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MAKUENI, TRADEMARK AFRICA RALLY MANGO OFFTAKERS FOR A FAIRER, STRONGER MARKET

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, in partnership with Trademark Africa, on Tuesday brought together mango offtakers for a strategic dialogue on building a more efficient and accountable market.

The forum sensitized agents on their role in shaping market behaviour, deepened their understanding of Horticultural Crop Directorate – HCD(AFA) and County Government mandates, and opened space to unpack challenges and fresh opportunities in the agency business.

While attending the forum, Agriculture Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyalo asked offtakers to uphold integrity and strengthen linkages that ensure farmers receive fair value for their produce.

During the forum, East Africa Market Development Associates CEO Eunice Ngina also highlighted the need for a win-win market model where both farmers and buyers grow through predictable standards, trust and better coordination.

The meeting now paves the way for an upcoming joint forum between farmers and offtakers to harmonize cost structures, curb post-harvest losses and uplift Makueni’s mango sector.

MAKUENI PURSUES PEACEFUL OUT-OF-COURT LAND RESOLUTIONS

Makueni County, through the Department of Lands, Urban Planning and Development, has kicked off plans to establish Alternative Justice System (AJS) structures to handle land disputes outside the courtroom.

In partnership with the European Union (EU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the Digital Land Governance Programme, the department has concluded a two-day sensitization workshop for key stakeholders in the land sector.

The training brought together Sub-county development planning committees, land surveyors, county coordinator, national land commission, county land registry and land adjudicators as well as representatives from municipalities to deepen their understanding of the role of AJS in resolving land conflicts and unlocking resource potentials.

Participants were taken through Kenya’s AJS policy framework, its application within the county, and the use of the Land Information Management System.

The main goal of the training is to establish and strengthen AJS structures that can help resolve boundary disputes, land and resource conflicts, succession matters, and other cases more efficiently and peacefully.

NEW HOPE FOR POOR HOUSEHOLDS AS MAKUENI ROLLS OUT ULTRA-POOR GRADUATION PROGRAM

Picture This!

By 2023, Catherine Kyalo and her husband, Kyalo Kaluma of Muumani in Kithungo/Kitundu Ward, were considered a peasant couple struggling to make ends meet.

In 2024, a national government program, the Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP), identified Catherine and other women, enrolling them in business development training and mentorship. Each member later received KES 30,000 to start an income-generating venture. Catherine chose irrigation farming, supported by a nearby spring whose water flows by gravity. She ventured into cabbage farming and made a profit of about KES 45,000.

Fast forward to 2025: Catherine is now one of the most successful irrigation farmers in the area. She is currently growing off-season green maize, which she hopes to sell before December 2025 for over KES 60,000.

The program, commonly referred to as the Ultra-Poor Graduation initiative, equips households in extreme poverty with the foundation they need to build lasting livelihoods. Through a package that includes business training, seed capital/cash transfers, and a strong Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) structure, the program enables participants to grow stable enterprises and achieve self-reliance.

So far, the program has reached 3,000 households in Mbooni and Kibwezi, graduating them from extreme poverty to stable income generation through village enterprises.

The County Government of Makueni, through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services is now benchmarking on these successes as it prepares to roll out its own Ultra-Poor Graduation scheme.

The county initiative also includes Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF), which provides financial support to already graduated groups and individuals to further enhance sustainable income generation and financial inclusion under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s inclusive development agenda.

HOPE FOR PREEMIES AS MAKUENI HOSTS NATIONAL COMMEMORATION.

Makueni County on Monday hosted the National World Prematurity Day commemorations at the Mother and Child Hospital, drawing national attention to the urgent fight against newborn deaths.

The event was presided over by Tessie Mudavadi, spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and head of the Ushirika Wema Foundation, alongside Makueni First Lady Anita Mutula.

During the ceremony, the Ushirika Wema Foundation donated six neonatal incubators and accompanying accessories to the counties of Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos, each receiving two under the Okoa Malaika Programme, which supports the care of preterm infants.

According to Tessie, the national government has expanded the Linda Jamii health cover in an effort to curb the rising number of premature births, now estimated at 13% of all deliveries in Kenya. The enhanced cover aims to improve access to skilled birth attendance and critical newborn care across the country.

In her address, First Lady Anita Mutula highlighted that Makueni’s neonatal mortality rate currently stands at 21 per 1,000 live births, a figure that underscores the need for stronger maternal and newborn interventions.She noted that the county recorded 1,411 preterm births over the past year, with 250 infants, heartbreakingly, not surviving their first month of life.

To reverse this trend, Makueni has intensified investments in neonatal care. In October, the county partnered with ENI Kenya to establish the region’s first neonatal intensive care unit at the Makueni County Referral Hospital, an initiative designed to give preterm and low-birth-weight infants a stronger chance at survival.

The county has also expanded its Kangaroo Mother Care programme, building on its success in which 512 out of 515 preterm infants survived through skin-to-skin care. Additional spaces have been created, more health workers trained, and community outreach enhanced to support families through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.

In recognition of her advocacy, Tessie Mudavadi named Anita Mutula the Okoa Malaika Champion for the South Eastern region.

The event also drew participation from the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Hiyan, who underscored the broader social implications of prematurity and commended ongoing efforts to uplift vulnerable newborns through the Okoa Malaika initiative.

MAKUENI’S INNOVATION TRIUMPHS AT #HACKAGREENFUTURE HACKATHON

Makueni’s Mkulima Link team emerged as the overall winner of the #HackAGreenFuture Hackathon held at Konza Technopolis, achieving a top score of 73.67% in their county challenge. Makueni also claimed the second position with the AgroLink team, while Machakos’ Recycle Route Group secured third place with over 70%, and Kajiado’s Osiligi team scored 66%.

Out of 550 applicants, 40 innovators were shortlisted to develop innovative solutions addressing key challenges: waste recycling in Machakos, market access in Makueni, and invasive weed control in Kajiado.

The event was attended by CECM ICT, Education and Internship, Japheth Mangoka, CECM in charge of Youth Engagement, Kyoni, Chief Officer Irene Makau, and Director of Youth, Bonface Mutinga, among others.

Konza Technopolis CEO, John Paul Okwiri, said the winning teams will now enter the post-hackathon phase and pledged continued support for the young innovators.

WOTE MUNICIPALITY ROAD UPGRADES POWER URBAN CONNECTIVITY

In a drive to enhance mobility and unlock economic potential, Wote Municipality has embarked on an intensive road opening and grading programme across its urban spaces.

Across the streets of Wote town and the market centres of Kilala, Mukuyuni, Kathonzweni, and Kalamba, new access roads have been opened, while existing ones have been graded to all-weather standards.

The improved road network is already transforming daily life by making movement easier, improving communication between neighborhoods, boosting local trade, and enhancing security as more areas become accessible. Traders, farmers, boda boda operators, and residents can now move goods and services with greater ease, strengthening the municipality’s economic heartbeat.

According to Municipality Manager Everlyn Mutua, road infrastructure remains a central pillar of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr administration in positioning Wote as investor ready.

JUST A FEW METERS FROM NGILUNI DISPENSARY, TSAVO TRUST HAS ONCE AGAIN MADE A REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVING MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH IN MAKUENI COUNTY.

The organization has constructed new staff quarters, upgraded the maternity wing, and donated essential medical equipment to enhance service delivery for mothers and infants.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili received the equipment on behalf of the county government and commended the organization’s continued collaboration, emphasizing that such partnerships play a vital role in promoting accessible and quality healthcare.

Tsavo Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Moller, acknowledged Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s leadership in creating an enabling environment for development partners to thrive and support community-centered initiatives.

The equipment delivered to Nthunguni Dispensary includes an incubator, baby warmers, maternity and delivery beds, and an oxygen machine, all aimed at improving maternal and neonatal care in the area.

MCA’s Francis Mulwa and Brian Nzioka{ Mtoto Andei and Masongaleni)were also present.

NGILUNI DISPENSARY GETS MAJOR BOOST IN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH EQUIPMENT

Ngiluni Dispensary in Mtito Andei Ward has received a significant boost following a partnership between the Makueni County Government and Tsavo Trust.

The collaboration delivered essential hospital equipment, including a delivery bed, maternal bed, baby warmers, maternal incubators, a laundry machine, and an electric sterilizing unit, all aimed at enhancing maternal and child healthcare services.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili received the equipment on behalf of the county and lauded the partnership, noting that collaboration remains a key pillar in Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration.

Tsavo Trust’s leadership underscored the importance of accelerating healthcare development in remote areas and expressed commitment to strengthening future partnerships with the county.

County Executive Committee Member for Health Joyce Mutua urged Mtito Andei residents to continue enrolling in the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, emphasizing its role in reducing the cost of healthcare for families.

The event was also attended by Health Chief Officer Dr. Harvey Mulei and Mtito Andei MCA Francis Mulwa.

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.