General

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday expressed shock at the brutal murder of boda boda rider, Sammy Sikuku in Kibwezi town and promised that the killers will be punished.

He was addressing boda boda riders from Kibwezi, Emali and Makindu in his office protesting the murder. He said no one had the right to take someone’s life.

The riders said Sikuku was set on fire and killed at the instigation of a business woman in a case of mistaken identity and called for a speedy trial for the trader who is in police custody.

The case is being heard at the Makueni Law Courts.

Governor Mutula, who was accompanied by his deputy, Lucy Mulili, said the County will provide a lawyer for the family.

Kikumbulyu South MCA Jades Kalunda Kalunda accompanied the riders.

The County Executive Committee Member in charge of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing, and Energy, Eng. Peter Mumo, on Thursday led an inspection tour of the 93 km elephant exclusive electric fence along the Makueni County–Tsavo East National Park border.

The visit formed part of the annual maintenance verification exercise conducted by the department. The inspection aimed at ensuring the fence continues to protect communities and farmlands from wildlife.

Eng. Mumo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to guaranteeing that the fence operates at 100% efficiency throughout the year to safeguard livelihoods and boost agricultural productivity and enhance food security.

He was accompanied by the county energy technical team and Mtito Andei Ward MCA, Francis Mulwa.

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Friday morning joined a prayer session at the Wote Huduma Centre to mark Huduma Prayer Day.

The event brought together officers, including Makueni Deputy County Commissioner Paul Lagat, to seek God’s guidance in serving the public.

Mulili called on officers to embrace humility and dedication as they serve residents, stressing that Huduma Centres were created to make government services accessible under one roof.

She commended the Wote Huduma Centre team for their fast and reliable service, which has so far reached over 800,000 people since the centre was established.

The Deputy Governor also assured residents that she will follow up on setting up county government desks at the centre to expand services further.

The prayer session served as a reminder that public service is not just about efficiency but also about compassion and commitment to the people.

Makueni County has been selected as a key focus area in a nationwide study by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) to assess the state of girls’ education in marginalized communities across Kenya.

A delegation from NGEC, led by Commissioner Nzomo Mbithuka, which paid a courtesy call on the Makueni Governor announced that 12 schools in Makueni will participate in the study. The County was chosen due to its relatively high literacy rate of 82% and impressive 97% transition rate from primary school. However, concerns remain over a significant drop in transition to secondary school, which stands at 82%.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. welcomed the initiative and expressed deep concern over the rising number of teenage pregnancies in the county—a major factor contributing to school dropouts among girls.

The governor also drew attention to the increasingly overlooked plight of the boy child, noting that many boys are grappling with neglect, depression, and loneliness.

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.