Partnerships

𝐎𝐱𝐟𝐚𝐦 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐝𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤

𝐖𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡 , 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 – Oxfam Kenya is exploring potential collaboration with the Government of Makueni County under the upcoming Danida Strategic Partnerships framework for 2027–2032, focusing on climate resilience, inclusive economic development and stronger local institutions.

The proposed collaboration seeks to strengthen fruit cooperatives by improving aggregation, coordination and market access, including the development of strong county-level and national apex structures.

Other priorities include enhancing cooperative operations through annual strategic planning, strengthening business models and exploring innovations to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of Kalamba.

The engagement also highlighted the importance of promoting the participation of women and young people across the fruit value chain, while increasing the visibility of Makueni’s cooperative enterprises in national and international markets.

During deliberations , Governor Mutula kilonzo Jr. noted Market access as major concern for farmers in the county.He emphasised his administration’s commitment to securing reliable markets for Makueni’s agricultural produce.

The proposed Oxfam Kenya–Makueni County collaboration could build on existing county initiatives by connecting stronger cooperatives, improved governance and inclusive business development with wider market opportunities.

The Oxfam team was led by Ag. Executive Director Benter Awour.

𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝘁𝗵𝗶-𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘄𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has commissioned the Athi-Kalawa Universal Water Project treatment station in Kwakiliu, Kalawa Ward, Completing the projects components after earlier commissioning the intake and power boost water station. The project targets 22,000 residents with access to clean and safe water.

Started in 2019, the project draws raw water from River Athi for treatment and distribution to households, schools, health facilities and trading centres in Mbooni East Sub-County.

The project has received Sh360 million from World Vision and Sh90 million from the County Government of Makueni.

It currently serves 35 water kiosks, six health facilities, 12 shopping centres and 12 schools, with six additional schools at various stages of connection.

Speaking during the commissioning, Governor Mutula thanked World Vision and the Coca-Cola Foundation for their support, noting that the project would help protect residents from diseases associated with consuming unsafe water.

He directed the county’s energy directorate to budget for solarisation of the facility and installation of CCTV cameras to enhance security.

World Vision East Africa Regional Director Lilian Dodzo said the organisation was pleased to improve the lives of children and families through the project. She urged the county government to ensure proper maintenance and protection of the infrastructure.

World Vision also donated 10 tonnes of water-treatment chemicals and two motorbikes to support water services management.

The project is expected to improve access to safe water while strengthening hygiene, sanitation and public health across Kalawa Ward.

𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝟰𝟱𝟬 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗞𝗪𝗔𝗦𝗛 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

𝗠𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗶,𝟭𝟯𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 – Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has commissioned the Sh450 million Athi-Kalawa Water Supply (AKWASH) Project in Kalawa Ward, aimed at improving access to clean and reliable water.

The project draws raw water from the Athi River for treatment and distribution to approximately 22,000 people, covering 4,400 households, 35 water kiosks, six health facilities, 18 schools and 12 trading centres.

The water system has reduced the average distance residents travel to fetch water from five kilometres to less than one kilometre.

The project is funded by the Base Fund, World Vision’s Kalawa Area Programme Sponsorship and the County Government of Makueni.

The governor is accompanied by World Vision East Africa Regional Leader Lilian Dodzo, county officials and several MCAs.

The commissioning marked the start of his day-long development tour of Kalawa Ward.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. leads the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government of Makueni County with World Vision

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. leads the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government of Makueni County with World Vision, strengthening collaboration in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH), health, agriculture, environment, gender, and education. The World Vision Kenya delegation was led by Interim National Director Dr. Gershon Mwakazi.

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗶 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺.

Makueni County takes centre stage on 23–24 September 2026 as counties gather in Wote to share practical lessons on turning energy plans into investments.

Convened by the Council of Governors in partnership with the Power Up Kenya Campaign, the forum will spotlight Makueni’s experience as the first county to prepare an Investment Prospectus for its County Energy Plan.

The county will share its approach with 14 counties yet to develop their energy plans, alongside Kilifi and Nakuru. Participants will also tour county energy projects showcasing investments in energy access, renewable energy for productive use and clean cooking.

The forum seeks to help counties develop credible, locally owned and investable energy plans that can attract investment and support local economic development.

ATHI-KALAWA WATER PROJECT SET TO DELIVER SAFE WATER TO OVER 30,000 RESIDENTS.

The Government of Makueni County is in the final stages of completing the Athi–Kalawa Water Distribution Project in Kalawa Ward, marking another major milestone in expanding access to safe and reliable water.

The project, implemented through a partnership between the County Government and World Vision, will deliver clean water to more than 30,000 residents.

Under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme, the project has expanded the water distribution network to Katulye, Kimeeni, Katoloka, Ndauni, Syokilati, Kwa Kyule and Syotuvali. Key public institutions, including Itumbule Primary School, Ndauni Primary School, Ndauni Secondary School, vocational training centres, health facilities and market centres, have also been connected.

The project underscores the County Government’s commitment to its Last Mile Water Connectivity agenda by strengthening water security and improving the safety of communities living along the Athi River corridor, who have for years faced the risk of crocodile attacks while fetching water from the river.

MAKUENI TURNS TO TECHNOLOGY TO STRENGTHEN EXTREME WEATHER RESPONSE, PRIORITIZE ROAD REPAIRS.

Makueni County is turning to satellite imagery, mapping data and rainfall records to identify roads that should receive priority for repair, in efforts to strengthen its response to extreme weather affecting its roads network.

The system will assess factors including population served, agricultural land use, flood and drainage risks, terrain, and proximity to essential services and markets such as schools, health facilities and trading centres.

The initiative, supported by Israeli technology company Anyways Solutions through the Embassy of Israel in Kenya, was discussed Tuesday in Wote during a meeting on a proposed memorandum of understanding between the county and its partners.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said the technology would improve Makueni’s climate resilience and capacity to respond to extreme weather, particularly with El Niño rains expected later this year.He thanked Israel for its continued partnership with the county and said Makueni was also exploring opportunities to export its fruit produce to the Israeli market.

The meeting was attended by Arnon Arbel, Minister for Economic Affairs and Head of the Israel Economic and Trade Mission in Kenya.The proposed MoU will provide a framework for implementing the technology and deepening cooperation between Makueni County and Israeli partners.

MAKUENI EXPANDS SPECIALIZED HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH NEW PARTNERSHIPS.

Makueni County has signed four agreements aimed at expanding specialized health services, including eye care, HIV treatment, women’s health and maternal and newborn care.

Gov. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. witnessed the signing Monday between the county government and AHF Kenya, Sightsavers International, The HEM Practice Ltd. and Jacaranda Health Solutions.

Under the agreements, Sightsavers will support eye screening and treatment, while AHF Kenya will strengthen HIV testing, prevention and comprehensive care.

The HEM Practice will help expand minimally invasive surgery and specialized women’s health services through training and technical support. Jacaranda Health will support maternal and newborn care through digital health tools, data use and training for frontline health workers.

Mutula said the partnerships would help bring specialized care closer to residents and strengthen the county’s health system.

He urged residents to undergo regular eye screening to enable early detection and treatment of conditions such as cataracts.

The governor also highlighted the need to strengthen maternal and newborn services, particularly care for babies requiring specialized neonatal treatment.

The agreements were signed by Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui, AHF Kenya country program director; Moses Chege, Sightsavers International country director; Faith Wanjeri, CEO of The HEM Practice; and Javan Waita, director of Kenya programs at Jacaranda Health.

County Health Executive Joyce Mutua, Chief Health Officer Dr. Harvey Mulei and Director of Preventive and Promotive Health Dr. Stephen Mwatha also attended the signing.

MAKUENI TO EXTEND MOBILITY SUPPORT TO 300 MORE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Makueni County Government will provide assistive devices to 300 more persons with disabilities next month under its partnership with Hope Mobility Kenya, as the two institutions deepen efforts to improve mobility and access to rehabilitation services.

The commitment was reaffirmed during a consultative meeting on Wednesday between County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, Chief Officer Catherine Katuti, county officials and representatives from Hope Mobility Kenya.

The outreach programme will provide beneficiaries with properly fitted assistive devices, including wheelchairs, crutches, elbow crutches and other mobility aids. The exercise will also include follow-up assessments for previous beneficiaries to evaluate the condition of their devices and ensure they continue to meet users’ mobility needs.

As part of the collaboration, Hope Mobility Kenya donated 10 auxiliary crutches and 20 walking frames to the county to strengthen support for residents requiring mobility assistance.

ECM Kyoni said more than 700 persons with disabilities have benefited from assistive devices and rehabilitation services since the partnership was established.

The programme will also enhance local capacity through the training of 15 artisans and 10 healthcare workers drawn from sub-county hospitals. The trainees will receive skills in the fitting, maintenance and repair of assistive devices to improve access to services at the community level.

The ECM said the initiative aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s agenda of promoting inclusion, equal access to services and improved quality of life for persons with disabilities across Makueni County.

PARTNERSHIPS DRIVE MAKUENI’S HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION AS NEW MATERNITY, OUTPATIENT FACILITIES OPEN.

Partnerships remain a cornerstone of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s development agenda, anchored on the belief that sustainable development is best achieved through collaboration between governments, communities and development partners.

In line with this vision, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Tuesday commissioned a new maternity wing at Kako Health Center, developed through a partnership between the Governments of Finland and Kenya and the County Government of Makueni.

Mulili also officially opened a new outpatient block at the facility, constructed by the County Government of Makueni to enhance access to quality healthcare services.

The new facilities underscore Governor Mutula’s administration’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage by improving the quality of healthcare services and strengthening the county’s referral system.

Makueni records between 20,000 and 21,000 births annually, with approximately 80 per cent of deliveries taking place in the county’s health facilities, reflecting growing public confidence in the health system.

Mulili is also expected to commission the Kikumini Maternity Wing in Nguu Masumba Ward today.

The project was funded through a partnership involving the Government of Finland, the Ministry of Health and the County Government of Makueni.

Mulili was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Health led by Dr. Edward Serem, representatives of the Government of Finland, County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Joyce Mutua, County Executive Committee Member Nicholas Nzioka, area MCA Dennis Musyoka, nominated MCA Elizabeth Mutindi and other county officials.