General

The Huduma Mashinani Outreach program recorded an impressive start on its first day, reaching 700 residents, underscoring the high demand for decentralized service delivery.

The one-stop service program, launched by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kikima on Friday, witnessed a large turnout as residents sought identity documents, birth and death certificates, KRA assistance, NTSA services, pensions support and voter registration, among others.

County and national government officers worked seamlessly to ensure efficient service provision, with many residents completing processes that would ordinarily require multiple visits to different offices. The successful day-one rollout highlighted the effectiveness of collaboration between the County Government, Huduma Centre Wote and National Government Administration Officers in bringing services closer to the people.

The outreach will be rolled out across all wards in the county up to February 2026

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr used the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kikima Secondary School grounds to outline sweeping land and development reforms aimed at securing the county’s future prosperity.

The governor announced that his administration has already issued 700 title deeds to safeguard public utilities—among them ECDE centres, health facilities, churches, and boreholes—while 557 more are awaiting issuance.

In partnership with the national government, he said 2,700 freehold titles had been delivered in the Kinyoo, Syumile, Wathini and Kyamuoso adjudication areas, with plans underway to release a further 6,000 titles, including those for Kaunguni Settlement Scheme.

He added that the excision of Ngai Ndethia Game Reserve was being fast-tracked to facilitate human settlement.

Mutula also highlighted progress in tenure regularization, noting that 961 title deeds had been issued in Soko Mjinga, Misongeni and Mjini, while 104 plots in Nunguni had been surveyed and allotted. Efforts are ongoing to reclaim 25 acres of DWA land for a modern bus park and 381 acres for settlement of squatters, alongside opening a new public access road from Kibwezi Town to Kyumani.

On household land ownership, the governor celebrated the expansion of a pilot succession programme now covering 15 additional wards, expected to benefit 2,300 households and more than 10,000 people. He emphasised that the initiative brings justice closer to families, strengthens inheritance literacy and empowers women and vulnerable groups.

Turning to economic investments, the governor reported progress on the Economic Stimulus Programme markets in Kilala, Mutulani and Makindu, with stalled projects in Kikima and Kasikeu being revived. Construction of the Ksh 347 million Wote Modern Market is set to begin after relocation of traders, ultimately benefiting over 6,000 small businesses.

On infrastructure, the governor revealed that projects worth Ksh 146 million will be rolled out across all 30 wards under the Road Maintenance Fuel Levy.

Makueni County is preparing for a hunger crisis following depressed rainfall. During Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kikima Secondary School, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jrr. announced that he will convene the County Steering Group on 19th December to review drought assessments and set up mitigation measures.

County Commissioner Khalif Dol Abdullahi said relief food will be distributed across all sub-counties, targeting all sub counties.

Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili urged the national government to provide additional relief food, citing imminent crop failure in several areas.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has issued a stern warning to illegal sand traders, declaring that his administration will not back down in enforcing strict regulations that govern the county’s sand sector.

Mutula said his government remains unwavering in the fight against illegal sand harvesting, despite continued push back by cartels.

He noted that the practice undermines the dignity of the county and exposes residents to the severe risk of water insecurity. He vowed to dismantle rogue networks profiting at the expense of communities and the environment.

Addressing the situation in Kilome, where a total ban on sand harvesting has been in place for two months, the governor reported significant progress. He said local committees are currently reviewing the state of the area, and the county will announce the next steps once it is satisfied that any future harvesting will fully comply with established regulations.

Mutula also revealed plans to take the county beyond conservation by venturing into sand value addition. He said his administration intends to invest in technologies and infrastructure that will enable Makueni to process sand into high-value products once resources allow, an initiative expected to boost county revenue and create jobs for residents.

The governor made the remarks while presiding over the absorption of 44 staff into the Makueni Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority, part of broader efforts to reinforce the county’s environmental protection and sand conservation agenda.

Makueni County on Monday issued letters of appointment to 44 employees of the Makueni Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority, officially placing them on permanent and pensionable terms. The move marks a significant step in the county’s push to strengthen sand conservation and safeguard critical environmental resources.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, who presided over the ceremony, paid glowing tribute to the staff, praising them for their dedication and exemplary service. He highlighted individuals who have “gone beyond their call of duty” to protect water sources and shield the county’s natural resources from depletion.

Mutula said the transition to permanent terms was not only a reward for their resilience but also an investment in their future. He noted that the decision is expected to boost morale and motivate the team as they continue to play a key role in environmental protection.

The event also featured the unveiling of the Authority’s new Managing Director, Mr. Ndambuki Kioko, who is expected to steer the agency through its next phase of institutional growth and conservation work.

Governor Mutula lauded the Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority as the most improved semi-autonomous government agency in the county, noting its contribution to the growth of Makueni’s own-source revenue in the last financial year.

The newly absorbed staff were urged to uphold professionalism and serve as proud ambassadors of Makueni as they embark on their new roles.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Saturday night led a hard-hitting call for stronger legal support for vulnerable Kenyans, urging lawyers to ramp up pro bono services and defend public-interest cases “with renewed courage.”

Speaking at the Lower Eastern Advocates Forum dinner, Mutula praised the legal fraternity for “safeguarding devolution,” but warned that recent election-related violence set a dangerous precedence as the country heads to electioneering period.

The governor decried the acute shortage of courts and lawyers across the country:, noting the need for a court and a lawyer in every corner the country .

He urged the Law Society of Kenya to ensure all advocates hold valid practising certificates to keep standards high.

Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed Mutula’s concerns, urging the Kamba community to stay united as it seeks a stronger national voice. He hailed the community’s contribution to Kenya’s justice system but condemned what he called a rising “culture of goonism,” accusing the government of reluctance in acting against political violence. “This path sets the country up for tension and intolerance as elections approach,” he warned.

Kalonzo challenged lawyers to stand firm for the rule of law and take up more pro bono work for vulnerable citizens.

The forum brought together lawyers, judges, and regional leaders including former Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana.

Kibwana lauded the growing strength of Lower Eastern legal professionals and urged intensified civic education to boost youth voter registration ahead of 2027.

The forum aims to promote justice, mentorship and cohesion in the region.

Chief Officer Office of the Governor, Felistus Mutune represented Makueni County at the 20th Annual Public Relations Society of Kenya Summit held in Eldoret.

Mutune, who is also a communication professional, took part in a high-level panel discussion on strategic communication in policy, governance, and diplomacy.

She urged public relations officers to adopt a proactive approach in engaging stakeholders, observing that delayed communication often results in avoidable crises.

Mutune emphasized that communication is a core executive function, central to driving policy, managing crises, and strengthening public trust in government institutions.

She called for the function to be accorded the seriousness it deserves within public service.

She also highlighted her commitment to the communication unit in Makueni where the team has been advancing robust communication strategies in their work, stating that such frameworks are essential for effective governance.

Mutune further observed that Artificial Intelligence has transformed the communication landscape, urging practitioners to keep pace with emerging technologies shaping the industry.

A high-level delegation from the National Defence College, comprising participants from the Kenya Defence Forces, officers from across Africa and Asia, and representatives from various national institutions, is touring Makueni County to assess its contribution to national security and the impact of devolution.

During the visit, the team explored potential areas of collaboration with the County government, particularly in disaster management, capacity building, and strengthening institutional systems.

The team explored the nexus between County development and security.

The delegation also proposed benchmarking of the Makueni Fruit Processing Authority to some of the KDF production plants to help boost its capacity, describing the facility as a “sleeping giant” with the potential to increase local revenue and enhance overall security through economic empowerment.

The Makueni County team led by the County Secretary Dr. Justine Kyambi briefed the delegation on how the devolved unit has embraced transparent and accountable governance systems to ensure prudent use of public resources.

The visiting team further highlighted key areas affecting national security, including health, water, climate change, food security, and environmental management, emphasizing the need for strengthened collaboration.

The discussions also touched on how Makueni County is leveraging partnerships to bridge financial gaps in development projects, contributing to national stability and security.

The Makueni County Government on Tuesday visited and condoled with families affected by the tragic Ngoluni accident, which occurred on November 22nd . Led by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., the county delegation offered sympathy, support, and assurances of continued assistance to the grieving families.

In an emotional day-long visit, Governor Mutula—accompanied by senior county officials—met with Musili Ngemu of Tawa, Kisau/Kieteta Ward. Ngemu lost his wife and three children in the accident. The governor’s visit was met with gratitude, with residents praising the swift and coordinated response by county health officials immediately after the tragedy.

Governor Mutula pledged that the county would support the education of Ngemu’s two surviving children, terming it a commitment to restoring hope to the devastated family. He also announced that the county had initiated action to raise road bumps along the section of the road where the accident occurred, to improve safety and prevent future incidents.

The governor later proceeded to Kaithi village in Masii, Machakos County, where he visited another victim, Leah Kimanyi, who was injured and lost two children in the same accident.