Departments

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.

GOVERNOR MUTULA COMMISSIONS YUMBUNI BOREHOLE WATER PROJECT IN NGUU/MASUMBA WARD

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, flanked by Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) Country Director Christian Schniepper, on Thursday commissioned the Yumbuni Borehole Water Project in Nguu/Masumba Ward.

The project, implemented through a partnership between the County Government of Makueni, the local community, and WHH, brings immense relief to residents who have long struggled to access clean and reliable water.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s administration has forged strategic collaborations with WHH and other partners to drive universal water coverage and the Last Mile Water Connectivity.

Under these collaborations, WHH has so far completed 14 water projects since August 2022, with two more scheduled for implementation before July 2026.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, MCA Daniel Musau, Water CEC Eng. John Kieti, Devolution CEC Nicholas Nzioka, and Assembly Minority Leader Jades Kalunda were among the leaders present at the event.

MAKUENI ON HIGH ALERT AS MPOX CASES SURGE

Health officials in Makueni County are urging residents to remain vigilant as cases of Mpox continue to rise, placing the region among the most affected counties in the country.

According to County Chief Officer for Health, Dr. Harvey Mulei, the disease is spreading at an alarming rate, with new infections reported across the county.

He emphasized the need for residents to exercise caution in their daily interactions to curb further transmission.

The county epidemiologist, Dr. Pius Mutuku, confirmed that Makueni has so far recorded 36 cases, ranking it fourth nationally after Mombasa (193), Busia (69) and Nairobi (56).

He revealed that 80% of the local cases are concentrated in Kibwezi West sub-county, particularly along the busy Nairobi–Mombasa highway with Emali town emerging as the hotspot.

Since the first case was detected in July last year, the disease surveillance and public health team has been conducting contact tracing and collecting samples from suspected patients.

Dr. Mulei noted that while healthcare workers in the county have been trained to manage the disease with the support of partners, stronger interventions from the national government,local and international partners are urgently needed to contain the outbreak.

He added that plans are underway to scale up public awareness campaigns and establish isolation centres for confirmed cases.

Makueni County is also working closely with the North Star Alliance, to provide targeted health services to truckers, community and sex workers at Emali.

Clinical officer Kennedy Kibiwott from the organization highlighted that their peer-led model has played a critical role in reaching key populations that would otherwise avoid seeking screening and treatment.

NEW HOPE FOR 220 MAKUENI RESIDENTS AS THEY RECEIVE MODERN WHEELCHAIRS

Over 220 persons with mobility challenges in Makueni have received modern and customised wheelchairs in a life-changing initiative spearheaded by the County Government of Makueni in partnership with Hope Mobility Kenya. The support is anchored on a 5-year working partnership aimed at enhancing the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities

For the beneficiaries, the wheelchairs are a much-needed reprieve, enabling them to move with ease and perform many daily tasks unaided. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s administration continues to champion inclusivity, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the county’s development journey.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Hope Mobility Kenya Executive Director Jack Muthui and Gender Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni presided over the handing ceremony on Wednesday.

In the last financial year, the county government issued 800 wheelchairs, 400 of which were donated by Hope Mobility.

Looking ahead, plans are underway to transform the Makueni Integrated Vocational Education Centre into a Centre of Excellence for modification of assistive devices, positioning it as a hub for supporting persons with disabilities across the Lower Eastern region.