Partnerships

GENDER OFFICERS EQUIPPED WITH SKILLS TO INTEGRATE SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS IN DEVELOPMENT

The Kenya School of Government continues to play a critical role in strengthening public service by equipping government officers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively deliver development and services to citizens.

In partnership with the World Bank through the Kenya Devolution Support Programme (KDSP), the Department of Gender sponsored a group of officers for a week-long Social Risks Management in development training at the Kenya School of Government’s Lower Kabete campus.

The programme focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of social inclusion, social risk assessment and safeguarding measures in development planning and implementation.

Speaking during the official closing ceremony, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili said the training was timely, given the growing need to address social inclusion, assess social risks and protect vulnerable groups within communities.

Mulili noted that sustainable and meaningful development can only be achieved when social considerations are fully integrated into planning, decision-making and implementation processes.

She emphasized the importance of ensuring that development interventions are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all members of society, particularly vulnerable populations.

KITISE FARMERS BENEFIT FROM AGRICULTURE AND LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT PROGRAMME

Farmers from Kitise/Kithuki Ward on Tuesday benefited from an Agriculture and Livelihood Support Programme aimed at strengthening dairy farming, apiculture, and drought resilience to improve household incomes and agricultural productivity.

The programme saw the commissioning of a 1,000-litre solar-powered bulk milk cooler for the Kitise Farmers Cooperative Society, a move expected to benefit more than 600 dairy farmers through improved milk aggregation and reduced post-harvest losses.

Farmers also received 155 Langstroth beehives and modern beekeeping equipment, while vulnerable households were supported with livestock feed supplements to aid recovery from prolonged drought effects.

Speaking during the event, Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili said the County Government remains committed to investing in practical and sustainable interventions that increase productivity, create market opportunities, and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

Also addressing the gathering, County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu praised the initiative, noting that empowering farmers and strengthening cooperatives is essential for rural economic growth and long-term prosperity.

Implemented through a partnership between the County Government, World Food Programme and National Drought Management Authority, the programme promotes sustainable, climate-smart and market-driven agriculture.

The event was attended by CECM Agriculture Damaris Kavoi, Chief Officer Livestock Japtheth Kiminza, MCA Kitise/Kithuki Ward Sebastian Muli and Clerk of the County Assembly Kevin Mutuku.

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.

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.

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.

FREE MEDICAL CAMP OFFERS NEW HOPE TO ELDERLY MAN BATTLING HEARING LOSS

A seventy-eight-year-old Soo Kiamba from Kitaingo could not hide his joy after meeting Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at Mukaa Comprehensive School on Saturday, whom he commended for forging partnerships that directly benefit the public and urged him to sustain such collaborations.

Makueni is collaborating with the M-Pesa Foundation, is conducting a free general medical camp at Mukaa comprehensive school on Saturday.

Kiamba said he has been seeking treatment at private clinics for years but is now hopeful that he may finally regain his hearing following consultations at the camp.

Having experienced hearing difficulties for several years, he described the free medical outreach as a lifeline and praised the initiative for bringing essential healthcare services closer to residents.

Governor Mutula, accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili and officials from the M-Pesa Foundation, toured various service points at the venue to assess the progress of the medical camp.

Hundreds of residents had already registered for treatment by Saturday morning, with the exercise expected to continue until 5 p.m.

FREE AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR MAKUENI RESIDENTS:

“As part of our continued commitment to supporting our people and ensuring that no resident is denied emergency healthcare because of financial constraints, I am pleased to announce that, through the provisions of the new Finance Bill, all internal ambulance transfers for Makueni residents within the county will be offered free of charge effective 1st July 2026. To enhance accountability, efficiency, and patient safety, the County Government, in partnership with ENI, will implement a comprehensive ambulance tracking system. This initiative will help monitor ambulance movements, curb fuel misuse, drunk driving, promote responsible driving practices, and ensure that emergency response services are delivered effectively and efficiently. This intervention reflects our government’s enduring commitment to providing compassionate, accessible, and people centred healthcare for every household across Makueni County.” Governor Mutula kilonzo Jr. revealed in his speech during Madaraka Day celebrations.

VITAMIN ANGELS COMMENDS MAKUENI ON MATERNAL HEALTH DRIVE

Vitamin Angels Founder Howard B. Schiffer has commended Makueni County for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable women through interventions aimed at addressing malnutrition and improving maternal health.

Speaking on Thursday during the flag-off of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) in Makueni, Schiffer said the county had demonstrated commitment to supporting women who lack the economic means to adequately address nutrition challenges.

He noted that the partnership between Vitamin Angels and the County Government of Makueni will enhance access to essential nutrition services for underserved pregnant women, infants and children across the county.

Vitamin Angels Africa Technical Director,Dr. Lucy Kanya described the intervention as an equaliser and a global solution in addressing maternal anaemia. She applauded Makueni County for taking the initiative to secure the intervention for women, terming the move monumental for the county.

Dr.Kanya further said the programme is expected to contribute to a reduction in preterm births, cases of babies born underweight, and improve the overall health of mothers and children, describing it as an investment with generational impact.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. acknowledged that a majority of residents rely on public hospitals for healthcare services and said leaders have a responsibility to provide solutions that directly benefit the public.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rolling out interventions aimed at addressing critical healthcare challenges in the county.

MAKUENI FLAGS OFF MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and Vitamin Angels Founder Howard B. Schiffer on Thursday flagged off 7,200 bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS), each containing 180 tablets, for distribution to 13 selected health facilities across Makueni County under a pilot programme.

The beneficiaries include Makueni County Referral Hospital, seven sub-county hospitals, three health centres and two dispensaries.

Makueni becomes the first county in the country to pilot the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements programme with support from a consortium comprising Vitamin Angels, IDE and Helen Keller International.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony attended by healthcare workers and members of the public at the Mother and Child Hospital, Governor Mutula highlighted the case of a baby born weighing 800 grams about 50 days ago, who has since gained weight to one kilogram.

The governor described the pain mothers endure while caring for premature babies in hospital as unimaginable, saying the introduction of the supplements would help address prematurity and other complications associated with preterm births.

He noted that the programme would ease the burden on families, as expectant mothers receiving the supplements are likely to deliver healthier babies, reducing the cost of treatment for malnourished children.

Governor Mutula added that teenage mothers, who are among the groups most affected by preterm deliveries, also stand to benefit from the intervention.

The governor further highlighted several healthcare interventions his administration has introduced to address life-threatening conditions, including the use of heat-stable carbetocin medication to prevent excessive bleeding among women after delivery.

He also noted that Makueni County Referral Hospital is now treating hydrocephalus, a condition in which babies are born with excess fluid in the brain.

Previously, patients had to seek treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, but through a specialised clinic established by the county and the employment of a neurosurgeon, treatment is now available within Makueni.

Governor Mutula said his administration remains committed to improving healthcare services and pledged to continue working with development partners to advance the county’s development agenda.

GOVERNOR MUTULA SIGNS DEAL TO EXPAND NUTRITION SERVICES IN MAKUENI.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vitamin Angels Founder Howard B. Schiffer on behalf of the people of Makueni County, in a move aimed at strengthening maternal and child nutrition services.

The partnership seeks to accelerate access to essential nutrition services for underserved pregnant women, infants, and children across the county.

Before the signing ceremony, the Vitamin Angels delegation paid a courtesy call on the governor. The team included the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ana Cespedes, among other officials.

The delegation is also in Makueni to flag off a consignment of multiple micronutrient supplements that will benefit pregnant women in the county.