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MAKUENI POISED FOR MAJOR ECONOMIC BOOST AS NAIROBI-MOMBASA EXPRESSWAY PROJECT TAKES SHAPE

Makueni County is set to reap huge benefits from the proposed Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway, an infrastructure project expected to cost KSh 455 billion.

The 444-kilometre modern highway will pass through 110 kilometres of Makueni, positioning the county as a key beneficiary of the development.

Once complete, the expressway will drastically cut travel time between Nairobi and Mombasa to just five hours, offering a faster, safer, and more sustainable transport corridor.

The project is expected to unlock massive economic potential along its route.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, a representative of the company organising the project’s funding, Evergreen Capital Kyle McCarter, revealed that the expressway blueprint includes the establishment of three new cities.

The expressway which features 12 highway exits, eight rest areas, and three wildlife crossings, will take 4 years to construct.

Stakeholder engagement remains a priority, with plans to involve county governments, landowners, and other affected parties to ensure smooth implementation, fair compensation, and conflict-free development.

GOVERNOR MUTULA JOINS MASONGALENI FAITHFUL IN CELEBRATING NEW CLERGY.

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.

GOVERNOR MUTULA, USAID DRAFT TRANSITION PLAN AFTER FUNDING WITHDRAWAL

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday hosted Jeffrey Lehrer, the Acting Deputy Mission Director of USAID-Kenya and East Africa, to review the status of USAID-funded projects and develop a transition plan. This follows withdrawal of funding for such projects by the United States Government.

The meeting aimed to strategize the handover process, ensuring the county government can complete pending key projects, such as the Kamunyolo water project, which is expected to improve water supply in Wote Town—increasing reticulation time from 45 minutes to 7 hours per day.

Governor Mutula emphasized the need to expedite the transition process and pledged to allocate resources to finalize the stalled projects.

MAKUENI SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS TO ENHANCE INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY

Makueni County has entered into a strategic partnership with the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) to address infrastructure challenges and improve public safety.

The agreement, signed on Thursday by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and IEK President Shammar Kiteme, will provide technical support, policy formulation, capacity building, and consulting services to strengthen infrastructure planning, development, and sustainability.

Governor Mutula emphasized that the collaboration is crucial for ensuring compliance with quality standards, enhancing citizen safety, protecting the environment, and promoting long-term economic sustainability.

ATHI-KALAWA WATER PROJECT UNDER REHABILITATION BY GOVERNMENT OF MAKUENI COUNTY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WORLD VISION-KENYA.

Athi-Kalawa water project under rehabilitation by Government of Makueni County in partnership with World Vision-Kenya. Rehabilitation works which include Intake at River Athi, booster station and modern treatment facility is 85 percent complete.

Once complete, this project will bring safe, reliable water to 80% of Kalawa Ward residents through the #LastMileWaterConnectivity spearheaded by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr

GREEN GRAMS OF HOPE: MASONGALENI FARMERS STEP INTO THE GLOBAL MARKET

In the heart of Makueni’s arid Masongaleni Ward, a quiet transformation is unfolding—one green gram at a time. Traditionally grown in semi-arid regions for their resilience and quick maturity, green grams have long served as a reliable crop for farmers in Makueni County. Now, they are becoming symbols of hope and prosperity.

A 100-acre green gram farm in Kikuumini, tended by four pioneering farmers, has become the centerpiece of an initiative targeting European export markets, with Italy as the primary destination.

The project is spearheaded by Grain Connect, an organization committed to bridging smallholder farmers with global markets through sustainable and high-quality production practices. Under the guidance of Grain Connect Director Alessio Colussi, these farmers have been selected to lead the way in producing export-grade green grams.

The initiative is not only aimed at increasing exports, but about empowering local farmers with better farming techniques, improved market access and fairer pricing.

The initiative grants special attention to the quality of the produce, particularly the grain’s sprouting ability, a trait that has piqued interest among European consumers.

During a visit by Agriculture CECM Joyce Mutua on Wednesday, she reaffirmed the county’s commitment to agricultural development by announcing the establishment of a County Green Gram Aggregation Centre; A facility that will ensure the produce meets international hygiene and quality standards, preparing it for export.

“It’s important that we don’t just grow crops, but also grow opportunities,” said Mutua.

So far, 200 acres have been cultivated under the program in Masongaleni Ward, with expansion plans already in motion.

“This partnership is a gateway for our farmers to access global markets and improve their livelihoods.” added the CECM.

MAKUENI COUNTY, LIGHT FOR THE WORLD PARTNER TO EMPOWER YOUTH WITH SKILLS AND START-UP SUPPORT

The County Government of Makueni has partnered with Light for the World Kenya to equip youth with both soft and technical skills in a transformative training initiative.

The programme has already made a huge impact in Kibwezi West, where 18 out of 25 trainees successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship after completing a six-month training course.

The young entrepreneurs also received start-up grants to help launch and grow their businesses.

Building on this success, the County on Tuesday flagged off another cohort of 40 youth living with disabilities from Wote Municipality.

The training, launched by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, will see 20 participants begin immediately in the first phase, with sessions running through to December.

As part of the county’s broader inclusivity agenda, Mulili affirmed plans to allocate market spaces for persons with disabilities, enabling them to establish and operate their businesses sustainably.

STROKE SURVIVOR URGES HEALTHY LIVING AS MAKUENI MARKS WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY

At 67, Josaya Mawa knows the high cost of poor lifestyle choices.

A survivor of both diabetes and hypertension since 2009, Mawa lost his right leg to a stroke,a painful consequence he blames on years of heavy drinking and unhealthy eating.

Speaking on Monday at Itumbule Health Center during World Hypertension Day, Muema passionately urged members of the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, warning that neglecting one’s health can have devastating consequences.

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who led locals,leaders and partners in commemorating the day, announced that the county government has significantly increased funding for the procurement of life-saving drugs to ensure a steady supply of antihypertensive medication in Level 2 and 3 health facilities.

As part of strengthening primary healthcare, the county has also equipped Community Health Promoters with blood pressure monitors to conduct regular household screenings, supporting timely referrals, and following up on patients to ensure proper management.

County Health Executive Dr. Paul Musila revealed that the health department is in the process of digitizing records for hypertension patients across public facilities. The move aims to improve drug management and prevent stockouts.

Dr. Musila also noted that the county will ramp up medical outreaches targeting non-communicable diseases to enhance early detection and treatment.

26 YOUTH IN MAKUENI SET TO LAUNCH BUSINESSES THROUGH “UJUZI TEKE TEKE” EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

Twenty six young budding entrepreneurs from Kikumbulyu South ward are set to transform their futures after receiving startup tools under the Ujuzi Teke Teke skills program.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, equips trainees with hands-on mentorship from seasoned business owners (master craftsmen) before providing them with trade-specific kits to launch their own enterprises.

County Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni presided over the tools distribution, hailing the program as a catalyst for local economic growth.

Tools provided include: barbering & salon kits, welding equipment, mechanical repair kits, tailoring kits and car wash machines.

302 GRADUATE FROM JOINT HOSPITALITY UPSCALING TRAINING IN MAKUENI

A total of 302 hospitality workers from Makueni and Machakos counties graduated on Friday after completing a two-week upscaling training program aimed at improving service delivery in the tourism sector.

The Tourism Fund-sponsored training equips workers with modern skills in customer service, food and beverage handling, housekeeping, hygiene, and sustainable tourism to meet evolving industry standards and enhance visitor experiences.

The graduation ceremony held at Wote Technical Training Institute was led by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism CECM Dr. Sonia Nzilani and attended by distinguished guests, including Scott University Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel Barante, Tourism Fund Trustee Mr. Patrick Ngere, and Machakos CECM Mr. John Kilonzo among other guests.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Sonia Nzilani said the initiative is a key step in building a skilled workforce. “By equipping frontline hospitality workers with skills, we are directly investing in the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry.”