News

TEACHERS IN MAKUENI EMPOWERED FOR A STRONG FOUNDATION IN EARLY LEARNING

A new chapter in early childhood education has begun in Makueni as 400 teachers from Kilome, Kibwezi West, and Kibwezi East gathered at Kibwezi Teachers Training College for a transformative capacity building workshop. This bold step, spearheaded by the County Government of Makueni in partnership with UNICEF, reflects a major investment in shaping the future of young learners.

The workshop comes hot on the heels of a historic achievement—Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s confirmation of all 959 participating teachers into permanent and pensionable terms. This landmark decision underscores the County’s strong commitment to the dignity, welfare, and professional growth of educators.

Under the theme “Retooling for Efficient Curriculum Implementation and Improved Caregiving,” the training aims to sharpen teachers’ skills in modern pedagogy, promote nurturing care, and enhance effective delivery of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

The event was graced by key leaders including Deputy Governor H.E. Lucy Mulili, CECM ICT, Education and Internship Elizabeth Muli, CECM Devolution Nicholas Nzioka, UNICEF Kenya’s Jane Kariuki, KasaMBA Kiilu, Governor’s Political Advisor, and Chief Officer Irene Makau, among others.

Makueni County proudly becomes the first in Kenya to host a retooling workshop of this scale—further solidifying its place as a trailblazer in early learning development. Leaders and partners hailed Governor Mutula’s visionary leadership in making early childhood education a top priority.

The County has also inked a strategic partnership with UNICEF to drive impactful programs in health and nutrition, school feeding, digital learning, kitchen gardens, and social protection—all geared towards holistic child development.

This workshop is more than just training—it’s a movement to build a strong, nurturing foundation for Kenya’s future.

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MAKUENI BEGINS FORMULATION OF ENERGY POLICY TO BOOST SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Makueni has initiated the formulation of its first Energy Policy, a strategic framework aimed at addressing energy challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Led by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works & Energy, an inter-departmental committee has begun drafting the policy with technical support from Strathmore University, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and UK-PACT. These partners are providing expertise to ensure the policy aligns with global best practices in renewable energy and public-private partnerships.

The Makueni Energy Policy seeks to:

• Promote renewable energy by harnessing solar, wind, and biogas resources.

• Improve energy affordability and reliability

• Encourage decentralized energy solutions, such as mini-grids and off-grid solar systems, to ensure stable power supply in remote areas.

• Foster public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract investment in sustainable energy projects.

County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure, Eng. Peter Mumo,who chaired the inaugural drafting session in Wote on Wednesday emphasized that reliable and affordable energy is critical for industrial growth, business expansion, and overall socio-economic progress.

Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi said adopting innovative and decentralized energy solutions, will ensure that even the most remote communities have access to electricity.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH KEY INSTITUTIONS TO BOOST HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance healthcare services in the county.

The agreements, signed with The Open University of Kenya,Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), and North Star Alliance, will strengthen medical research, capacity building, and disease prevention efforts.

Under the partnership with The Open University of Kenya, the Department of Health will facilitate student placements and research opportunities in health sciences within county health facilities.

The collaboration aims to bolster medical education, enhance research, and apply scientific knowledge to improve patient care.

Meanwhile, the agreement with CHAK will support the implementation of comprehensive HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs in select faith-based and county health facilities.

This partnership will run until September 2026, emphasizing efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the region.

North Star Alliance will as well work alongside the County Health Department to reduce the prevalence of communicable diseases, including HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

The partnership will focus on delivering health and safety services at the Roadside Wellness Centre in Emali and integrating key population-friendly services in selected health facilities

PRESERVING HERITAGE, SUSTAINING CULTURE AND INSPIRING GROWTH

Indigenous knowledge [I.K] plays a crucial role in preserving culture in the country by safeguarding traditional practices, languages and customs passed down through generations.

I.K encompasses wisdom in agriculture, medicine, storytelling and rituals that define a community’s identity.

By integrating I.K into education and conservation efforts, the government ensures the continuity of the community’s heritage while promoting sustainable development.

The County Government of Makueni, in partnership with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) through its Natural Products Industry (NPI) Program, on Tuesday held a consultative forum with registered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) involved in the Indigenous Knowledge Documentation and Digitization (IK DoDi) Project.

The sensitization forum was aimed to prepare participants for an upcoming investment conference and trade fair, where participants will showcase documented and prioritized indigenous knowledge-based assets and products in Makueni.

The forthcoming conference, themed Heritage-Based Enterprises, aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 Fourth Medium-Term Plan (2023-2027) will serve as a platform to connect exhibitors with potential investors and partners for product development and commercialization.

Speaking at the forum, the CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Sonia Nzilani, highlighted that the Heritage-Based Enterprise agenda seeks to empower local communities, promote tourism and enhance education on Kenya’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

“By leveraging indigenous knowledge and traditional practices, this initiative aims to create economic opportunities while preserving cultural identity of the Akamba,” said Dr. Nzilani.

The program specifically targets registered CBOs engaged in income-generating activities, recognizing the crucial role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable economic development.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, NMK’s Patrick Maundu and Director of Culture Mutua Mulonzya.

MAKUENI TO BUILD ELITE SPORTS ACADEMY IN LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has signed a memorandum of understanding with Champions Pathway Academy (CPA) and United States-based Angels at Bat to establish a world-class sports academy in Makueni. The facility will feature modern training infrastructure, aiming to nurture local talent and position the county as a regional and global sports hub.

Governor Mutula described the partnership as one that goes beyond sports, saying it is about equipping youth with leadership, education, and life skills. The initiative will offer professional coaching, international exposure, and mentorship.

CPA Chief Executive Officer Albert Munane emphasized the importance of investing in sports as a tool for discipline, while Angels at Bat’s Justus Musia noted the cultural exchange potential of the partnership.

Sports Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, Chief Officer Nicholis Mutua, sports director Ambrose Kisoi and senior sports officer Charles Muthoka attended the signing ceremony held at the governor’s office in Wote, Tuesday.

MAKUENI’S SPORTS COUNCILS PRAISED FOR DRIVING SPORTS GROWTH

The MKJ Supa Cup Tournament 2025 which concluded on Sunday 30th has been celebrated as one of the most well-organized sporting events, marked by exceptional discipline and a high level of talent display.

The finals, held at Unoa Grounds in Wote Town drew thousands of enthusiastic fans and local leaders, who commended Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration for the seamless planning and execution of the tournament.

Governor Mutula credited the success to the Ward Sports Councils, which have played a crucial role in managing sports at the grassroots level. He emphasized that these councils are instrumental in talent identification, securing funding for sports development, and ensuring that athletics receive the same priority as other key sectors.

“Thanks to these councils, Makueni is steadily emerging as a sporting powerhouse. Soon, it will be the go-to destination for national clubs scouting for talented athletes,” said Mutula.

To further boost sports development, the county government is accelerating the construction of modern sports infrastructure, including training pitches, to provide aspiring athletes with professional facilities. Additionally, the Department of Sports is collaborating with national sports federations to enhance the skills of local coaches and referees through capacity-building programs.

After the finals, an all-star team in each of the six disciplines (football, volleyball, basketball 5×5, basketball 3×3, beach handball and beach volleyball) has been assembled to represent Makueni at the Kenya Youth Inter-county Sports Association Games (KYISA) in Homa Bay slated for 13^th -19^th April.

KIBOKO ZOOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND EFFICACY TRIAL CENTRE, KIBWEZI WEST

TOMATO FARMING IN MAKUENI: A Hidden Agribusiness Gem.

Tomato farming in Makueni holds untapped potential in agribusiness. Given the county’s semi-arid climate, farmers are advised to select disease-resistant seeds to maximize their yields.

In tomato farming, proper land preparation for adequate soil drainage and aeration, combined with regular weeding, minimizes competition for nutrients and water.

While farmers are advised to use organic manure or balanced fertilizers for healthy plant growth, mulching also helps retain soil moisture and control weeds.

As tomatoes mature, staking provides essential support to the plants, helping to prevent fruit rot. Additionally, farmers should practise timely pest and disease control to reduce losses.

Consistent water management practices are essential for irrigation, particularly during dry seasons, and tomatoes should be harvested at the appropriate maturity stage to maximize market value.

On Thursday, Makueni County’s Ward Agricultural Officers (WAOs) completed an intensive three-day training and practical sessions at the Kiboko Zoological Investigations and Efficacy Trial Centre, aimed at enhancing tomato farming practices to increase its productivity.

The training, conducted under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), aimed to equip WAOs with essential knowledge and skills to support tomato farmers.

It covered key areas such as the economic importance of tomato farming, climate-related challenges, seed varieties, selection, and optimal growing conditions for improved productivity.

Participants gained insights into Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and food safety, as well as pest, weed and disease management in tomato farming. The training also focused on soil fertility and water management strategies to maximize yields.

Additionally, the program introduced mechanization solutions tailored for small-scale farmers to enhance efficiency, while also covering value addition, business management and effective techniques for training and supporting farmers in the field.

The WAOs were well-prepared to disseminate knowledge, promote best practices and support farmers in optimizing tomato farming.

This initiative is expected to enhance food security, improve incomes and strengthen the tomato value chain in Makueni County.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. COMMISSIONS ECDE CENTER AND DELIVERS AID TO VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES IN TULIMANI WARD

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday unveiled a new Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) center at Wambuli Primary School, as part of his ongoing development tour of Tulimani Ward.

The initiative ,part of a broader program under the Department of Education,aims to provide quality learning facilities for the pre-primary children across the County.

In addition to this educational advancement,

Governor Mutula and his team distributed 300 blankets to the elderly residents in the ward to cushion them against weather related ailments during the rain and cold season.

The initiative aims to offer warmth and comfort during the current cold season.

The governor’s tour also featured a legal land clinic, where residents were able to access free legal services.

Governor Mutula was joined by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Tulimani Ward MCA Kyalo Mumo, and other local leaders during the event.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. INSPECTS REHABILITATION OF KOOI EARTH DAM IN TULIMANI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday inspected the rehabilitation of Kooi Earth Dam in Tulimani Ward,a huge milestone in his ongoing efforts to enhance water accessibility across the county. This is inline with his *Last Mile Water Connectivity program* meant to ensure universal water coverage by 2027.

The 5 million-shilling project has expanded the dam’s reservoir from 48,000 cubic meters to 60,000 cubic meters, benefiting over 1,130 households.

Accompanying the Governor at the event were Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, area MCA Kyalo Mumo, Kisau Kiteta Ward Representative Darius Mainga, and nominated MCAs Sarah Mulwa and Sharon Mueni, among other officials.

KYAMBEKE HEALTH FACILITY UPGRADED TO LEVEL IV IN MAJOR HEALTHCARE BOOST

Kyambeke Health Facility has received a significant upgrade following its official gazettement from a Level III to a Level IV facility.

This milestone was confirmed during Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s development visit in Ilima ward on Tuesday.

As part of the upgrade, the facility has been equipped with a full haemogram machine for the laboratory department to enhance diagnostic services.

The facility is equipped with dedicated wards, offering 11 beds for female patients, 10 for male patients, 6 for maternity care and 2 baby cots, ensuring comprehensive healthcare services.

Additionally, 15 more healthcare staff have been deployed to improve service delivery to the vast surrounding community. The elevation marks a substantial step in improving healthcare services in the region.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Mutula reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare and ensuring improved services for all Makueni residents.

“We, as the County Executive, have agreed with the County Assembly to create a plan in the upcoming budget that will ensure Makueni residents receive quality healthcare,” said Mutula.

During the ward tour, Governor Mutula also handed over six 100-seater tents and 600 plastic chairs to community groups with membership of more than 3,000 members at a public baraza in Kyambeke Market.

The governor was accompanied by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, CEC Member for Lands Japheth Mang’oka, Majority Leader Kisungi Wa Katete and MCAs Jonathan Muthoka (Ilima), Urbanus Manzu Kee and Special-Elect Magdalene Mulwa.