Partnerships

KYANGATI-WAUTU WATER PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION

Residents of Ilima Ward will soon enjoy improved water access as the Kyangati-Wautu Water Project nears completion under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program.

The project, now 90% complete, was revealed on Tuesday during Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. development tour of Ilima Ward.

The project features a sand dam, 17.76 KW solar-powered pumping system, a 100 m³ storage tank, a 2.4 km pipeline network and two community water points.

During the Ward development tour, the governor urged residents to report incidents of water infrastructure vandalism to the appropriate authorities to prevent the misuse of public funds.

This project will serve approximately 1,500 households, schools, markets and churches in the area.

The project is part of a countywide effort to enhance water supply through 12 similar initiatives.

Governor Mutula, accompanied by area MCA Jonathan Muthoka, also visited and inspected the Kiusyi Water Project, which is now 95% complete.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. CHAMPIONS ORAL HEALTH AT WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY EVENT IN MAKUENI.

Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, remains a pressing public health issue affecting many Kenyans.

Despite its significance, the consequences of neglecting dental health are often overlooked.

However, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. took a bold step on Thursday towards raising awareness during the World Oral Health Day celebrations held at Nduluku Primary School in Mbooni.

Governor Mutula stressed his unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of Makueni residents, emphasizing the key role oral health plays in overall health.

Further ,he noted that oral health is not only a reflection of an individual’s well-being but also directly impacts their quality of life.

In a press statement signed by Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Director-General of Health in the Ministry of Health, the objectives of the 2025 World Oral Health Day were include,raising public awareness about the importance of oral health, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to prevent oral diseases, promoting positive oral health behaviors, and highlighting the vital connection between good oral health and mental well-being.

Dr. Rebecca Kiptui read the official press statement elaborating on the day’s objectives.

The event also featured a general health medical camp, offering a variety of services to the community.

Among the distinguished attendees were County Commissioner Duncan Darusi, Area MCA Dennis Musyoka (Waia-Kako), and Nominated MCA Hon. Mutindi Kiio, Health services CECM Dr.Paul Musila and Devolution CECM Nicholas Nzioka.

MANGO FARMING TRAINING FOR AGRICULTURAL OFFICERS

Mango farming in Makueni has grown into a profitable agribusiness, that has significantly improved the livelihoods of local farmers.

In an effort to boost its production and market access, the County Agriculture Department, in partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), on Thursday completed a three-day training at Makindu for 30 ward agricultural and extension officers.

The training, developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), focused on hands-on practical sessions and a farm visit, emphasizing on modern technologies and best practices to enhance mango farming.

Covering several areas to help improve mango production and value addition, the training introduced Participants to better production techniques, including grafting, pruning, irrigation and fertilization, to boost their yields.

The training also gave an insight on how to manage pests and diseases effectively with a major focus on market access and linkages, post-harvest handling and storage were emphasized to reduce losses and increase profitability.

Further, with respect to the prevailing regional climate, sustainable farming practices were introduced to promote climate resilience and environmental conservation measures with exposure to digital agriculture, where participants learnt the uses of ICT tools for farm management, marketing and accessing extension services.

Lastly, the importance of farmer groups and cooperatives was highlighted, encouraging collective marketing and improving access to financial services.

The trained officers will now pass on this knowledge to farmers in their respective wards, ensuring that mango farming continues to thrive in Makueni.

MASONGALENI RESIDENTS TASTE ‘SWEET WATERS’ PURIFIED BY THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND WORLD BANK

Residents of Mukaange Sub-location in Masongaleni ward are enjoying the sweet taste of purified water desalinated through reverse osmosis courtesy of a joint effort by Makueni County Government and World Bank, through Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program.

The county government drilled Kiambani borehole but the water was unfit for human consumption due to high salinity levels.

Through the Climate Change Unit’s Participatory Climate Risk Assessment, the community allocated funds for purification of the saline water. After installation of a reverse osmosis treatment plant, residents can now enjoy safe quality water, ending many years of severe scarcity.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and Principal Secretary for the State Department of ASALs and Regional Development Kello Harsama commissioned the project in an event attended by Kibwezi East MP Jessica Mbalu, MCAs: Brian Nzoka, Jades Kalunda, Harrison Mutie and Eric Katumo.

Governor Mutula said his administration will in the next phase of the project allocate funds for distribution of this clean water to reach more households as part of the Last Mile Water Connectivity Program. The program targets to reduce distances to the nearest water point to 2 km.

The project also entails an agricultural component to support local farmers with climate-smart agricultural practices and pasture as well as apiculture (50 beehives) in Muliluni forest to enhance biodiversity and support sustainable environmental practices

GOVERNOR MUTULA AND ASAL PRINCIPAL SECRETARY COMMISSION SH 55M UYI EARTH DAM, BRINGING RELIEF TO THOUSANDS

It is a sigh of relief for 7,800 residents of Ngwata and Ulilinzi locations in Masongaleni Ward, who now have access to clean and safe water for domestic use from Uyi earth dam.

The Sh 55 Million earth dam was rehabilitated by desilting, construction of a water treatment plant, installation of a solar-powered pumping system, and establishment of a distribution network through a partnership by the County Government of Makueni and the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA).

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and Principal Secretary for the State Department of ASALs and Regional Development Kello Harsama commissioned the project at Yikitaa on Wednesday 19^th March, 2025. Area Member of Parliament Jessica Mbalu, area MCA Bryan Nzoka, counterparts Eric Katumo, Jades Kalunda and Harrison Mutie also attended the event.

Besides water for drinking, the dam will support 8,000 cattle and 15,000 goats, enable micro-irrigation, and enhance drought resilience in the region. It will spare residents the distress of trekking 15km to Athi River, the only other source of water traversing the region. The dam has an underground well which ensures continuous water pumping even when levels go down, and even before the rains fall.

Mr. Harsama pledged more resources from the national government to further expand the dam reservoir to a capacity of 150,000,000 liters of water. This will enhance the irrigation component for sustainable food security in the drought prone area.

This project bolsters Governor Mutula’s agenda for Universal Water Access in Makueni by 2027, through the Last Mile Water Connectivity Program.

MAKUENI TO PARTNER WITH CIM TO BOOST FARMER-LED IRRIGATION IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday engaged in a productive discussion with Bishop Dr. Titus Masika of Christian Impact Mission (CIM) to explore collaboration on a farmer-led irrigation initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

CIM, a faith-based development agency, focuses on creating community transformation models and training tools, with a strong emphasis on building resilience against climate change and other environmental challenges.

In partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), CIM is set to roll out an irrigation project in Marwa, Kiima Kiu/Kalanzoni ward.

The initiative will involve the excavation of 200 farm ponds, each with a minimum capacity of 250m³, targeting a total of 552 hectares. The project is expected to harvest at least 37,500m³ of water per watershed, ensuring sustainable water supply for irrigation.

Once completed, farmers will actively participate by shaping, fencing and dedicating at least one acre each for irrigation.

This piloting initiative is a step geared towards strengthening food security, promoting water conservation, and enhancing climate adaptation for vulnerable communities in the region.

The meeting was also attended by CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Joyce Mutua, as well as Livestock Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza and other county officials.

This collaboration highlights the governor’s commitment to innovative, sustainable agriculture solutions that empower farmers and secure livelihoods in the face of climate change.

MAKUENI ENGAGES TOURISM PROMOTION FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

In a move to enhance tourism growth, officials from the Makueni County Culture and Tourism Directorates held discussions with the Tourism Promotion Fund Kenya (TPF) officials in Nairobi on Tuesday.

TPF, a corporate institution that supports the growth of Kenya’s tourism sector, provides financial assistance for developing tourism products and services, funds the promotion of Kenya as a top travel destination and mobilizes resources to support various tourism-related activities.

The meeting focused on exploring potential areas of collaboration in co-funding tourism development and promotion projects.

Leading the county delegation, Chief Officer for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani highlighted Makueni’s tourism potential, citing its strategic proximity to Tsavo and Chyulu National Parks.

The TPF Director for Programmes Management Doreen Okoyana welcomed the engagement stating, “We are committed to supporting initiatives that enhance tourism growth and sustainability across counties.”

This partnership aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s vision of economically empowering residents through tourism.

The meeting was also attended by Tourism Director Dianah Muli, Culture Director Mutua Mulonzya and other county officials.

MAKUENI RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH AT UNOA GROUNDS

The Department of Health Services, in partnership with the MPESA Foundation, Zuri Health, and Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, has launched a comprehensive medical outreach program at Unoa Grounds in Wote.

The initiative is offering a range of medical services, including general check-ups, dental care, eye screening, breast cancer screening, and HPV vaccination for girls aged ten to 14 years.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili commended the impact of the medical camp, noting the positive difference it was making in the lives of Makueni residents.

Health ECM, Dr. Paul Musila underscored the county’s ongoing collaboration with the MPESA Foundation, citing key projects such as the construction and equipping of the Tawa Maternity Wing at a cost of Ksh 28 million, the upgrade of Mutulani Dispensary at Ksh 17 million, and the construction of the Sultan Hamud Maternity Wing at Ksh 60 million.

He further noted that patients with complex cases are being referred to the county referral hospital for specialized care.

MPESA Foundation Program Manager, Sophiah Onyango, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to transforming lives, with a strong focus on maternal and child health.

She emphasized that their support extends beyond the medical camp, as they continue to follow up with patients to ensure they receive proper care.

The outreach program has attracted a large number of residents.

KWS BOSS AND GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEIL TEAM TO DRAFT NGAI NDETHYA RESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN

The process of drafting a Land Management Plan for Ngai Ndethya National Reserve has kicked off with unveiling of a multi-sectoral team to spearhead the process.

The team comprising of representatives of Kenya Widlife Service, Makueni Lands Department, NEMA, National and County Government Administrations, NLC, conservancies and local residents was unveiled by KWS Director General Prof. Erastus Kanga and Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr at Mtito Andei on Friday.

Governor Mutula also led a citizen engagement forum at Nthunguni market to record the voice of wnanchi on the matter.

The plan aims to harmonize human settlement, conservation, wildlife protection and development.

30 PWDS RECEIVE WHEELCHAIRS IN MBOONI AS PARTNERS PUSH FOR INCLUSIVE HEALTHCARE

The Department of Health Services, in partnership with Jain Social Group,and Kiteta Kisau MCA Hon. Darius Mainga on Monday donated 30 wheelchairs to persons living with disabilities (PWDs) at Mbooni Sub-County Hospital.

This marks the second phase of the initiative, following an earlier distribution of 50 wheelchairs.

The partners have now set their sights on reaching 100 more beneficiaries, reaffirming their commitment to empowering PWDs through mobility support.

Beyond wheelchair donations, the organization has pledged to fully equip the Ngaa Health Facility as part of broader development efforts in the ward.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Officer for Health Administration and Human Resource lauded the collaboration, emphasizing the life-changing impact of the donations.

He also took the opportunity to sensitize the public on the importance of registering for the Social Health Authority to enhance access to healthcare services.