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Transport

MAKUENI, NYS ROLL OUT ROAD UPGRADE IN 8 WARDS

Makueni County has kicked off a major road maintenance program targeting eight wards, thanks to a new partnership between the county government and the National Youth Service (NYS).

Beginning in Wote and Ilima Wards on Wednesday, this initiative follows a recent agreement between Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and the NYS, known for its disciplined workforce, precision in project execution and use of well-maintained machinery.

NYS’s reputation in road construction stems from its elite training programs and efficiency in delivering durable, high-quality infrastructure.

The wards set to benefit from this countywide road upgrade are: Wote-Nziu, Muvau-Kikumini, Mbitini, Kasikeu, Ilima, Kee, Kithungo-Kitundu and Mtito-Andei.

Each of the eight wards will receive a grader, while one ward will also benefit from a shovel to aid in the works.

The equipment will be used over at least 220 working hours to rehabilitate roads that were damaged or rendered impassable by the recent heavy rains.

The improved roads are expected to ease transport for farmers delivering produce, boost trade, ensure better access to schools and health facilities, and support general mobility for residents attending social functions.

This joint effort marks a significant step in improving rural infrastructure and bringing essential services closer to the people of Makueni.

MAKUENI POISED FOR MAJOR ECONOMIC BOOST AS NAIROBI-MOMBASA EXPRESSWAY PROJECT TAKES SHAPE

Makueni County is set to reap huge benefits from the proposed Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway, an infrastructure project expected to cost KSh 455 billion.

The 444-kilometre modern highway will pass through 110 kilometres of Makueni, positioning the county as a key beneficiary of the development.

Once complete, the expressway will drastically cut travel time between Nairobi and Mombasa to just five hours, offering a faster, safer, and more sustainable transport corridor.

The project is expected to unlock massive economic potential along its route.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, a representative of the company organising the project’s funding, Evergreen Capital Kyle McCarter, revealed that the expressway blueprint includes the establishment of three new cities.

The expressway which features 12 highway exits, eight rest areas, and three wildlife crossings, will take 4 years to construct.

Stakeholder engagement remains a priority, with plans to involve county governments, landowners, and other affected parties to ensure smooth implementation, fair compensation, and conflict-free development.

MULIMA-NDUENI WATER PROJECT LAUNCHED

In Mbooni Ward, a high level team from the County Executive on Thursday officially commissioned the Mulima Ndueni Water Project.

The project will provide fresh water to over 8,000 residents, schools and health centers in the area.

The move will enable locals to access water from nearby points. CECM for Water, Eng. John Kieti led the team which comprised of Chief Officers, Felistus Mutune, Naomi Nthambi and Nicholis Mutua.

Area MCA Alex Mulemba also attended the function.

The team also

commissioned drainage structures along the Matundoni-Uvaani-Kithuku-Red Sea Road.

This initiative was undertaken to address long-standing challenges faced by road users, especially during the rainy seasons when floods make transport difficult.

Later, the team inspected the ongoing construction of a dormitory block at AIC Mukaatini Vocational Training Center.

When complete, the facility will provide accommodation for students, creating a conducive learning environment and increasing enrollment at the institution.

NEWLY GRADED MALILI-ST. CLARE ROAD TRANSFORMS KIIMA-KIU KALANZONI WARD

Residents of Kiima-Kiu/Kalanzoni Ward have a reason to smile after the Department of Transport in Makueni completed grading and murraming of a 6-kilometer road stretching from Malili (near Lake Oil) to St. Clare Girls Secondary School.

The road connects the interior of the Ward to the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, significantly improving connectivity and transportation in the area.

Chief Officer Naomi Nthambi says the improved access is expected to ease the cost of doing business, enhance agricultural productivity as well as improve access to essential services such as education and healthcare.

MAKUENI AND KWS CHARTS A NEW PATH FOR CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. met with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Prof. Erastus Kanga on Tuesday to discuss critical issues affecting Makueni County.

Top in the discussion was the regularization of the Ngai Ndethya settlement scheme, which is currently a national reserve. It was resolved that the county government will initiate a management plan for excision to allocate 13,860 hectares for human settlement and 7,279 hectares for wildlife conservancy.

It was agreed that the conservancy would remain public land and be designated as a game reserve, to be managed collaboratively by the County Government of Makueni and the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Prof. Kanga emphasized the importance of wildlife conservation for biodiversity and sustaining life, as highlighted by UNESCO.

During the meeting, Governor Kilonzo committed to establishing a resource centre with offices for the County Game Warden and Liaison Officer. In turn, KWS pledged to improve road access in Mtito Andei town to enhance connectivity.

Further, he noted that the collaboration would boost revenue by positioning Mtito Andei as a key tourist destination. “This partnership is a win for conservation, development, and the people of Makueni.” Kilonzo remarked

Additionally, the meeting addressed the urgent need for concerted mitigation of human-wildlife conflict in the county with the completion of 20 Kilometre electric fence from Wandei to Gaza set before the end of February 2025. KWS was urged to implement swift intervention measures and expedite compensation for affected residents.

The Governor was accompanied by CEC Members Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), Eng. Peter Nyamai (Transport), and Chief Officers Eng. Naomi Nthambi (Energy), Dr. Geoffrey Ngovi (Environment), and Daudi Kyalo (Lands and Urban Planning).

COUNTY EMERGENCY TEAM REHABILITATES WATUKA ROAD FOR BETTER CONNECTIVITY

Residents of Wote- Nthangu plying Watuka road will soon enjoy improved access to the exterior parts of Mbooni and back to Wote, thanks to rehabilitation efforts by the county’s emergency response team. The road, which had been rendered impassable by heavy rains, is undergoing upgrades to restore and enhance connectivity.

The project, now 68% complete, includes the construction of a drift slab, installation of cross culverts to manage flash floodwaters, and the erection of gabions supported by backfilling to stabilize the road structure.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who also chairs the cabinet committee on emergency response, on Tuesday led Finance and Roads ECMs Damaris Kavoi and Peter Mumo to inspect the ongoing works. Nominated MCA Elizabeth Mutindi was also present.

Mulili lauded the team for their commendable progress and emphasized the road’s importance in linking the agricultural zone to the county headquarters.

MAKUENI, FLONE UNVEIL ROADMAP FOR INCLUSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN THE COUNTY

The County Government of Makueni, in collaboration with Flone Initiative has launched a comprehensive roadmap to establish safe, sustainable and inclusive public transport systems in the county.

The initiative follows a baseline survey conducted earlier this year, which identified significant challenges faced by vulnerable groups, including Persons With Disabilities and women, in accessing public transport.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., alongside Flone Initiative Executive Director Naomi Mwaura, signed the agreement on Wednesday. Governor Mutula pledged to fast-track short-term interventions to promote equitable and accessible transport solutions across the county.

REHABILITATION OF MAKASA ROAD

Kwa Kiamba – Makasa AIC – Kwa Tumbo – Ngula Road in Nguu/Masumba Ward, a vital 4.5-kilometer route in an agricultural area, has been rehabilitated to improve accessibility and support local livelihoods. Previously impassable during rains and dusty in dry seasons, the road hindered transportation of farm produce to markets.

The project included bush clearing, heavy grading, gravelling with watering and compaction, installation of 64 meters of culverts, which is ongoing and construction of 500 meters of catch water drains. The “road for water” concept will reduce soil erosion and provide water for agriculture.

Roads and Infrastructure Executive Eng. Peter Mumo, accompanied by project committee members, the contractor, and staff, on Wednesday inspected the works. This initiative aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr‘s vision of improving road networks to enhance connectivity and access to services across Makueni County.

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.