Departments

OVER 15,000 MAKUENI FARMERS RECEIVE CERTIFIED SEEDS AHEAD OF THE INCOMING LONG RAINS

More than 15,000 farmers in Makueni County have received certified maize and bean seeds from the county government under the 2024/2025 budget.

The distribution, concluded on Friday, targeted six wards;Wote-Nziu, Tulimani, Mbooni, Mukaa, Mbitini, and Kee, where residents had prioritized grain value chain development during public participation forums.

Speaking at the Wote-Nziu ward forum, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili urged farmers to prepare their land early and embrace dry planting in readiness for the October–December rains, which the forecast predicts will be below normal and poorly distributed. She stressed that early preparation will be key in maximizing harvests despite the expected erratic weather.

Area MCA Felix Mateso emphasized that best practices will ensure farmers reap maximum yields and strengthen food security in the county.

Agriculture CECM Elizabeth Muli also encouraged farmers to adhere to good agricultural practices as guided by extension officers, noting that quality seeds alone are not enough without proper farming methods.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture, is designed to boost food production by providing quality inputs suited to different agro-ecological zones and farmer preferences.

MAKUENI SEALS DEAL WITH KEVEVAPI TO STRENGTHEN LIVESTOCK HEALTH AND DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Makueni County Government has signed a strategic partnership with the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI) in a move set to revolutionize livestock health and boost the local economy.

The collaboration seeks to improve vaccine uptake in the county, which currently stands at a low 30 percent, with an ambitious target of reaching 70 percent. Through this deal, farmers will benefit from a more reliable, timely, and efficient supply of vaccines.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the fight against devastating livestock diseases, including Foot and Mouth Disease, Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Caprine Pleuropneumonia, Rabies, Brucellosis, and Rift Valley Fever.

Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili hailed the partnership as a major boost to livestock farming, which contributes 20 percent to Makueni’s GDP and sustains 65 percent of households.

Her remarks were echoed by Agriculture CECM Elizabeth Muli, who reaffirmed the county’s pledge to fully support the initiative and ensure long-term success.

MAKUENI WOMEN GROUP GOAT PROJECT WINS BIG AT NAIROBI TRADE FAIR.

Utheu wa Aka Self-Help Group was started in 1998 in Kikumbulyu South by 22 women, mostly widows, with a simple idea—pooling just Ksh 5 weekly to support each other.

What began as a merry-go-round to buy kitchenware, household items and even build homes for vulnerable members soon grew into something bigger.

Before devolution, the group received a grant of Ksh 120,000 from the Njaa Marufuku Kenya initiative.

Instead of spending the money at once, they wisely invested in dairy goats to fight famine and provide their families with nutritious milk.

With guidance from county livestock extension officers, they later adopted Toggenburg goat farming, which soon caught the eye of agricultural experts in the county.

Their goats earned recognition and were presented at the Makueni Agricultural Show, where they won top awards for three consecutive years.

Inspired by their success, the group advanced to the Nairobi International Trade Fair in 2022, winning trophies for champion male and female meat goats.

While visiting their stand at this year’s International Trade Fair, County Assembly Speaker Mbilu Douglas and the Agriculture Sectoral Committee commended the group for their remarkable success in scooping two champion trophies and 26 awards.

Beyond trophies, goat farming has become a steady source of income, transforming livelihoods and aligning with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr ’s vision to empower women and youth.

Additionally, as a result of sustaining excellent performance, two members of the group have earned a slot in officiating at the international trade fair’s goat section.

89 YOUTH IN KATHONZWENI WARD RECEIVE “UJUZI TEKE TEKE” TOOLS OF TRADE

A total of 89 young people in Kathonzweni Ward have benefited from the “Ujuzi Teke Teke” empowerment program, receiving tools of trade to kick-start their enterprises.

Tools provided include barbering & salon kits, welding equipment, mechanical repair kits, tailoring kits and car wash machines. Mbuvo and Kathonzweni clusters each received a car wash set-up, while Ngomano cluster benefited from an irrigation kit.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, combines hands-on mentorship from seasoned business owners (master craftsmen) with the provision of start-up kits, enabling youth to establish and grow their businesses.

County Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni terms the program a catalyst for local economic growth and self-reliance. Youth Director Boniface Muting’a led the distribution exercise on Thursday.

STUDY REVEALS HEAVY NCD BURDEN IN MAKUENI, WOMEN CARRY THE CAREGIVING LOAD

A new study by the Department of Health Services and the ARUA Centre of Excellence for Non-Communicable Diseases at the University of Nairobi has revealed statistics on the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and caregiving in Makueni County.

According to the research, which was conducted among a study sample size of 155 caregivers, they reported the majority of the recepients of care suffered from comorbidity (more than one non-communicable disease). Majority of the recipients of care were diagnosed with hypertension (74.1%), followed by diabetes at 37.8%, chronic respiratory diseases at 8.4%, cancer at 6.3%, and other cardiovascular diseases at 3.5%.

_NB: These are proportions from a small study sample._

The findings also highlight the disproportionate burden of caregiving, with 69% of caregivers being women compared to 31% men.

Among care recipients, women account for 65%, while only 1% of caregivers receive payment, leaving 99% unpaid.

Speaking during the dissemination meeting on Thursday at the Mother and Child Hospital, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili cautioned against leaving children with caregiving responsibilities, terming it a violation of their right to education.

She reaffirmed the county’s commitment to work with the national government once the proposed national NCD caregiver policy is developed, to ease the pressure on caregivers already stretched to their limits.

Health CECM Joyce Mutua urged political leaders to embrace the study’s findings and use their platforms to advocate for reducing the rising NCD prevalence.

On his part, Professor Charles Nzioka of the University of Nairobi noted that the ultimate goal is to develop a national NCD policy that recognizes, reduces, and redistributes the burden of care work on women and girls, thereby promoting gender equity and improving their well-being.

HUNDREDS FLOCK KAKO AND WAMBITI LAND SUCCESSION CLINICS

Hundreds of residents from Kako/Waia Ward in Makueni County gathered Thursday for a land succession sensitisation forum, in what is being hailed as a major step toward resolving long-standing inheritance and property disputes that have crippled land use and family relations in the region.

The forum is part of a broader initiative launched by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration aimed at tackling the deeply entrenched land succession crisis facing Makueni County residents.

The land succession clinics, spearheaded by the County Solicitor’s Office, are designed to educate residents on the legal pathways to resolve inheritance issues and formalize land ownership.

Addressing the crowd, Chief Officer for Public Service Management Catherine Katuti urged locals to take full advantage of the county government’s free legal support, emphasizing that unresolved succession issues remain one of the biggest hindrances to effective land utilization and economic development in the region.

Residents shared emotional testimonies of family breakdowns, generational disputes, and economic stagnation tied to unprocessed succession cases, many dating back decades.

MAKUENI’S SCENIC HILLS ON THE SPOTLIGHT AT MAGICAL KENYA EXPO 2025

Makueni County is blessed with breathtaking hills that rise gracefully over the landscape, offering therapeutic nature walks, fresh air and unforgettable adventure.

From the iconic Nzaui Hill, the lush Chyullu ranges, the legendary Mbui Nzu Hill, to the tranquil Mbooni and Makuli hills, the county boasts secure and serene hiking destinations for both domestic and international explorers.

These natural treasures not only provide scenic beauty but also peace of mind, making them perfect escapes for adventurers and wellness seekers.

At the MagicalKenya Expo 2025, Makueni’s Tourism Directorate is marketing these attractions to the world, highlighting efforts to brand the county as a top travel destination.

Through tourism marketing, residents benefit economically when visitors explore, stay and transact business in the county, turning natural beauty into shared prosperity.

KALAWA MANGO FARMERS EXPLORE NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Mango farmers on Wednesday held a linkage meeting in Kalawa, organized by the County Government in collaboration with stakeholders across the mango value chain.

The forum brought together farmers, exporters, processors, county officials, TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the agro-chemical industry to explore ways of boosting commercial mango farming.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Officer for Livestock, Japheth Kiminza said partnerships are key to unlocking the sector’s potential and transforming farmers’ incomes.

He further urged farmers to use the platform to connect with exporters and processors, noting that access to reliable markets remains a major challenge.

The meeting that was attended by Makueni County Fruit Development and Marketing Authority Managing Director Joseph Kioko provided farmers with a chance to engage on export opportunities, address production hurdles and build stronger, sustainable value chains.

MAKUENI SHOWCASES TOURISM AT MagicalKenya EXPO 2025

The Magical Kenya Expo is the country’s leading tourism trade fair, running from 1st to 3rd October at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

The event brings together tourism players to market Kenya as a top travel destination.

During this year’s Expo, Makueni County is showcasing its vibrant tourism sector with hoteliers, tour companies, service providers and creative wood sculptors participating.

The County Tourism Department has been keen on promoting local sites, supporting guides and uplifting hospitality businesses to attract more visitors.

This year’s expo, themed ‘Creating Business Opportunities Through Tourism’, provides a platform to unlock new markets and partnerships.

By participating, Makueni County showcases itself as an attractive destination for both local and international travelers, boosting its profile in the tourism sector.

The participation also aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s vision of empowering residents through economic growth driven by tourism.

MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES ‘INSPIRING READERS’ PROJECT

The County Government of Makueni, in partnership with the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), has launched the Inspiring Readers Project at Mutyambua Library in Mbitini Ward. The program benefits five schools in Mbitini and Emali/Mulala Wards.

Chief Officer ICT, Education, and Internship, Irene Makau, reaffirmed Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s commitment to strengthening community libraries to enhance reading culture in the county emphasizing the County government’s commitment to embrace virtual reading by ensuring internet connectivity to the County Libraries.

KNLS officials led by Director Preservation Betty Kalugho unveiled plans to roll out virtual libraries in County Libraries. Already, learners are showing improved reading skills and confidence, with the initiative sparking a love for reading. With ten libraries established in partnership with Book Aid International, the success at Mutyambua sets the pace for further expansion across the county.