News

KILIMO MAKUENI: DIGITAL PLATFORM SET TO TRANSFORM FARMING IN THE COUNTY

Makueni County has introduced Kilimo Makueni, an innovative digital platform designed to elevate agricultural service delivery and empower farmers through real-time data.

The platform enables farmers to directly input real-time, accurate data on key agricultural issues and challenges, allowing the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development to provide precise support, interventions, inputs and training exactly where they are needed.

Open to the public, the system (https://kilimo.makueni.go.ke/views/) highlights common farmer interests, tracks progress made in the sector and guides the department on areas that require improvement.

In an era of rapid technological advancement, Kilimo Makueni is part of the county’s vision to make agricultural support accessible on any phone—enhancing information access, boosting decision-making and transforming agriculture for economic growth.

YOUTH URGED TO TAKE ACTION AS HIV INFECTIONS RISE

Makueni County on Monday joined the global community in marking World AIDS Day, observed under the theme “End AIDS in Adolescents and Young People.”

The theme reflects concerns raised in the 2024 HIV report, which shows that adolescents and young adults account for 39 percent of new infections, placing them among the most at-risk groups.

During the county’s commemoration event, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili called for stronger youth engagement and emphasized the need for health services that are accessible, friendly, and free of stigma.

She underscored the county’s goal of ensuring that no child is born with HIV, noting that effective prevention tools are available.

Mulili further, appealed to men to embrace HIV testing as part of broader efforts to curb transmission.

Health Chief Officer Harvey Mulei announced plans to integrate HIV services into all general health platforms to reduce stigma and encourage more residents to seek care.

Health CECM Joyce Mutua urged young people to take responsibility for their well-being by prioritizing prevention measures, including abstinence.

She also highlighted adolescent pregnancy, one aspect of the Triple Threat,as a growing concern that requires urgent attention to protect young people from heightened health risks.

MAKUENI CHOIR HEADS TO ELDORET IN STYLE

The Makueni County Choir has been officially flagged off to represent the county at the annual Kenya Music and Cultural Festival in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu.

Entering the competition as the reigning overall choir champions, the choir will showcase their talent in set piece, own composition, mixed voices, zilizopendwa, adaptation arrangements, gospel pieces, and more.

During the prayer-filled flag-off ceremony, Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Chief Officer, Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani reaffirmed the county’s dedication to nurturing talent.

She noted that such platforms not only inspire creativity but also position Makueni’s artists for commercial growth and national recognition.

With confidence and artistry, the team carries the pride of Makueni to Eldoret—ready to defend their crown.

MAKUENI BEGINS 16 DAYS DRIVE TO STOP ONLINE GENDER VIOLENCE

Makueni County’s human rights champions have kicked off an intensified campaign against gender-based violence under the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

This year’s theme, “ *End Online Gender-Based Violence: A Safe Makueni for All* ”, highlights the rising cases of digital abuse, including cyberbullying, online harassment and exploitation.

The launch brought together County and National Government officials, civil society, youth groups, faith leaders and development partners, all committing to work collectively to make digital spaces safer, especially for women, children and young people.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Sebastian Kyoni, who flagged off the campaign in Wote on Friday, said the County is strengthening survivor support services, enhancing reporting pathways and expanding community awareness through the Gender Sector Working Group.

Over the next 16 days, the team will lead countywide engagements, including community dialogues, school and youth sessions, digital safety training and awareness activities in a bid to build a community where everyone lives free from harm and with full dignity.

OPEN UNIVERSITY MARKS SECOND GRADUATION, SENDS 200 INNOVATORS INTO KENYA’S DIGITAL FUTURE

The Open University of Kenya (OUK) marked yet another milestone, as it held it’s second graduation ceremony, proudly awarding certificates to over 200 graduates across various fields to the country’s rapidly evolving professional landscape.

The cohort completed programmes spanning Business and Economics, Education, Entrepreneurship, Economics and Statistics, Technology Education, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Digital Forensics, fields central to Kenya’s emerging knowledge economy.

During the ceremony, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba underscored the government’s continued focus on strengthening OUK as a centre of excellence in digital learning, and inclusive education for learners across the country.

Chancellor Dr. James Mwangi highlighted the university’s online learning model as a transformative avenue for Kenyans seeking to advance their skills while balancing work, family, or distance barriers.

Guest speaker Lucy Mulili celebrated the graduating class as a new force in technology-driven growth, research, and innovation.

Her call for increased enrollment from Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos counties was reinforced by Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, who encouraged more learners from the region to seize the opportunities provided by OUK’s digital platform.

DRIVING MANGO EXCELLENCE: MAKUENI’S EXPORT PUSH

The County Government of Makueni is stepping up efforts to empower mango farmers and strengthen their access to export markets.

On Friday morning, a team of experts from KEPHIS and TradeMark Africa paid a courtesy call to CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Elizabeth Muli, to review ongoing support programs for farmers.

Led by KEPHIS Plant Health Inspector Dorcas Mugambi and TMA’s Programmes Manager on Market Systems Elizabeth Gathogo, the meeting discussed the ongoing countywide programme on identifying and managing pests of concern, and training farmers on export market requirements.

The one-week exercise is being conducted across several wards, bringing training closer to farmers organized in groups.

While speaking to the team, CECM Muli reaffirmed the county’s strong commitment to equipping farmers with continuous training and support, enabling them to produce high-quality mangoes that meet the standards of competitive export markets.

As part of the exercise, KEPHIS officers working alongside county agriculture staff visited selected farms to assess zones mapped as area of low-pest-prevalence for mango production for export market.

During these field visits, farmers benefit from direct pest surveillance, tailored advisory services, and hands-on demonstrations on pest identification and management to improve the health and quality of their orchards.

FORTIFIED FOODS FORUM PUTS PUBLIC HEALTH FIRST

Food fortification is the process of adding essential vitamins and minerals to everyday foods to improve health and prevent nutrition-related diseases.

With this in focus, fortifying food has emerged as one of the simplest and most effective ways to curb nutrition-related health risks.

On Friday, the Government of Makueni County in partnership with the Ministry of Health with support from the World Food Programme completed a three-day forum in Machakos to advance new strategies for public awareness on fortified foods.

The discussions that involved officers from Public Health and Agriculture departments focused on helping households, county government leadership and community stakeholders understand the value of consuming nutrient-enhanced foods, especially in preventing hidden hunger and boosting overall health.

During the forum, WFP also trained on sustainable approaches that Makueni can adopt to ensure long-term access and behaviour change on nutritious foods.

Additionally, the partnership aims to equip communities with knowledge that supports healthier, more resilient families.

MAKUENI COURTS ISRAELI AGENCIES ON POTENTIAL COLLABORATION AREAS

Makueni County is deepening efforts to secure strategic partnerships with the State of Israel.

On Thursday, Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Gideon Behar, paid a courtesy call to Makueni, where he held discussions with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and senior county officials on areas of mutual interest -including water, agriculture, health, climate change, Education and energy.

Governor Mutula said the County is seeking to leverage Israel’s advanced technology and skills to bolster small-scale irrigation systems, a move he noted will help suppress the effects of climate change in the semi-arid region. Israel’s successful water-management and desert-agriculture models, he added, offer practical solutions that can be adapted to Makueni’s ecological realities.

The Governor emphasized that the envisioned partnership will prioritize capacity building and skills transfer, allowing local farmers, youth, and technical personnel to benefit from specialized training and exposure to modern practices.

Beyond water and irrigation, Makueni is also looking to collaborate with Israeli agencies in areas of food security, nutrition enhancement, smart agriculture, and knowledge transfer aimed at making agriculture more profitable and sustainable for local communities.

Ambassador Behar praised Makueni’s leadership, describing its development agenda as strategic and visionary, and reaffirmed Israel’s support for the county’s initiatives.

MAKUENI FEEDLOT SUCCESS DRAWS GLOBAL ATTENTION FROM URUGUAY EXPERTS

Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili on Wednesday led a high-level delegation from Uruguay’s National Institute of Agricultural Research, accompanied by national government officials, on a tour of the Sand River feedlot farm in Sultan Hamud, an expansive 200-acre model showcasing advanced feedlot and fodder production systems.

Uruguay, renowned globally for its expertise in livestock genetics, feed technologies, and pasture-based beef systems, is exploring opportunities for collaboration to enhance feedlot performance, strengthen expert training, and establish demonstration sites in Kenya.

Makueni is currently implementing an animal feed strategy aimed at ensuring farmers have access to consistent, affordable, and high-quality feeds that support improved livestock growth and value chain.

During the visit, Uruguay’s Director for the Animal Health Platform commended Makueni for implementing effective policies that have fostered serious beef production.

Agriculture CECM Elizabeth Muli noted that the county has already invested in pasture development across Malili, Kibwezi West, Kathonzweni, Kilome, and parts of Kibwezi East, while also expanding disease surveillance and supporting farmers through subsidized livestock insurance.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. VISITS, CONDOLES WITH FAMILIES OF NGOLUNI ACCIDENT VICTIMS

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.