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KYANGATI-WAUTU WATER PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION

Residents of Ilima Ward will soon enjoy improved water access as the Kyangati-Wautu Water Project nears completion under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program.

The project, now 90% complete, was revealed on Tuesday during Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. development tour of Ilima Ward.

The project features a sand dam, 17.76 KW solar-powered pumping system, a 100 m³ storage tank, a 2.4 km pipeline network and two community water points.

During the Ward development tour, the governor urged residents to report incidents of water infrastructure vandalism to the appropriate authorities to prevent the misuse of public funds.

This project will serve approximately 1,500 households, schools, markets and churches in the area.

The project is part of a countywide effort to enhance water supply through 12 similar initiatives.

Governor Mutula, accompanied by area MCA Jonathan Muthoka, also visited and inspected the Kiusyi Water Project, which is now 95% complete.

MAKUENI BATTLES TB AS OVER 40% TO 50% OF CASES GO UNDIAGNOSED

Makueni County recorded 2,200 new tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2024, with more than half going undiagnosed, raising concerns over the silent spread of the disease.

Health Services CECM, Dr. Paul Musila, revealed these figures at Matiliku Market on Monday while delivering his speech during World TB Day.

He expressed alarm over childhood TB, noting that 161 children were diagnosed in 2024,just 60% of the expected cases,leaving 40% undetected.

Dr. Musila reaffirmed the county government’s commitment, in partnership with stakeholders, to intensify TB control efforts.

Measures include increasing public awareness, enhancing early diagnosis and treatment, conducting outreach screenings, and integrating TB education into school health programs.

Echoing his sentiments, Chief Officer for Health Administration and Human Resource, Dr. Harvey Mulei, emphasized that TB treatment and medication are available free of charge at all county health facilities.

He urged locals to take advantage of these services by seeking TB screening at the nearest health center.

MAKUENI HOSTS NATIONAL CELEBRATIONS TO MARK WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY

Makueni County was on Sunday privileged to host the national celebrations to mark World Meteorological Day, an event dedicated to raising awareness about weather and climate concerns.

This year’s theme, “closing the early warning gap together” resonates well with Makueni’s desire for proper climate information dissemination to enhance agricultural production and prepare for emergencies that have rocked the county and the region for years.

Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Festus Ng’eno, led the celebrations at the Makindu Meteorological Station. The event was also graced by the Director Meteorological serivies-Dr David Gikungu, World Meteorological Organizations Director- Hlobille Shikhosana, MPs Jessica Mbalu, Mwengi Mutuse, Executive Committee Member for Devolution Nicholas Nzioka, County Commissioner, and Makueni Chief Officer in charge of Environment Geoffrey Muthoka.

Mr. Nzioka, representing Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, said the county government is keen on equipping farmers with the knowledge they need to adapt to changing climatic conditions. He highlighted the significance of partnership’s between government and non-governmental organizations in fostering resilience against climate-related challenges.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. CHAMPIONS ORAL HEALTH AT WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY EVENT IN MAKUENI.

Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, remains a pressing public health issue affecting many Kenyans.

Despite its significance, the consequences of neglecting dental health are often overlooked.

However, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. took a bold step on Thursday towards raising awareness during the World Oral Health Day celebrations held at Nduluku Primary School in Mbooni.

Governor Mutula stressed his unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of Makueni residents, emphasizing the key role oral health plays in overall health.

Further ,he noted that oral health is not only a reflection of an individual’s well-being but also directly impacts their quality of life.

In a press statement signed by Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Director-General of Health in the Ministry of Health, the objectives of the 2025 World Oral Health Day were include,raising public awareness about the importance of oral health, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to prevent oral diseases, promoting positive oral health behaviors, and highlighting the vital connection between good oral health and mental well-being.

Dr. Rebecca Kiptui read the official press statement elaborating on the day’s objectives.

The event also featured a general health medical camp, offering a variety of services to the community.

Among the distinguished attendees were County Commissioner Duncan Darusi, Area MCA Dennis Musyoka (Waia-Kako), and Nominated MCA Hon. Mutindi Kiio, Health services CECM Dr.Paul Musila and Devolution CECM Nicholas Nzioka.

MANGO FARMING TRAINING FOR AGRICULTURAL OFFICERS

Mango farming in Makueni has grown into a profitable agribusiness, that has significantly improved the livelihoods of local farmers.

In an effort to boost its production and market access, the County Agriculture Department, in partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), on Thursday completed a three-day training at Makindu for 30 ward agricultural and extension officers.

The training, developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), focused on hands-on practical sessions and a farm visit, emphasizing on modern technologies and best practices to enhance mango farming.

Covering several areas to help improve mango production and value addition, the training introduced Participants to better production techniques, including grafting, pruning, irrigation and fertilization, to boost their yields.

The training also gave an insight on how to manage pests and diseases effectively with a major focus on market access and linkages, post-harvest handling and storage were emphasized to reduce losses and increase profitability.

Further, with respect to the prevailing regional climate, sustainable farming practices were introduced to promote climate resilience and environmental conservation measures with exposure to digital agriculture, where participants learnt the uses of ICT tools for farm management, marketing and accessing extension services.

Lastly, the importance of farmer groups and cooperatives was highlighted, encouraging collective marketing and improving access to financial services.

The trained officers will now pass on this knowledge to farmers in their respective wards, ensuring that mango farming continues to thrive in Makueni.

MASONGALENI RESIDENTS TASTE ‘SWEET WATERS’ PURIFIED BY THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND WORLD BANK

Residents of Mukaange Sub-location in Masongaleni ward are enjoying the sweet taste of purified water desalinated through reverse osmosis courtesy of a joint effort by Makueni County Government and World Bank, through Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program.

The county government drilled Kiambani borehole but the water was unfit for human consumption due to high salinity levels.

Through the Climate Change Unit’s Participatory Climate Risk Assessment, the community allocated funds for purification of the saline water. After installation of a reverse osmosis treatment plant, residents can now enjoy safe quality water, ending many years of severe scarcity.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and Principal Secretary for the State Department of ASALs and Regional Development Kello Harsama commissioned the project in an event attended by Kibwezi East MP Jessica Mbalu, MCAs: Brian Nzoka, Jades Kalunda, Harrison Mutie and Eric Katumo.

Governor Mutula said his administration will in the next phase of the project allocate funds for distribution of this clean water to reach more households as part of the Last Mile Water Connectivity Program. The program targets to reduce distances to the nearest water point to 2 km.

The project also entails an agricultural component to support local farmers with climate-smart agricultural practices and pasture as well as apiculture (50 beehives) in Muliluni forest to enhance biodiversity and support sustainable environmental practices

GOVERNOR MUTULA AND ASAL PRINCIPAL SECRETARY COMMISSION SH 55M UYI EARTH DAM, BRINGING RELIEF TO THOUSANDS

It is a sigh of relief for 7,800 residents of Ngwata and Ulilinzi locations in Masongaleni Ward, who now have access to clean and safe water for domestic use from Uyi earth dam.

The Sh 55 Million earth dam was rehabilitated by desilting, construction of a water treatment plant, installation of a solar-powered pumping system, and establishment of a distribution network through a partnership by the County Government of Makueni and the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA).

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and Principal Secretary for the State Department of ASALs and Regional Development Kello Harsama commissioned the project at Yikitaa on Wednesday 19^th March, 2025. Area Member of Parliament Jessica Mbalu, area MCA Bryan Nzoka, counterparts Eric Katumo, Jades Kalunda and Harrison Mutie also attended the event.

Besides water for drinking, the dam will support 8,000 cattle and 15,000 goats, enable micro-irrigation, and enhance drought resilience in the region. It will spare residents the distress of trekking 15km to Athi River, the only other source of water traversing the region. The dam has an underground well which ensures continuous water pumping even when levels go down, and even before the rains fall.

Mr. Harsama pledged more resources from the national government to further expand the dam reservoir to a capacity of 150,000,000 liters of water. This will enhance the irrigation component for sustainable food security in the drought prone area.

This project bolsters Governor Mutula’s agenda for Universal Water Access in Makueni by 2027, through the Last Mile Water Connectivity Program.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT TO TAKE CENTER STAGE IN MAKUENI’S 2025/2026 BUDGET

Makueni’s youth are set to benefit from enhanced development opportunities as the county government prioritizes funding for youth-led initiatives in the 2025/2026 Financial Year Budget.

During a Youth Sector Working Group meeting held in Wote, which brought together the county government and partners working with young people, County Executive Committee Member for Youth, Sebastian Kyoni, emphasized that the implementation of key youth empowerment programs will be a cornerstone of the 2025/2026 budget.

Kyoni urged young people to actively participate in the upcoming budget public participation exercise to ensure adequate allocation of funds to youth programs at all levels, starting from the ward level.

The targeted youth empowerment programs include:

• Support for the registration of youth-led businesses to access niche markets;

• Financial and capacity-building support for young people engaged in value addition;

• Strengthening youth advocacy initiatives;

• Support for business start-ups for individuals or youth groups.

The Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services has committed to creating and supporting a collaborative space for organizations in the youth sector to effectively implement the youth empowerment strategy.

GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS COUNTY TECHNICAL TASKFORCE TO ADDRESS THANGE OIL SPILL.

Thange, Kibwezi East

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday unveiled a County Technical Working Team to assess the effects of oil spillage in Thange Ward.

The spill, first detected in 2015, has continued to affect community and the environment in Kibwezi East Sub County leading to serious health risks, including respiratory issues and skin conditions, as well as environmental damage such as water contamination, loss of aquatic life and reduced soil fertility.

While addressing a public forum in Thange market, Governor Mutula called on the newly unveiled team to accelerate their investigation into the effects of the oil spillage and submit an interim report within a month.

“Let’s refrain from prioritizing personal and political interests at the expense of affected residents and the damaged local ecosystems,” stated the governor.

The 8 member team, consisting of technical officers from the environment, water, livestock, public health and water analysis sectors, will play a key role in establishing the foundation for filing a formal complaint and determining the way forward for the affected community.

Mutula was joined by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, CECMs Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Dr. Paul Musila (Health), Eng. John Kieti (Water), County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, and MCAs Eric Katumo, Harrison Mwanzia, and Brian Nzoka.

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.