News

SENATORS PRAISE MAKUENI WATER REFORMS

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday appeared before the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, where he outlined reforms aimed at improving water management and reducing non-revenue water in the county.

The governor said the county has embraced automation of water systems, smart metering and smart kiosks, alongside rehabilitation of water networks to curb physical and commercial losses.

He told the committee that over Sh300 million has been spent on water projects through partnerships, helping expand access in the water-scarce county.

Governor Mutula also urged the national government to review the use of underground water resources originating from Makueni, noting that the water currently serves Mombasa City while Makueni residents continue to face inadequate water supply. He added that most borehole water in the county is saline and unfit for human consumption.

Chairing the committee, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipsang William Kipkemoi commended the county government for prudent management of count investments especially water resources.

Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo called for the fast-tracking of the stalled Thwake Dam, saying it remains key to addressing Makueni’s water challenges.

HUDUMA MASHINANI SERVES 2,001 RESIDENTS IN KITHUMANI MARKET, MBITINI WARD

The Huduma Mashinani outreach programme on Tuesday reached Kithumani Market in Mbitini Ward, where 2,001 residents accessed essential government services. The exercise attracted a strong turnout as residents took advantage of services brought closer to them.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, said the team provided government documents to residents, noting that the Ward marked the 11th to be reached since the programme began. He noted that nearly 20,000 people have benefited so far and urged the youth to continue applying for national IDs and registering as voters.

Those who attended the function included Mbitini Ward MCA, Bernard Mutua and Huduma Centre Makueni Manager, Bernard Nicholas.

MAKUENI LAUNCHES DIGITAL FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE VACCINATION DRIVE

Makueni County has launched a countywide Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination program aimed at controlling outbreaks and improving livestock productivity.

The exercise, officially launched in Makiou, Kilome Sub-County, is being implemented using a digital e-voucher system that registers each head of cattle through a muzzle-based identification process. Farmers will pay a subsidized fee of Ksh. 50 per cow, with all payments conducted online.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who led the launch, said the program is intended to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods by preventing the spread of the highly contagious disease. She urged livestock farmers to participate fully in the exercise and work closely with their cooperatives to ensure timely vaccination.

The vaccination drive will be rolled out across all wards in the county and coordinated through 13 cooperatives and farmer societies to ensure effective coverage and implementation.

County Executive Committee Members Elizabeth Muli (Agriculture) and Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), as well as members of the County Assembly Agriculture Committee, attended the launch.

The program is expected to significantly reduce FMD outbreaks and improve milk and meat production in Makueni County.

KENYA PRISONS SERVICE COMMISSIONER GENERAL PATRICK ARUNDUH MONDAY PAID A COURTESY CALL ON MAKUENI GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR.

Kenya Prisons Service Commissioner General Patrick Arunduh Monday paid a courtesy call on Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., with the two leaders agreeing to strengthen collaboration to address critical challenges facing Makueni Prison Facilities—chief among them water scarcity.

During the meeting, Commissioner General Arunduh underscored the need for closer synergy between national and county governments, noting that both levels of governance serve the same citizens and must work together to deliver lasting solutions.

In a key commitment, Governor Mutula pledged county support for the sinking of a borehole at Makueni Main Prison, a move expected to ease water shortages at the facility while also benefiting the surrounding community.

Beyond water, the Kenya Prisons Service team pledged to deepen cooperation with the county by deploying its technical experts to support vocational training programs, strengthening rehabilitation and skills development for inmates.

HUDUMA MASHINANI SERVES 2,334 RESIDENTS IN KASIKEU WARD

The Huduma Mashinani Programme on Friday reached Kasikeu Market in Kasikeu Ward, Kilome Sub-County, where 2,334 residents accessed essential government services.

Over the week, the programme recorded a total of 8,404 residents served with different services at Machinery Market, Matiliku, Nguu, and Kasikeu.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, said the team delivered 23 different services, noting that title deeds for Kasikeu residents were also issued during the Friday exercise.

Kasikeu Ward MCA Reuben Kavai said residents had turned up in large numbers, demonstrating the importance of the services, and lauded Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr for spearheading the program.

Huduma Kenya Makueni Manager Bernard Nicholas advised those referred to other service points to prepare their documents in advance to ensure smooth service delivery wherever the programme reaches next.

MAKUENI PREPARES FOR E-VOUCHER FMD VACCINATION ROLLOUT

The Department of Agriculture and Livestock on Thursday concluded a two-day training on the e-voucher Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination model, ahead of its rollout in the county.

The training brought together 40 Veterinary Surgeons(VS) and Veterinary Paraprofessionals (VPPs), alongside representatives from 13 Farmer Producer Organizations (VPOs) where participants were equipped with skills to implement the digital vaccination system smoothly.

Speaking during the closure of the training, CECM for Agriculture and Livestock, Liz Muli, urged Farmer Producer Organization leaders to take the lead in mobilizing farmers to embrace the new system.

She further noted that the digital approach will improve efficiency, transparency and disease control across the county, adding that strong collaboration between service providers and farmer groups is key to protecting livestock and improving productivity in Makueni.

During the registration exercise, farmers will be enrolled on the Mifugo 360 app using their national ID numbers and mobile phone contacts.

Upon successful registration, each farmer will receive an e-voucher worth KSh 50 per cow, issued according to the number of animals presented for vaccination.

The vaccination will be carried out through 13 cooperatives across the county, with farmers registering their livestock online at the nearest cooperative.

HUDUMA MASHINANI SERVES 3,127 RESIDENTS IN RECORD-BREAKING NGUU/MASUMBA OUTREACH

Huduma Mashinani Phase II on Thursday recorded its highest turnout since the programme began, with 3,127 residents served at Kwa Ndava Market in Nguu/Masumba Ward. The exceptional turnout highlighted the strong demand for accessible government services in the area.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, said the team was in Nguu/Masumba Ward to provide over 23 essential services and thanked residents for turning up in record numbers. He noted that the outreach, now covering its ninth ward, reflects growing public confidence in the initiative.

Nguu/Masumba Ward MCA, Hon. Daniel Musau, said most residents sought birth certificates and national ID services, thanked Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. for the initiative and called for additional Huduma Mashinani outreaches to address the high demand.

Huduma Centre Makueni Manager, Mr. Benard Nicholas, thanked local leaders for mobilising residents and described the turnout as a clear indication of the importance of the services to the community. The programme continues on Friday, 23rd January 2026, in Kasikeu Ward, Kilome Sub-County.

SH10.26 BILLION PROJECTS DRIVE MAKUENI’S PEOPLE-CENTRED DEVELOPMENT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Thursday unveiled the County Statistical Abstract 2025 and the County Development Profiles, two key government documents designed to measure progress, track service delivery and anchor decision-making on reliable, up-to-date data.

Speaking during the launch, the Governor reported strong growth in own-source revenue, which rose from Sh891 million in the 2022/23 financial year to Sh1.29 billion in the last financial year, an increase of nearly 45 per cent. He attributed the growth to improved technology, efficiency and public trust.

Over the same period, the county consistently allocated more than Sh3.2 billion annually to development expenditure, ensuring resources were translated into services and infrastructure that directly improve livelihoods.

According to the County Development Profile, 1,430 projects valued at approximately Sh10.26 billion were implemented across all wards and sub-counties.

In the water sector, the county increased water storage by 900,000 cubic metres through flagship earth dams, benefiting more than 225,000 residents and 45,000 households. This investment reduced the average distance to water sources from five kilometres to four kilometres and raised household access to potable water to 44.6 per cent.

The Governor further noted that through partnerships, his administration mobilized over Sh592 million, including climate financing under the FLLoCA programme.

During the review period, the county opened 2,327 kilometres of new roads and maintained 5,160 kilometres, expanded rural electrification to more than 2,100 households, and installed solar systems in health facilities and public institutions.

The Governor was accompanied by his deputy Lucy Mulili, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Senior Manager for National Statistical Systems John Bore, County Assembly Speaker, several MCAs, Finance CECM Damaris Kavoi, and other county government officials.

TWO KEY DOCUMENTS TO ANCHOR EVIDENCE-BASED PLANNING IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. is currently unveiling the Makueni County Statistical Abstract 2025 alongside the County Development Profiles at MIVEC, two flagship government publications designed to strengthen evidence-based planning and accountability.

The documents will serve as key instruments for measuring development progress, tracking service delivery and anchoring decision-making on reliable, up-to-date data.

The Statistical Abstract presents credible, verified and disaggregated data on population dynamics, socio-economic indicators, service delivery and development trends across the county.

Complementing it, the County Development Profiles translate this data into clear, tangible outcomes, detailing the resources invested, where they were deployed and the impact they have delivered to the people of Makueni.

Together, the publications are expected to provide policymakers, development partners and the public with a clear picture of the county’s development trajectory and priorities.

COUNTY RALLIES LEADERS TO STRENGTHEN MANGO MARKETING AMID BUMPER HARVEST

The Department of Agriculture on Wednesday held a consultative meeting with CDDC chairpersons, SACCO leaders, Mango lead farmers and the 7 Cooperatives supplying mangoes to the Makueni Fruit Processing Plant to review the mango marketing status of ward-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

The leaders were updated on the current season mango offtake totaling to over 8 million Metric Tonnes and valued at Kshs 260M through exporters, processors and both urban and rural fresh markets.

The forum, attended by County Secretary Dr. Justine Kyambi, focused on practical strategies to manage the ongoing bumper harvest while strengthening collective marketing to safeguard farmer incomes.

Addressing the meeting, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development CECM Liz Muli urged local leaders to mobilize farmers to join organized producer groups which would enable the County Government to negotiate better prices, secure stable markets, and deliver extension services more efficiently.

Dr. Kyambi reaffirmed the county’s commitment to protecting farmers from market exploitation and ensuring fair returns for their produce.

He further emphasized that the initiative aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s agenda of economically empowering households through structured, market-driven agriculture.