by the Department of Transport, Energy, and Infrastructure, will see the installation of transformers to power the Wambiti Warehouse in Kako, Waia Ward, as well as Kathulumbi Dispensary, Mutembuku CTTI, Mutanda CTTI, and Kalawa Market in Kalawa Ward.

Speaking during the launch on Thursday, county officials emphasized that the project aims to boost access to reliable electricity in rural institutions, supporting local economic growth and improving service delivery.

The initiative is part of Makueni’s broader rural electrification agenda implemented in collaboration with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC). Officials noted that the county remains committed to ensuring equitable energy access across all wards to spur development and enhance livelihoods.