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DNRC RECEIVES 100-SEATER TENT AND CHAIRS AS KAMBA CULTURE TAKES CENTER STAGE

The rich heritage of the Kamba community came alive on Friday as residents of Kisau Division in Mbooni gathered at the Drylands Natural Resource Centre (DNRC) to celebrate traditional foods, herbal medicine, music and indigenous knowledge.

The cultural event attracted wide participation from local residents and visitors, reaffirming the importance of preserving and promoting Kamba traditions.

A key highlight of the day was the handover of a 100-seater tent by the County Government to DNRC to support cultural exhibitions and community events.

Speaking during the occasion, DNRC proprietor Nicholas Syano called on communities to embrace indigenous products and safeguard traditional knowledge as a valuable cultural and economic resource.

In line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s development agenda, the County Government has set aside funds in the 2026/27 financial year to support the preservation and commercialization of Kamba indigenous knowledge and products.

The event was attended by Director Mutua Mulonzya of Culture, Music and the Arts directorate.

MAKUENI BEGINS ROLLOUT OF INTEREST-FREE COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT FUND

Hundreds of households in Makueni County are poised to benefit from expanded economic opportunities as the county government accelerates the rollout of the Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF), an interest-free financing program designed to strengthen community enterprises and improve livelihoods..

On Friday, four groups from Nguu Masumba and Emali/Mulala wards received KSh 50,000 each to support their income-generating activities, bringing the number of beneficiary groups in the pilot phase to 25. A total of 44 groups are expected to benefit by the end of the month.

Speaking during the disbursement, Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, urged beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely, noting that successful groups can gradually increase their borrowing limit from KSh 50,000 to KSh 500,000.

The county has set aside KSh 160 million for the interest-free loan program, which targets registered groups engaged in activities such as poultry farming, goat rearing, table banking, and tree planting, in line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s agenda of empowering the community and improving livelihoods.

MAKUENI STRENGTHENS PUBLIC SERVICE THROUGH PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT TRAINING

The Makueni County Government is intensifying efforts to build a high-performing public service through a five-day Capacity Building Programme on Integrated Performance Management being conducted in partnership with GIZ.

The training, which began on June 8 and concludes on June 12, has brought together more than 120 county officers, including directors, performance management champions, productivity mainstreaming champions, managers of county agencies, and leaders of tertiary institutions.

The programme is aimed at enhancing skills in performance planning, target setting, service delivery monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.

Speaking when she joined participants on Thursday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili underscored the importance of performance management, noting that it extends beyond contracts and targets.

She said effective performance management is anchored on personal responsibility, integrity, and a commitment to delivering quality services to the people of Makueni.

Mulili challenged county officers to embrace a results-oriented culture and recognize teams that consistently demonstrate excellence in service delivery.

She also commended GIZ for its continued partnership with the county government, saying the collaboration has significantly contributed to strengthening governance systems and enhancing institutional capacity within Makueni.

The capacity-building programme is expected to improve productivity, enhance accountability, and strengthen service delivery across county departments, ultimately contributing to more efficient and citizen-centered public services.

OVER 500 ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN KIKUMBULYU SOUTH RECEIVE BLANKETS AHEAD OF COLD SEASON

More than 500 elderly residents of Kikumbulyu South Ward have received blankets from the Government of Makueni through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services as part of efforts to support vulnerable members of the community.

The distribution exercise covered Kasemeini Cluster, Siembeni, Kalungu and Mikuyuni Cluster, providing much-needed warmth and comfort to senior citizens as the cold season sets in. Speaking during the exercise on Thursday, Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni said the initiative aims to protect the elderly from cold-related illnesses while enhancing their wellbeing and dignity.

He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups through targeted social protection programmes. Area MCA Jades Kalunda welcomed the initiative and pledged support for increased resource allocation to expand its reach in future.

KCB BANK KENYA MANAGING DIRECTOR ANNASTACIA KIMTAI PAYS A COURTESY CALL ON GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR.

KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director Annastacia Kimtai pays a courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. in Wote. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in health, education, renewable energy, and sports, with both parties committing to jointly develop innovative solutions that enhance service delivery and improve the well-being of Makueni residents.

MULILI BOOSTS WOTE TRADERS, PLEDGES MARKET UPGRADES

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Wednesday visited traders at the Wote fresh produce market as part of the County Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen support for small-scale businesses and improve trading conditions for market vendors.

During the visit, Mulili distributed 500 aprons to traders and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment.

She announced plans to restore non-functional market lighting, improve drainage systems to enhance cleanliness, and explore the establishment of a dedicated breastfeeding space for nursing mothers operating within the market.

Mulili interacted with traders and listened to their views on improving market operations. She emphasized the county government’s commitment to supporting small-scale businesses, recognizing their vital role in driving local economic growth and livelihoods.

She was ccompanied by CECM for Finance, Planning, Budget and Revenue Damaris Kavoi, CECM for Health Services Joyce Mutua, several Chief officers,Wote/Nziu MCA Felix Mateso and other county officials.

KCB EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AS IT DEEPENS PARTNERSHIP WITH MAKUENI COUNTY.

Women entrepreneurs in Makueni County are now benefiting from enhanced access to financing and business development support through a female-focused initiative by KCB Foundation aimed at narrowing the gender gap in entrepreneurship.

The programme, which targets women-led enterprises, offers unsecured loans of up to KSh10 million, alongside mentorship, green financing opportunities and business advisory services designed to help businesses grow and become more sustainable.

The initiative mirrors the spirit of the Makueni Empowerment Fund, which supports youth, women, men and persons living with disabilities through access to affordable financing and economic empowerment opportunities.

On Tuesday evening, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili attended a dinner hosted by KCB Bank at the Kelvian Hotel in Wote, that brought together women-led and women-made enterprise customers.

The forum provided an opportunity for the bank and county government to explore areas of collaboration, strengthen existing partnerships and discuss issues of mutual interest affecting businesses and communities.

Speaking during the event, Mulili lauded KCB for its continued partnership with Makueni County in programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting economic growth.

She noted that the bank has been a key development partner in several initiatives that have positively impacted residents across the county.

Among the notable collaborations is the Mifugo ni Mali programme, which focuses on strengthening agricultural livelihoods, as well as the Tujiajiri initiative, which seeks to address youth unemployment by equipping young people with skills and opportunities for self-employment.

Mulili further said such partnerships play a critical role in empowering entrepreneurs, creating jobs and driving inclusive economic development.

The engagement underscored the growing role of financial institutions in supporting enterprise development, particularly among women, who continue to face barriers in accessing capital and business support services.

Mulili was accompanied by finance CECM Damaris Kavoi, Energy Chief Officer Nomi Nthambi, County Public service CEO Redempter Kavindu and the County referral Hospital CEO Martha Munyao.

MAKUENI LAUNCHES FIVE-DAY PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS

The Government of Makueni County has launched a five-day capacity-building programme on Integrated Performance Management aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability and service delivery across county departments.

The training, which began on June 8 and will run until June 12, is being implemented in partnership with GIZ Kenya and brings together county officials from various departments and agencies.

The programme is designed to strengthen skills in performance planning, target setting, monitoring, evaluation and statutory reporting. The initiative seeks to improve institutional productivity, enhance financial accountability and ensure more effective delivery of public services.

A key component of the training focuses on linking productivity to performance contracting, with departments expected to align their targets to measurable outcomes that directly impact residents.

The initiative aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s agenda of building an accountable and high-performing county government capable of meeting the service delivery expectations of Makueni residents.

GOVERNOR MUTULA COMMISSIONS KSH15 MILLION MUKUYUNI-KITHUNGO ROAD UPGRADE

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has launched the upgrading of the 15-kilometre Mukuyuni–Kithungo Road, a key link between Kaiti and Mbooni sub-counties aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic activity in Ukia and Kithungo/Kitundu wards.

The KSh15 million project is being implemented through a partnership between the County Government of Makueni and the National Youth Service (NYS), with additional civil works by Megastride Limited.

NYS will undertake road opening, bush clearing and heavy grading while Megastride will carry out gravelling, culvert installation, drainage improvements, masonry drifts, gabion protection works and water-harvesting interventions.

The works are expected to improve year-round access, reduce flood damage and lower transport costs for residents, traders and motorists.

Speaking during the launch, Governor Mutula said the project is part of the county’s broader effort to expand rural infrastructure and improve access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities.

The road upgrade is scheduled for completion in October 2026.

‘I CAN FINALLY SEE HOPE’, ELDERLY WOMAN PRAISES ACCESS TO SPECIALIZED CARE

A 70-year-old resident of Kitaingo, Grace Wambua, is overjoyed after receiving medical attention following years of struggling with an eye condition.

Grace, who has been diagnosed with cataracts and is scheduled to undergo eye surgery, could not hide her excitement after meeting Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili at Mukaa Comprehensive School in Kilome, where a free medical camp took place.

Speaking during the event, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to access specialized treatment and commended Governor Mutula for fostering partnerships that bring essential services closer to the people.