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FRENCH ENVOY LEADS DELEGATION TO MAKUENI TO ASSESS LIFE-SAVING HEALTH PROJECTS

French Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Arnaud Suquet, on Wednesday led a high-powered delegation of five French parliamentarians and partners to Makueni County to review the progress of Unitaid-funded health projects.

The team assessed the AMPLI-PPHI program, led by Jhpiego, which focuses on reducing maternal deaths caused by excessive bleeding after birth as well as a cancer screening and treatment program led by Clinton Health Access Initiative.

The visit , supported through Global Health Advocates France (GHA), mobilizes French and European policymakers to champion sustainable financing and innovative solutions for global health.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. won praise for steering impactful interventions, including the introduction and scale up of life saving innovations such as heat stable carbetocin for PPH prevention, obstetric drapes for objective blood loss measurement and across all public health facilities providing birthing services in Makueni county.

Remarkably, Makueni has recorded zero maternal deaths from PPH in the year 2023 and 2024.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH WOMEN ENGAGED IN DEVELOPMENT TO TRAIN BODABODA OPERATORS ON MATERNAL HEALTH

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday joined Prof.Ann Kihara, Executive Director for Women Engaged in development to roll out an innovative program targeting bodaboda operators as key players in maternal healthcare under the Okoa na Mtoto Initiative.

The launch, held at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote, brought together bodaboda representatives who were trained as trainers of trainers on maternal, newborn, and adolescent health.

They will cascade this knowledge to their peers across the county to ensure safer pregnancies and deliveries.

Prof. Ann Kihara noted that expectant women in rural areas often rely on bodabodas as the most accessible and affordable means of transport during emergencies.

She emphasized that training riders would strengthen their role in supporting timely maternal healthcare.

Her program aims to, within two years, cut maternal deaths reported in health facilities by 30 percent, achieve 80 percent timely emergency transfers, and enroll at least 40 percent of active riders into an accredited emergency transport network.

Governor Mutula urged bodaboda leaders to sensitize their members, stressing that their involvement is vital in reducing preventable maternal and child mortality in Makueni.

MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES ‘INSPIRING READERS’ PROJECT.

The Government of Makueni County, in partnership with the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), has launched a major literacy initiative, the Inspiring Readers Project. The event held today at the Kithasyu Library brought together learners and educators from five beneficiary schools in Thange, Makindu, and Nguumo wards, signaling a strong commitment to boosting reading culture and expanding access to learning resources across the county.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT, Education, and Internship, Japheth Mang’oka used the platform to reaffirm Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and the County Government’s dedication to supporting all of its community libraries. He praised local residents for their role in ensuring the projects’ success and sustainability. Complementing this effort, KNLS officials announced a new collaboration to develop virtual libraries within County ICT Centres, bridging the digital divide and expanding knowledge access beyond physical walls.

The project is already having a profound impact, with students expressing excitement about the new school libraries and noting a significant improvement in their reading skills and confidence. With ten libraries already established in partnership with Book Aid International, the program’s success at Kithasyu paves the way for its next expansion to the Mutyambua Library in Mbitini Ward, empowering communities through the transformative power of education.

NORTHERN CORRIDOR OFFICIALS SEEK PARTNERSHIP WITH MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Tuesday received officials from the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA), led by Director for Investment and Promotion Dennis Mganga, during a courtesy call at his office.

The NCTTCA which includes Road networks, Railways and Pipelines is a major trade route linking Kenya to the wider East African region, coordinating cargo movement and promoting infrastructure development to strengthen cross-border trade.

The visit focused on exploring collaboration with Makueni County to tap into economic opportunities along the busy transnational highway.

Governor Kilonzo welcomed the initiative, noting that Makueni has open spaces for investment in infrastructure that can spur growth.

He emphasized that the partnership will ease transport for farmers and traders, making it easier to sell and move produce.

The Governor was flanked by Trade CECM Dr. Sonia Nzilani and Transport counterpart Eng. Peter Mumo.

MAKUENI RESIDENTS, COUNTY TO RECLAIM UNUSED THWAKE DAM LAND

The National Land Commission (NLC) has commenced the final phase of surveying and demarcating land around the Thwake Dam project, paving the way for the return of unutilized land to local residents and the Makueni County Government.

The two-month long mapping exercise will also ensure land is set aside for road access and essential utilities that support both the dam project and the surrounding communities.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. who hosted NLC officials who paid him a courtesy call, lauded the initiative, describing it as a progressive step in public resource accountability.

He said families whose land was partially acquired for the project will now regain access to their parcels.

Sospeter Ohanya, NLC Deputy Director of Survey said 96 per cent of land owners have been compensated.

MAKUENI INITIATES LEGAL CLINIC ON LAND SUCCESSION.

In Kenya, inheriting land from a deceased family member requires following the country’s Laws of Succession — a process that demands documents like a death certificate, a clear list of beneficiaries and legal grants from the court.

For many families, these steps are often misunderstood, leading to endless disputes.

To bridge this gap, the County Government of Makueni on Monday held legal clinics on land succession at Kee Ward in Kaiti Sub County.

These clinics are open forums where residents learn from county legal experts and ask questions freely.

The Monday exercise, led by County Solicitor Jennifer M Kyumwa drew hundreds of locals eager to understand how to safeguard family property.

Kyumwa said the program is meant to empower families with knowledge and disclosed that similar events will be rolled out in other Wards.

Area MCA Ulbarnus Manzu and Lower Eastern LSK Chairperson Makau Mutua attended the event.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOLDS FREE MEDICAL CAMP AT NGAKAA HEALTH FACILITY

The Department of Health Services on Saturday held a successful medical camp at Ngakaa Health Facility, offering free treatment and medication to hundreds of residents.

Community members received care for a range of health concerns, including hypertension, diabetes, and other common ailments. The initiative was part of the county’s ongoing efforts to expand access to quality healthcare at the grassroots level.

Speaking during the event, Chief Officer for Health Services, Dr. Harvey Mulei, encouraged residents to turn up for the upcoming public participation forums on the Mutula Care program, which is set for implementation soon. He emphasized that community involvement is key to shaping healthcare services that meet people’s needs.

The camp was also attended by Kibwezi West Sub-County Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Patrick Kibwana, and Makindu Medical Superintendent, Emmanuel Leiposha, who joined the medical team in supporting the exercise.

The health department has pledged to continue organizing such outreach programs to bring essential services closer to the people.

45 ILIMA YOUTH AWARDED LICENSES AS MAKUENI COUNTY RAMPS UP BODA BODA SECTOR SUPPORT

Forty-five young people from Ilima Ward have been awarded driving licenses after successfully completing a government-sponsored, one-month driving course.

The 45 graduates represent the first cohort out of 176 trainees who have either completed or are currently undergoing training across the county in the 2024/2025 financial year. The initiative is part of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s inclusive development agenda aimed at empowering youth and enhancing employability.

This milestone coincided with a major meeting of over 400 boda boda operators, organized by the Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK) in collaboration with the county government, held in Wote Town on Thursday.

The meeting focused on sensitizing riders on key issues affecting the sector, including compliance with new regulations, insurance requirements, security protocols, and the importance of joining SACCOs. A boda boda mapping exercise will also be conducted by the Department of Gender to improve coordination and service delivery.

Key leaders in attendance included BAK President Kelvin Mubadi, the Makueni Deputy County Commissioner, Transport CECM Peter), as well as senior representatives from security agencies.

The twin events underscore Makueni County’s growing commitment to formalizing and supporting the boda boda sector, while equipping its youth with the skills and certifications necessary to participate safely and productively in the local economy.

LAUNCH OF FRUIT FLY TRAPS TO INCREASE MANGO PRODUCTION

Mango farmers across Makueni County will reap big from a timely intervention as over 15,000 fruit fly traps, donated by the European Union, are set to be distributed to combat the destructive pest.

The consignment, received last week by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, was provided through TradeMark Africa and the East Africa Marketing Development Authority.

The traps use pheromones to lure fruit flies into a chamber lined with biopesticide, killing them instantly. Unlike heavy pesticide use that harms both people and the environment, these traps offer a safe and sustainable solution.

Speaking during the Tuesday launch at Kikumini/Muvau Ward, Agriculture CECM Elizabeth Muli noted that fruit flies have long reduced mango yields and farmer incomes.

She said the county is determined to protect farmers’ produce and boost food security.

In a joint statement, TradeMark Africa Country Director Lillian Mwai and Agriculture Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyalo told farmers that the fruit fly trap distribution is part of a wider pest management program designed to strengthen horticulture value chains and raise farmers’ incomes.

The traps, coming at the critical mango management season, promise healthier fruits, bigger harvests and stronger access to premium markets for farmers.

The event was attended by area MCA Elizabeth Kawembe, Agriculture Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyalo and EAMDA CEO Eunice Ngina among others.

MAKUENI ONBOARDS 49 INTERNS, PROMISES MORE OPPORTUNITIES.

The County Government of Makueni has welcomed 49 new interns into its ranks, marking another key step in equipping young people with practical skills for the job market.

The cohort, comprising 28 men and 21 women, including three persons living with disabilities will be attached to various departments to learn from seasoned professionals.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, while officiating the induction meeting, lauded the programme as a launchpad for the interns’ careers, noting that it is tailored to give them the hands-on experience needed to thrive in the workforce.

Mulili further announced plans to re-advertise an additional 49 internship positions in departments that received low applications during the recent recruitment drive.

Among those who attended the event were CECM Education, ICT and Internship, Japheth Mang’oka, Chief Officer for Education Irene Makau, and Chief Officer for Budget, Socio-Economic Planning and Revenue Boniface Mutua.