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ATHI-KALAWA WATER PROJECT UNDER REHABILITATION BY GOVERNMENT OF MAKUENI COUNTY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WORLD VISION-KENYA.

Athi-Kalawa water project under rehabilitation by Government of Makueni County in partnership with World Vision-Kenya. Rehabilitation works which include Intake at River Athi, booster station and modern treatment facility is 85 percent complete.

Once complete, this project will bring safe, reliable water to 80% of Kalawa Ward residents through the #LastMileWaterConnectivity spearheaded by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr

GREEN GRAMS OF HOPE: MASONGALENI FARMERS STEP INTO THE GLOBAL MARKET

In the heart of Makueni’s arid Masongaleni Ward, a quiet transformation is unfolding—one green gram at a time. Traditionally grown in semi-arid regions for their resilience and quick maturity, green grams have long served as a reliable crop for farmers in Makueni County. Now, they are becoming symbols of hope and prosperity.

A 100-acre green gram farm in Kikuumini, tended by four pioneering farmers, has become the centerpiece of an initiative targeting European export markets, with Italy as the primary destination.

The project is spearheaded by Grain Connect, an organization committed to bridging smallholder farmers with global markets through sustainable and high-quality production practices. Under the guidance of Grain Connect Director Alessio Colussi, these farmers have been selected to lead the way in producing export-grade green grams.

The initiative is not only aimed at increasing exports, but about empowering local farmers with better farming techniques, improved market access and fairer pricing.

The initiative grants special attention to the quality of the produce, particularly the grain’s sprouting ability, a trait that has piqued interest among European consumers.

During a visit by Agriculture CECM Joyce Mutua on Wednesday, she reaffirmed the county’s commitment to agricultural development by announcing the establishment of a County Green Gram Aggregation Centre; A facility that will ensure the produce meets international hygiene and quality standards, preparing it for export.

“It’s important that we don’t just grow crops, but also grow opportunities,” said Mutua.

So far, 200 acres have been cultivated under the program in Masongaleni Ward, with expansion plans already in motion.

“This partnership is a gateway for our farmers to access global markets and improve their livelihoods.” added the CECM.

MAKUENI COUNTY, LIGHT FOR THE WORLD PARTNER TO EMPOWER YOUTH WITH SKILLS AND START-UP SUPPORT

The County Government of Makueni has partnered with Light for the World Kenya to equip youth with both soft and technical skills in a transformative training initiative.

The programme has already made a huge impact in Kibwezi West, where 18 out of 25 trainees successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship after completing a six-month training course.

The young entrepreneurs also received start-up grants to help launch and grow their businesses.

Building on this success, the County on Tuesday flagged off another cohort of 40 youth living with disabilities from Wote Municipality.

The training, launched by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, will see 20 participants begin immediately in the first phase, with sessions running through to December.

As part of the county’s broader inclusivity agenda, Mulili affirmed plans to allocate market spaces for persons with disabilities, enabling them to establish and operate their businesses sustainably.

STROKE SURVIVOR URGES HEALTHY LIVING AS MAKUENI MARKS WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY

At 67, Josaya Mawa knows the high cost of poor lifestyle choices.

A survivor of both diabetes and hypertension since 2009, Mawa lost his right leg to a stroke,a painful consequence he blames on years of heavy drinking and unhealthy eating.

Speaking on Monday at Itumbule Health Center during World Hypertension Day, Muema passionately urged members of the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, warning that neglecting one’s health can have devastating consequences.

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who led locals,leaders and partners in commemorating the day, announced that the county government has significantly increased funding for the procurement of life-saving drugs to ensure a steady supply of antihypertensive medication in Level 2 and 3 health facilities.

As part of strengthening primary healthcare, the county has also equipped Community Health Promoters with blood pressure monitors to conduct regular household screenings, supporting timely referrals, and following up on patients to ensure proper management.

County Health Executive Dr. Paul Musila revealed that the health department is in the process of digitizing records for hypertension patients across public facilities. The move aims to improve drug management and prevent stockouts.

Dr. Musila also noted that the county will ramp up medical outreaches targeting non-communicable diseases to enhance early detection and treatment.

26 YOUTH IN MAKUENI SET TO LAUNCH BUSINESSES THROUGH “UJUZI TEKE TEKE” EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

Twenty six young budding entrepreneurs from Kikumbulyu South ward are set to transform their futures after receiving startup tools under the Ujuzi Teke Teke skills program.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, equips trainees with hands-on mentorship from seasoned business owners (master craftsmen) before providing them with trade-specific kits to launch their own enterprises.

County Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni presided over the tools distribution, hailing the program as a catalyst for local economic growth.

Tools provided include: barbering & salon kits, welding equipment, mechanical repair kits, tailoring kits and car wash machines.

302 GRADUATE FROM JOINT HOSPITALITY UPSCALING TRAINING IN MAKUENI

A total of 302 hospitality workers from Makueni and Machakos counties graduated on Friday after completing a two-week upscaling training program aimed at improving service delivery in the tourism sector.

The Tourism Fund-sponsored training equips workers with modern skills in customer service, food and beverage handling, housekeeping, hygiene, and sustainable tourism to meet evolving industry standards and enhance visitor experiences.

The graduation ceremony held at Wote Technical Training Institute was led by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism CECM Dr. Sonia Nzilani and attended by distinguished guests, including Scott University Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel Barante, Tourism Fund Trustee Mr. Patrick Ngere, and Machakos CECM Mr. John Kilonzo among other guests.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Sonia Nzilani said the initiative is a key step in building a skilled workforce. “By equipping frontline hospitality workers with skills, we are directly investing in the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry.”

GOVERNOR MUTULA SUBMITS GBV MEMO AS NATIONAL TASKFORCE HOLDS CONSULTATIONS IN WOTE

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. today hosted the Committee on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide at his office ahead of a high-level public participation forum at Wote Technical Training Institute.

During the meeting, Governor Mutula presented a detailed memorandum to the committee, outlining key recommendations and priority areas for addressing the rising cases of GBV and femicide in the region.

The visit is part of a nationwide series of consultative forums by the Technical Working Group on GBV and Femicide, which was appointed by President William Ruto in January 2025 to collect views from the public and stakeholders.

More than 300 participants from various sectors are attending the Wote forum to share their experiences, perspectives, and proposals aimed at combating the alarming surge in GBV and femicide cases across the country.

Today’s delegation was led by Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, a member of the 34-member taskforce chaired by Dr. Nancy Baraza. The team is mandated to investigate the root causes of GBV and femicide and recommend actionable policy and legal interventions.

HOSPITALITY LEADERS TRAINED ON KEY HOSPITALITY SKILLS

Managers and directors from the hospitality sector in Makueni and Machakos counties have on Thursday completed a two-day training program designed to enhance their skills and expertise in the industry.

The training, organized by the Makueni Tourism Directorate in collaboration with the Tourism Fund, covered financial management, human resource development and emerging trends in the workplace.

The training, facilitated by the Tourism Professional Association, brought together 29 participants from both counties who were awarded certificates of participation.

The event was graced by Makueni CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism, Dr. Sonia Nzilani, and was also attended by Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani.

GOVERNOR MUTULA SEEKS NYS PARTNERSHIP TO ACCELERATE COUNTY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Wednesday held talks with Kenya National Youth Service (NYS) Commandant, General James Tembur at the NYS Headquarters in Nairobi to initiate government-to-government collaboration to support infrastructure construction services in Makueni County.

NYS is a government training institution with proven expertise in road, building and dam construction, machine maintenance, borehole drilling and affordable machine hire.

This partnership aims at enhancing infrastructure development at reduced project costs.

The Governor was accompanied by CECMs Finance, Damaris Kavoi and Transport Eng. Peter Mumo. Also present was NYS Mechanical and Transport Branch Commanding Officer, Andrew Ekuss among others.

MAKUENI COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL MAKES MEDICAL HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER BRAIN TUMOR SURGERY

Makueni County Referral Hospital has successfully performed its first-ever brain tumor surgery, marking a major leap forward in the county’s healthcare capabilities.

The delicate procedure, which took more than six hours, involved the excision of a brain tumor and was led by Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Muthoka Mativo, with support from Dr. Angela Murunga.

Chief Officer for Health, Dr. Harvey Mulei, who witnessed the procedure, lauded the surgical team for their exceptional expertise, coordination, and commitment

The patient, 69-year-old male, had been battling persistent migrains and seizures when he sought help at the facility.

After a thorough diagnostic process, doctors recommended immediate surgical intervention, which was successfully performed in the hospital’s main theatre.

This historic achievement means that Makueni residents will no longer need to travel to distant cities for advanced neurosurgical procedures. Kenyatta National Hospital