Partnerships

MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES RURAL ELECTRIFICATION DRIVE IN KAKO-WAIA AND KALAWA WARDS

The Makueni County Government has rolled out a new electricity connectivity initiative targeting key public facilities in Kako-Waia and Kalawa Wards.

The program, led by the Department of Transport, Energy, and Infrastructure, will see the installation of transformers to power the Wambiti Warehouse in Kako, Waia Ward, as well as Kathulumbi Dispensary, Mutembuku CTTI, Mutanda CTTI, and Kalawa Market in Kalawa Ward.

Speaking during the launch on Thursday, county officials emphasized that the project aims to boost access to reliable electricity in rural institutions, supporting local economic growth and improving service delivery.

The initiative is part of Makueni’s broader rural electrification agenda implemented in collaboration with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC). Officials noted that the county remains committed to ensuring equitable energy access across all wards to spur development and enhance livelihoods.

SH4.5 MILLION SOLAR-POWERED HIGH MAST TO ILLUMINATE MASUMBA MARKET

In efforts to improve rural infrastructure and promote renewable energy, the Government of Makueni County, in partnership with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), has launched a Sh4.5 million solar-powered high mast lighting project at Masumba Market in Kasikeu Ward.

The official handover of the project site to the contractor took place on Monday, signaling the commencement of installation works.

The solar-powered lighting system is expected to enhance night-time visibility, improve security, and stimulate business activity in and around Masumba Market.

The initiative is part of Makueni’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and rural economic transformation. Once operational, the high mast lighting system will enable traders to extend their working hours and create a safer, more vibrant marketplace.

The solar-powered system, which harnesses clean and renewable energy, is also expected to reduce electricity costs for the government, saving millions of shillings in the long run.

MAKUENI BLOOD CENTER GETS MAJOR BOOST THROUGH ENI KENYA PARTNERSHIP.

The Makueni Blood Satellite Center has received a significant upgrade following a partnership between the County Government of Makueni and ENI Kenya, aimed at strengthening blood collection, processing, and storage capacity under the company’s corporate social responsibility program.

The new equipment delivered to the Makueni County Referral Hospital includes a Blood Bank Refrigerator, which maintains blood at optimal temperatures to prevent spoilage and wastage; a Refrigerated Centrifuge, which separates blood into vital components such as plasma and platelets for specialized treatment; and a Blood Plasma Deep Freezer, which ensures the long-term preservation of plasma for use during emergencies and routine medical procedures.

According to Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., the installation of the advanced equipment will greatly enhance the center’s capacity to store, prepare, and process various blood components, including platelet concentrate, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate.

The development will also enable the preservation of blood and its components for up to two years, guaranteeing patients access to safe and reliable blood supplies both within the county and across the country.

The governor emphasized that the upgraded facility will be a lifeline for patients battling cancer, anaemia, and trauma-related injuries, as well as maternity cases requiring urgent transfusions.

ENI Kenya Managing Director Daniella Morra noted that the initiative reflects the company’s continued commitment to strengthening community health systems and improving access to quality healthcare services in Kenya.

The new investment positions Makueni as a regional hub for efficient blood management and marks a vital step in saving lives through improved healthcare infrastructure.

GOVERNOR MUTULA FLAGS OFF NUTRITION SUPPLIES TO COMBAT MALNUTRITION IN MAKUENI.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday flagged off 623 bales of fortified blended flour to benefit children, pregnant and lactating mothers, and adults battling malnutrition across the county’s six sub-counties, marking yet another milestone in the county’s quest for a well-nourished population.

Speaking during the flag-off on Tuesday, Governor Mutula underscored nutrition as a cornerstone of human capital development, emphasizing his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving health and nutrition outcomes for all residents.

To strengthen the county’s fight against malnutrition, Makueni has partnered with key organizations including Helen Keller International, Vitamin Angels, and ENI Kenya.

Helen Keller International has donated 800 cartons, each containing 150 sachets of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Feed (RUSF), targeting children aged 6 to 59 months suffering from moderate acute malnutrition.

The supplements will be distributed to 121 health facilities designated for managing acute malnutrition.

The organization has also provided weighing scales to aid in nutritional assessment.

ENI Kenya contributed over 28,000 sachets of fortified blended flour for children in the same age bracket and an additional 6,000 sachets for pregnant and lactating mothers.

The nutrition commodities have been delivered to 81 health facilities across all sub-counties, ensuring last-mile delivery and equitable access.

Meanwhile, Vitamin Angels has donated 200,000 doses of dewormers for school-going children, reinforcing efforts to improve child health and reduce nutrient loss caused by parasitic infections.

MAKUENI UPSCALES NEONATAL CARE SERVICES WITH THE COMMISSIONING OF A MODERN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

In a major stride toward reducing neonatal deaths, the County Government of Makueni has unveiled a fully equipped Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Mother and Child Hospital, developed in partnership with ENI Kenya.

The modern facility is outfitted with cutting-edge medical equipment, including incubators, syringe pumps, blood pressure monitors, suction machines, photo boxes, pulse oximeters, radiant baby warmers, glucometers, stethoscopes, medication trolleys, baby cots, vital signs monitors, bilirubinometers, hygrometers, non-invasive ventilators, cardiac monitors, and CPAP machines.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., who presided over the launch, lauded the partnership as a key milestone in improving maternal and child health outcomes.

He noted that the newly installed technology would greatly enhance the quality and efficiency of newborn care, emphasizing that the healthcare team has already undergone specialized training fully sponsored by ENI Kenya on neonatal intensive care and use of the advanced machines.

ENI Kenya Managing Director Daniella Morra commended the collaboration with Makueni County, affirming the company’s commitment to supporting healthcare advancement in the region.

The establishment of the NICU marks a significant milestone in Makueni’s journey toward accessible, high-quality healthcare for all, reaffirming the county’s leadership in innovative public health initiatives.

NEW MATERNITY BLOCK BRINGS RELIEF TO KAMBI MAWE MOTHERS

Residents of Kambi Mawe and its surrounding areas have a new reason to celebrate following the completion and commissioning of a modern maternity block by the Makueni County Government.

For years, expectant women in the area endured long journeys to Wote in search of maternity services.

That struggle has now come to an end after Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr officially opened the new facility on Tuesday, marking a major milestone in improving maternal health care in the region.

The project was implemented in partnership with ENI Kenya, which supported the county through its corporate social responsibility initiative.

The company donated essential maternity equipment, constructed an ablution block, and installed a septic tank to enhance sanitation and functionality within the facility.

ENI Kenya Managing Director Daniella Morra emphasized the organization’s continued collaboration with Makueni, affirming their commitment to support more community-centered projects when the need arises.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. reiterated his administration’s determination to deliver quality and accessible healthcare across Makueni, noting that improved health infrastructure remains at the heart of his development agenda.

GOVERNOR MUTULA, FORMER PS EXPLORE NEW INVESTMENTS FOR MAKUENI

On Monday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. hosted former Transport Principal Secretary Nduva Muli for a candid discussion on enhancing investment opportunities in Makueni, with the aim of boosting job creation and production.

A key highlight of the meeting was the identification of a strategic location within the county for the establishment of a plastic tanks manufacturing plant. The leaders agreed that the initiative would lower the cost of acquiring water storage tanks, promote rainwater harvesting, improve access to clean water, and create employment opportunities for young people.

Mr. Nduva, who is also a commercial mango farmer with an 8,000-tree plantation in Kibwezi, proposed a partnership with the County Government to build the capacity of local farmers in mango production, enhance value addition, and tap into export markets for better returns to farmers.

SH4.5 MILLION SOLAR-POWERED HIGH MAST TO ILLUMINATE UTANGWA MARKET.

In a major boost to rural electrification, the Government of Makueni County in collaboration with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), has launched a Sh4.5 million solar-powered high mast lighting project at Utangwa Market in Kithungo/Kitundu Ward.

The county government and REREC officially handed over the project site to the contractor on Monday, marking the start of the installation. The modern solar-powered lighting system is expected to enhance night-time visibility, improve security, and stimulate business activity in and around the market.

Speaking during the handover, county officials noted that the project aligns with ongoing efforts to promote renewable energy and drive economic growth in rural areas.

Once completed, the high mast system is expected to transform Utangwa Market into a safer and more vibrant commercial hub, extending business hours and boosting local trade.

A similar Sh4.5 million project was also launched at Kasikeu, Sultan Hamud, to illuminate the Masumba area.

The solar projects are expected to save the government millions of shillings in electricity costs.

KAKUSWI TO HOST 3,000-SEATER MODERN SPORTS COMPLEX

Sports lovers and athletes from Mbooni Sub-county are looking at better days ahead, with a state-of-the-art sports complex set to be constructed at Kakuswi Playground.

The 3,000-seater facility, to be developed through a partnership between the Government of Makueni County and the Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care Charitable Trust, will feature a football pitch, volleyball and basketball courts, and a minimum six-lane running track.

On Monday morning, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. hosted a delegation from the Trust, led by Chief Executive Officer Rahul Parekh, for a review of the complex designs and the signing of a memorandum of understanding for its development and maintenance.

As part of the agreement, the Trust will provide KSh 500,000 annually for maintenance for the first three years, and KSh 300,000 thereafter. An existing borehole, which yields 60,000 litres of water per hour, will supply water to the complex and the surrounding community, with the Trust supporting the distribution infrastructure.

Governor Mutula, who was accompanied by Sports CEC Eng. Sebastian Kyoni and Sports Director Ambrose Kisoi, termed the partnership a major milestone in sports development in Makueni—one of his key development pillars.

JOY LIGHTS UP MAKUENI COUNTY AS SH80 MILLION MATCHING FUND ELECTRIFICATION PROJECTS KICKS OFF

Makueni residents have expressed joy and hope as Government of Makueni County in partnership with REREC rolls out rural electrification projects worth Sh80 million across 12 wards in all six sub-counties. The projects, will connect 617 households and public institutions to electricity.

During a launch gathering in Makindu, residents said electricity access will transform their lives by powering homes, schools, and small businesses. Similar excitement was witnessed in Nyunzu, Muvau/Kikumini Ward, where a project worth Sh9.3 million was unveiled.

County Executive for Infrastructure, Roads, and Energy Eng. Peter Mumo said the initiative fulfills Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s pledge to expand energy access and drive local development.

Launches have so far been conducted in Masongaleni and Kukumbulyu South.

Other wards lined up for launch include Kithungo/Kitundu, Kasikeu, Kako/Waia, Kalawa,Ukia,

Kee, and Tulimani wards.

Through the electrification drive, Makueni aims to stimulate business and improve social-economic growth.