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Transport

SAFE RIDES FOR ALL: MAKUENI BEGINS CONVERSATIONS WITH FLONE INITIATIVE TO REVOLUTIONIZE PUBLIC TRANSPORT 

Flone Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organization specializing in creating safe spaces in public transport, is seeking to collaborate with the County Government of Makueni to address challenges affecting vulnerable groups in the public transport sector. 

This follows a baseline survey conducted earlier this year, which identified critical gaps and proposed key recommendations.

Receiving the survey findings, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. expressed confidence that targeted interventions would address systemic challenges, improve safety and accessibility, and establish a public transport system that champions equity and inclusivity for all residents.

FARMERS HARNESS ROAD RUN-OFF FOR SUSTAINABLE FARMING

Farmers along the 3-kilometer Kavingo-Kyamang’atu-Ilela road in Kako Waia Ward have embraced road run-off harvesting, a transformative initiative led by MetaMeta Research in collaboration with the County Government of Makueni. This innovative approach turns road run-off—traditionally regarded as a problem—into a valuable resource for nature-based farming.

The pilot program, launched by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr in August 2024, has seen over 4,500 meters of mitre drains excavated along the road, 2,000 tree-planting holes prepared, and two gullies successfully rehabilitated.

Beneficiaries of the initiative highlight its multiple benefits, including providing irrigation for crops, preventing soil erosion, recharging groundwater, stabilizing soils and reducing road maintenance costs.

On Friday, 15th November 2024, Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi led a team from her department and community beneficiaries in planting over 2,500 trees along the road. This effort included 500 fruit trees and indigenous pastures planted on private farms to enrich soil health and improve food access.

Eng. Nthambi reiterated that the county government has integrated the “roads for water” concept into all road-grading projects to ensure sustainable road maintenance and curb soil erosion.She was accompanied by Roads Director Eng. Martin Kitavi and Area MCA Dennis Musyoka during the event.

The team also launched a locally constructed drift, a project collaboratively undertaken by the community and the county government. The community-driven labor initiative demonstrates the sense of ownership and sustainability that defines the program’s success.

MAKUENI’S GRADING AND GRAVELLING PROJECTS TO BOOST ACCESS AND CONNECTIVITY

To strengthen connectivity and drive local economic growth, the Directorate of Infrastructure and Roads in Makueni County is diligently working to enhance access and mobility across multiple wards.

One of the key projects underway is the transformation of Mutulani- Ngangani road in Nzaui/Kilili/Kalamba Ward, a stretch that has until now been only a footpath, navigable by bicycles and motorbikes. Through extensive grading, this path is being turned into a fully accessible road, opening it up for vehicle passage and making it significantly easier for farmers to transport their produce to market. Grading works are also ongoing to open up Kwa Vutu-Yumbani road in Mbitini Ward.

The county machinery is also on site at the bustling Machinery Market in Thange Ward, which springs to life every Tuesday with hundreds of traders and customers. Gravelling efforts are in full swing to make market days smoother and more comfortable for everyone. The improved road surface around the market will enable easier access for vehicles, reduce dust and mud and create a safer, more inviting environment for trade.

These road works are part of a larger commitment by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr administration to create a resilient, accessible and prosperous Makueni, where better roads mean stronger communities and a brighter future for local agriculture and trade.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR HAS UNVEILED A TRANSFORMATIVE WATER HARVESTING AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN KAKO WARD, DUBBED DRAIN TO GAIN (D2G).

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has unveiled a transformative water harvesting and management program in Kako Ward, dubbed Drain To Gain (D2G).

The program entails road run-off water harvesting for irrigation agriculture and environmental management by way of trenches linking roads and farms.

During a development tour of Kako/Waia Ward on Thursday, Governor Mutula also commissioned Kako-Kandulyu drift to ease transportation, and inaugurated Kako market day to promote trade.

He was accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, area MCA Dennis Musyoka and Assembly Majority Leader Kisungi Katete.

GOVERNOR MUTULA LAUNCHES MULIMA WATER TREATMENT PROJECT AND COMMISSIONS KEY INFRASTRUCTURE IN MBOONI

In a months time, residents of Mbooni, Tulimani and Kisau/Kiteta Wards in Mbooni Sub-county will have access to quality treated water from Mulima dam.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Thursday launched the treatment works project, which on completion will produce 2,400 cubic meters of treated water per day.

To increase the dam’s capacity, Governor Mutula said his government has budgeted Shs 40M in the 2024/25 Financial Year for further desilting and distribution.

During his development tour of Mbooni and Kisau Kiteta Wards, Governor Mutula also commissioned Tawa Sub-county Hospital Digital X-Ray machine, Ngwani drift and inspected Kisauni earthdam.

He was accompanied by County Assembly Majority Leader Eng. Kisungi wa Katete, MCAs Alexander Mulemba (Mbooni), Kyalo Mumo (Tulimani) and Darius Mainga of Kisau/Kiteta and a number of Executive Committee Members.

KeNHA AND MAKUENI COUNTY RAMPS UP ROAD SAFETY EFFORTS

In a bid to enhance road safety and curb illegal roadside activities, the State Department of Roads, through KeNHA held a consultative meeting with the County Government of Makueni at Kusyombunguo Hotel. The meeting prompted by the National Security Committee following the tragic Londiani accident on June 30, 2023 which claimed 52 lives focused on moderlities of addressing market encroachments onto road reserves and ensuring adherence to road safety regulations in Makueni County.

Led by KeNHA Lower Eastern Regional Director Eng. J. Kariuki and also attended by the County Commissioner, the meeting resolved to the formation of a multi-sectoral committee that will include representatives from the National and County Governments, KeNHA, KURA, business stakeholders, traders, and the public. The multi-Sectoral committee will strategize on public awareness and implementation of the national road safety directive that provides a remedy to increased road accidents along major roads. The solution involves clearing encroached road reserves, designating land for markets and addressing illegal roadside parking, dumping and trading activities.

The County Government was prominently represented by CECMs Eng. Sebastian Kyoni (Infrastructure), Dr. Sonia Nzilani (Trade), Eng. John Kieti (Water and Sanitation), and Mr. Nicholas Nzioka (Lands).

This collaborative exercise highlights KeNHA’s commitment to creating safe, orderly and business-friendly environment.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JNR COMMISSIONS A HIGH MAST FLOODLIGHT AND STREET LIGHTS AT KISAYANI MARKET.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr commissions a high mast floodlight and street lights at Kisayani Market in an endeavor to promote trade and security, during a development tour of Kikumbulyu North.

This initiative is part of a broader market lighting program by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy which has already benefitted Makindu and Kikima markets

The Governor assured that more market lighting projects will be rolled out across the county to create secure trading areas and foster economic growth.

MUTWEAMBOO, KASIKEU WARD, THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF MAKUENI IS SPEARHEADING AN EFFORT TO CONSTRUCT AN KSH. 11-MILLION DRIFT

In Mutweamboo, Kasikeu ward, the County Government of Makueni is spearheading an effort to construct an Ksh. 11-million drift, involving individuals of all demographics.

This project is intended to connect remote villages like Mutweamboo, Kwandiki, Lumu, and Enguli to Kasikeu town and the Mombasa Highway, facilitating access to vital services such as markets, administrative offices, and healthcare facilities.

Expected to open the local economy upon completion, the CECM Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni further disclosed a budget of Ksh 28 million designated for road repair and maintenance in the ward this fiscal year.

The project will encompass contracted works, County Government equipment deployment, and labor-based initiatives, empowering the community and fostering sustainable development.

CECM ENG. SEBASTIAN KYONI INITIATES ROAD UPGRADES IN THANGE WARD, KIBWEZI EAST

Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, the CECM for Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy has launched the improvement of critical road networks in Thange Ward, Kibwezi East sub-county.

Emphasizing the government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing connectivity for development, Eng. Kyoni highlighted the significance of road infrastructure in facilitating access to vital services and fostering economic growth.

The road enhancement project, slated for completion by the end of February, encompasses approximately 13.6 kilometers of various routes, including:

  1. Kiuukuni – Kwa Kolovoi to Utithi
  2. PCEA Kasasule (Kwa Lilo) – Miuumoni – Mbosinia – Metava – Kwa Lilo
  3. Kiuukuni – Kasasule
  4. Kikunduku – Nzouni
  5. Kavitha – Kwa Maswii – Kyuasini
  6. Ivoleni Primary – Kathekani – Kwa Kivilita

The project combines government own machines and hired equipment, reflecting a collaborative effort to effectively enhance infrastructure for the community’s benefit.

Further, the department will implement the following projects in the same ward within February and March 2024,

  1. Installation of 8 lines of culverts at critical spots.
  2. Heavy grading of Machinery – Makongeni – Nzavoni Ndivuni – Kwa Veneti – Muusini – Maikuu covering 26 KM
  3. Gravelling of Ithaayoni – Kwa Chullu – Kwa Kavuu spanning 2.6 KM
  4. Gravelling of Machinery, Kinyambu and Manyanga towns.

Under the Housing and Energy section, the department is keen to finalize the installation of solar lights in 9 markets within the ward and Usalama rural electrification scheme that targets 178 beneficiaries (households and institutions) under the matching grant program in partnership with REREC before end of March 2024.

MAKUENI COUNTY TRANSPORT SAFETY COMMITTEE SENSITIZE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS TO INTENSIFY ROAD SAFETY AHEAD OF THE FESTIVE SEASON

Makueni County Transport Safety Committee on Thursday held a sensitization meeting among public transport operators and other transport and road safety stakeholders in a bid to bolster road safety, especially during the Christmas holidays.

The focus on strict adherence to speed limits, prohibition of overloading, mandatory insurance coverage, addressing infrastructure concerns, and zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances demonstrated a comprehensive approach to road safety.

The commitment of Deputy County Police Commander SSP Johnstone Mwarigha and CECM Devolution Japheth Mang’oka to implementing stringent measures and taking severe action against offenders sent a clear message that violations will not be tolerated.

The meeting was graced by Transport Executive Eng. Sebastian Kyoni and also attended by Mr. Paul Mbuchi from NTSA.