General

Makueni is making strategic strides towards entrenching its name as the least corrupt county in Kenya, anchored on high levels of transparency and accountability.

On Tuesday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. hosted a delegation of top-ranking EACC officials led by Commissioner Alfred Mshimba, alongside representatives from GIZ led by Judy Oduma, for discussions focused on strengthening corruption prevention and enhancing performance management.

At the center of the agenda was the establishment of a County Corruption Prevention Committee, in line with guidelines issued by the EACC in 2023.

The committee will, among other responsibilities, develop a framework to mainstream corruption prevention in public service, reduce the prevalence of corruption, enhance transparency and accountability, and build a positive organizational culture.

Governor Mutula lauded the EACC–GIZ partnership, which emphasizes corruption prevention through systematic approaches as opposed to prosecution-only mechanisms.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and Makueni MP Susan Kiamba have called on Equity Bank to incorporate water-related initiatives into its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

The leaders made the appeal during the official relocation of Equity Bank’s branch to its new premises at Mbau Junction Mall.

Governor Kilonzo commended the bank for its strong track record in supporting health and education through CSR.

He further encouraged the bank to extend affordable credit to youth in the boda boda sector to help them expand their businesses.

Equity Bank Managing Director Moses Nyabanda highlighted the institution’s ongoing support to farmers through agronomists who assist in improving productivity, aggregating produce, and linking farmers to external markets.

Governor Kilonzo expressed optimism about partnering with the bank to support local farmers, particularly those growing coffee, mangoes, and oranges.

The collaboration is expected to boost agricultural productivity in the region.

This initiative aligns with the Governor’s broader development agenda, which includes forging strategic partnerships to drive economic growth across Makueni County.

In attendance was also Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili , county Secretary Justin Kyambi, Finance ECM Damaris Kavoi , Devolution ECM Nicholas Nzioka MCAs Kyalo Mumo(Tulimani ward), Felix Mateso( Wote ward) business community among others.

Makueni County has demonstrated a strong commitment to the rights and welfare of children through comprehensive policies, programs, and investments.

County First Lady Anita Mutula in her speech during the national celebrations for the Day of the African Child held at Unoa grounds, Wote, in Makueni, said the County has employed a holistic approach to child protection, education, health, and social well-being, aligning with the broader goals of the Day of the African Child.

Key achievements towards protecting rights of children highlighted by the County First Lady include:

1. Establishment of an office to oversee children’s affairs and act as an ombudsman for child rights.

2. Allocation of annual budgets specifically for children’s programs in social protection, education, and health.

3. Development of the Makueni County Children Policy (2021), a framework to safeguard child rights and welfare.

4. Establishment of the Makueni County Child Rescue Center to support child victims of violence, street children, and other vulnerable minors.

5. Provision of dignity packs to needy girls and boys in vulnerable households.

6. Improving access to health commodities and treatment for women and children.

7. Establishment of GBV Recovery Centre with Child Section to assist child survivors of gender-based violence.

8. Construction and equipment of Early Childhood Development and Education centers to enhance early learning.

9. Employed ECDE teachers on permanent terms to improve education quality.

10. Provision of mobility assistive devices to enhance communication and support inclusion.

The national event was graced by Kenya’s First Lady, Rachael Ruto among other high ranking national and county government personalities.

There were celebrations at Kavatini Catholic Parish in Masongaleni as Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. joined hundreds of faithful for a vibrant thanksgiving mass honoring newly ordained priests, Christopher Kimanthi and deacons Paul Kikoi and Paul Ngundo.

Addressing the congregation, Governor Mutula praised the trio’s unwavering commitment to serving the community through faith.

The Governor also called on the national government to fulfill its constitutional obligation by equitably disbursing resources to counties. He emphasized that development must go hand in hand with service, citing Masongaleni as home to one of the county’s biggest water projects.

Governor Mutula reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to solving water scarcity in the region—his top development priority.

Father in charge, Gerald Matolo, encouraged the priests to remain steadfast in their mission.

The event was graced by key county leaders including Devolution ECM, Nicholas Nzioka, area MCA, Brian Nzoka and his Thange counterpart, Eric Katumo among others.