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MURANG’A COUNTY TURNS TO MAKUENI FOR LESSONS IN MANGO VALUE ADDITION AT KALAMBA PROCESSING PLANT.

Makueni County continues to set the national benchmark in agricultural value addition, proving that when farmers, innovation, and visionary leadership align, agriculture becomes a thriving engine of economic transformation.

This leadership was on full display Wednesday as Murang’a County Assembly Committees on Agriculture and Trade undertook a benchmarking visit to the Kalamba Fruit Processing Plant, hosted by the Makueni County Fruit Development and Marketing Authority (MCFDMA). The visit reaffirmed Makueni’s position as a trailblazer in transforming the mango value chain from subsistence farming into a competitive agribusiness powerhouse.

Murang’a County’s benchmarking visit underscored the growing recognition of Makueni’s integrated approach to agricultural development. From farmer organization and extension services to processing, branding, and market access, Makueni has built an end-to-end value chain model that other counties are now eager to replicate.

The engagement provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange on governance frameworks, public-private partnerships, and sustainable agribusiness models-cementing Kalamba’s role as a national learning hub for fruit processing and value addition.

CIVIL SOCIETY, COUNTY OFFICIALS DISCUSS GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT IN MAKUENI

The Makueni Civil Society Network on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to explore collaboration aimed at strengthening grassroots participation and accelerating social development in the county.

Led by chairperson Daniel Mutunga, the delegation discussed priority areas including capacity building, civic education, and community-led development programmes.

Governor Mutula called on civil society organisations to champion good governance by sharing accurate and timely information with communities.

He urged the groups to advocate for the protection of county projects, noting that damage to public infrastructure strains county budgets and slows service delivery.

The governor encouraged civil society actors to carry out their advocacy and watchdog roles boldly and responsibly, saying independent oversight plays a critical role in promoting accountability, transparency, and order in government.

Members of the Civil Society Network welcomed the engagement and called for deeper involvement in county advocacy initiatives.

MAKUENI TO PILOT COMPOUND SEMICONDUCTOR RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR HEALTH AND WATER SYSTEM.

Makueni County will pilot compound semiconductor–enabled renewable energy technology to power its health and water infrastructure, a move expected to cut electricity costs by up to 30 percent.

The plan announced Wednesday during a consultative meeting between county officials and the University of Nairobi (UoN), will be carried out under the Compound Semiconductor–Enabled Renewable Energy Systems for Powering Critical Buildings in Africa project being implemented by UoN’s Department of Physics.

Briefing Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., the UoN team led by Prof. Julius Mwabora said the technology delivers higher efficiency and lower operating costs than conventional systems.

Governor Mutula welcomed the initiative, noting it will transfer technical skills to county staff and significantly reduce power bills for facilities that run continuously

The governor added that Makueni has strong solar resources and already has an energy plan and enabling policies in place to support large-scale renewable energy deployment.

MAKUENI REFERRAL HOSPITAL BOOSTED WITH ADVANCED SURGICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Wednesday commissioned new medical equipment at Makueni County Referral Hospital, marking a major boost to surgical and diagnostic services.

Among the additions is a modern diathermy monopolar machine that uses high-frequency electric currents to cut, coagulate or destroy tissue during surgery, significantly reducing blood loss.

The hospital also received infusion pumps, operating lights and tables, anesthesia machines, patient monitors for theatre and transit use, and a traction bed designed for orthopedic procedures.

A key highlight is a modern laparoscopic tower purchased by the county government. The mobile, integrated workstation supports minimally invasive surgeries and features high-resolution 4K UHD cameras, monitors, light sources, oxygen insufflators and suction systems that enhances precision, visualization and surgeon comfort.

In addition, the facility acquired a digital X-ray system that uses electronic detectors instead of film. The technology converts images into digital files within minutes, enabling faster diagnosis, improved image quality and reduced radiation exposure compared to conventional X-rays.

Governor Mutula noted that the high cost of medical equipment remains a major challenge for counties. He said the new acquisitions have enabled Makueni to expand operating theatres from two to four.

Hospital management reported that on busy days the X-ray unit handles between 70 and 80 patients, and the new equipment is expected to ease congestion and shorten waiting times.

Consultant general surgeon and endoscopist Dr. Alex Ombati said the upgrades will reduce referrals, allowing the hospital to manage even complex cases locally.

The equipment was procured through a collaboration between the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP) and county governments.

MAKUENI BENCHMARKS SCHOOLTRY VTC SYSTEM IN KILIFI COUNTY.

The Makueni County Department of ICT, Education and Internship is on a two-day benchmarking visit to Kilifi County to study the Schooltry digital system used in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).

The delegation, led by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili alongside CECM ICT, Education and Internship Japheth Mang’oka and Chief Officer Irene Makau, was received by Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule.

She said the county’s main focus is addressing school dropouts by tracking learners and transitioning them into VTCs.

Rolled out in December 2024, the Schooltry system is data-driven and includes an e-library, though internet access remains a challenge in remote areas.

The platform is already operational in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, with Cameroon next.

KANGI WATER PROJECT COMMISSIONED, BOOSTING CLEAN WATER ACCESS IN KATOLONI

The County Government of Makueni on Tuesday commissioned the Kangi Water Project in Katoloni Village, improving access to clean and safe water for residents of Wote Nziu Ward.

The project, implemented by the Sisters of Hope Self-Help Group with support from the Water Justice Fund through Neighbors Initiative Alliance and in partnership with the county government, rehabilitated the Kangi sand dam along River Ndue Nguu. It also included construction of a water sump, installation of a solar-powered pumping system, pipeline extension, and establishment of a communal water point with a storage tank. A tree nursery was also set up as part of the initiative.

County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Planning, Budget and Revenue, Damaris Kavoi, represented Governor H.E. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at the commissioning. She said the project demonstrates the county’s commitment to sustainable, community-led development and efficient use of public resources, and reaffirmed continued support for partnerships that improve livelihoods and climate resilience.

Chief Officer for Water and Sanitation David Makau called on residents to protect the infrastructure to ensure long-term service delivery, warning that vandalism of public water projects would attract legal action.

Wote Nziu Ward MCA Felix Mateso and other county officials attended the event, which included a tree-planting exercise to promote environmental conservation.

Residents welcomed the project, saying it will reduce the burden of fetching water and improve daily life in Katoloni Village.

MAKUENI STRENGTHENS MANGO MARKET LINKAGES TO BOOST FARMER INCOMES

With an annual mango productionl estimated at over 200 million Kilograms, the Department of Agriculture is intensifying efforts to ensure farmers gain better returns from their produce.

On Friday, the Department of Agriculture hosted Ward Administrators from across the county to discuss practical approaches to improving mango offtake and market access.

During the forum, it emerged that the Makueni County Fruit Development and Marketing Authority (MCFDMA) has been allocated 860 metric tonnes for purchase this season, with more than 700 metric tonnes already off taken.

While attending the meeting, Agriculture CECM Elizabeth Muli emphasized the importance of organized farmer groups, noting that exporters and processors largely source mangoes through cooperatives.

Further, administrators were urged to mobilize farmers into joining cooperatives within their wards and actively link them to buyers.

The forum, attended by Governor’s Political Advisor Nzioki King’ola, Chief Officers Dr. Victoria Kyalo (Agriculture), Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani (Trade) and Japheth Kiminza (Livestock), and MCFDMA CEO Joseph Kioko, aimed at strengthening coordinated marketing to empower farmers and enhance household incomes.

PARTNERSHIPS DRIVING MATERNAL HEALTH GAINS IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has commended the Safaricom Foundation for its heavy investment in maternal and child health in Makueni County, saying the support demonstrates a strong commitment to saving lives and strengthening local healthcare systems.

Speaking during the commissioning of the county’s second-largest Mother and Child Unit, Governor Mutula said the partnership will ensure mothers receive skilled, dignified and quality healthcare services close to their homes.

He noted that the new facility is expected to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal deaths, cut down unnecessary referrals, and provide a safe and supportive environment for childbirth.

The Governor reaffirmed that his administration will continue to prioritize healthcare through sustained investment in modern infrastructure, essential medical equipment and competent human resources.

Safaricom Foundation Chairman Joseph Ogutu revealed that Makueni has benefited from more than 100 development projects over the 20 years of partnership between the Foundation, counties and other institutions.

He added that boosting maternal healthcare remains a top priority for Safaricom Foundation, noting that Kibwezi East Sub County Hospital is set to benefit from a similar intervention.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili echoed the Governor’s sentiments, saying development partners are drawn to regions with strong and credible leadership.

Among those who also flanked the governor are MCAs from the health Committee, County Assembly clerk Kevin Mutuku,CECMs Joyce Mutua{ Health}, Damaris Kavoi { Finance}, Japheth Mang’oka{ Education} Chief Officers Dr. Harvey Mulei { Health Human resource, Management & Administration} Eng.Naomi Nthambi {Ag. CO Health Services} Eng. David Makau { Water}, Felistus Mutune { Office of the Governor} Irene Makau Mwilu {Education } among other county staff

NEW SULTAN HAMUD MATERNITY WING TO EASE CONGESTION, IMPROVE MATERNAL CARE

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and the Safaricom Foundation chairman Joseph Ogutu on Friday officially commissioned the Sultan Hamud Mother and Child Wing in a ceremony attended by Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili , the county Assembly Health Committee,County assembly clerk Hon Ken Mutuku and members of the public.

The new 50-bed facility, now the second largest maternity unit in the County, marks a major boost for maternal and newborn care in the region. It replaces an overstretched 12-bed maternity wing that served patients from Makueni, Machakos and Kajiado counties.

According to Sultan Hamud Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Stephen Mwangangi, congestion in the old unit forced mothers to share a single bed with their newborns.

Despite these challenges, the hospital recorded 168 successful deliveries in December last year alone, underscoring the urgent need for expanded maternity services.

The facility is a result of a partnership between the Makueni County Government and the Safaricom Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

The project aligns with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023–2027, which prioritizes donor coordination and the co-creation of community-driven projects to build a resilient local economy.

MAKUENI SET TO ROLL OUT MOBILE-BASED AGROECOLOGY SOIL HEALTH PROGRAMME

The Makueni County Department of Agriculture on Thursday convened a forum to roll out the KCEP CRAL SOIL/ILSA programme aimed at enhancing soil health and promoting agroecology through mobile-based access to farm inputs.

The three-year initiative, set to run from 2026 to 2028, brings together county administration officials, agricultural officers, agro-dealers, agroecology service providers, and KALRO. The programme will initially be implemented in three sub-counties, with Sub-County and Ward Agricultural Officers playing a key role in its rollout.

Supported by the European Union, the programme builds on Makueni County’s strong performance during the first phase of KCEP-CRAL. It targets 2,700 farmers for agroecology e-voucher inputs, while an additional 6,500 farmers will benefit from agroecology training. The initiative seeks to increase farm productivity, expand access to subsidized inputs, strengthen county agroecology systems, and improve food and nutrition security.

Speaking during the forum, CECM for Agriculture Elizabeth Muli said the initiative demonstrates the county government’s commitment to improving soil health, promoting sustainable agroecology practices, and empowering farmers through innovative, mobile-based input access.

On his part, KCEP-CRAL Eastern Region Coordinator Patrick Hinga said Makueni’s exemplary performance in earlier programme phases informed its selection, noting that the initiative will enhance farmer resilience, scale up agroecology adoption, and strengthen institutional capacity within the county.