Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. signs an MoU with Balson Polyplast Pvt. Ltd., led by Director Miraj Baldha, to boost irrigation development in Makueni County—Paving way for a 100-hectare pilot project, advancing irrigation technology and mechanization, building farmer capacity, and opening market access to India and Europe.
The National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) implementation team has endorsed Makueni County as a national model for devolution after an assessment visit.
Led by Dr. Agnes Zani, the team is overseeing the rollout of the NADCO report’s 10-point reform agenda.
The committee praised Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. for disciplined, hands-on leadership and a governance model that places communities at the center of planning and budgeting—capturing the essence of bottom-up development.
Makueni’s strong working relationship between the executive and the County Assembly was highlighted as a pillar of accountability under the Constitution.
NADCO officials cited the county’s performance in local revenue generation, integrated governance, and structured public participation as standout strengths. They also singled out the Ward Development Fund for driving equitable resource allocation and commended efforts to implement the one-third gender rule.
Makueni Deputy governor Lucy Mulili also attended the meeting.
The Department of ICT, Education & Internship today marked a powerful and inspiring moment as Makueni Tech & Innovation Hub in collaboration with CITAM Church through the Tuvuke Bridge program, engaged a vibrant group of young people on trending Technologies shaping our world today.
The session took a practical dive into Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing influence across industries and everyday life. Together, we explored how AI is actively transforming sectors such as business, healthcare, education, and finance, while also unpacking real, relatable use cases that connect directly with the realities of young people today.
A key highlight was introducing accessible and impactful AI tools that the youth can begin using to learn, create, innovate, and even generate income. Equally important were our discussions around the ethical and responsible use of AI, emphasizing that as technology evolves, so must our values, accountability, and awareness.
At Makueni Innovation Hub, we remain committed to nurturing a generation that is not only digitally skilled, but also innovative, responsible, and ready to shape the future.
#GovernmentOfMakueniCounty#MakueniInnovationHub#TuvukeBridge#CITAM#ArtificialIntelligence#AIForYouth
The Government of Makueni County, in partnership with the National Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), on Thursday held an Irrigation Accelerator Platform forum aimed at strengthening irrigation adoption and improving farmers’ incomes.
Attended by Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili, the meeting brought together farmers, private sector players, government officials and development partners to unlock challenges and attract investment in irrigation.
The initiative focuses on helping smallholder farmers increase production, access markets and add value to their produce.
Speaking at the forum, Mulili emphasized the county’s commitment to practical solutions noting that investing in irrigation is paramount to secure livelihoods and make farming profitable and sustainable.
The forum was also attended by Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza and Felistus Mutune alongside farmer-led representatives and irrigation officers.
The Mother and Child Hospital in Wote is registering tremendous strides in improving outcomes for preterm babies, with significant gains recorded from July 2024 to date.
According to the Head of the Newborn Unit, Francisca Kisilu, the introduction and consistent use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines has been a major contributor to these positive outcomes.
The machines support breathing in preterm infants, many of whom are born with underdeveloped lungs.
Preterm babies often lack sufficient surfactant, a substance that prevents the lungs from collapsing, making them highly vulnerable to respiratory complications. CPAP machines help keep the air sacs (alveoli) open during breathing and also support the production of surfactant, thereby stabilizing the infants’ respiratory function.
In addition, the Ministry of Health 2023 rollout of Caffeine Citrate, an essential drug used in management of apnea of maturity, has further strengthened neonatal care.
The Nurse in Charge of the Mother and Child Hospital, Christine Muteria, notes that the drug was initially not readily available. However, its consistent supply has since improved care outcomes.
In addition the county got donations of 22000 vials from Clinton Health Access Initiative
Francisca also commends the impact of the drug in reducing mortality rates, explaining that it is administered to babies born before 34 weeks of gestation.
She also highlights the role of infusion and syringe pumps, which have made it easier for neonatal nurses to administer intravenous fluids accurately and efficiently.
Efforts to improve maternal nutrition have equally played a key role. The county has prioritized nutritional screening for expectant mothers during antenatal care (ANC), with those meeting specific criteria receiving fortified blended flour for porridge, alongside other supplements.
According to Anncietta Nduku,a nutrition officer at the County Referral Hospital, these interventions have significantly contributed to better preterm outcomes, while also supporting further management in cases of preterm delivery.
To strengthen capacity, the county government procured five CPAP machines, six infusion pumps, and two syringe pumps. Additional support from Eni Kenya saw the facility receive two more CPAP machines, four infusion pumps, and two syringe pumps.
ENI Kenya also donated incubators, infrared light for Jaundiced babies and Neonatal ICU equipment
Francisca, a neonatal care champion, has also been instrumental in training nurses and clinicians on the effective use of CPAP machines.
She noted that cases of respiratory distress were previously high, but current data from the Makueni County referral Hospital -New born Unit shows that in 2024, survival rate was 81% and increased in 2025 by 10% , therefore recording a 90%.
In the first quarter of the calendar year,the facility is recording a survival rate of 98 %a significant decline in neonatal mortality rates at the facility.
Meanwhile, the Acting Director in charge of Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Stephen Mwatha, affirmed that Caffeine Citrate has remained consistently available in all delivery facilities across the county since its adoption as an essential component of preterm care by the Ministry of Health.
Organized groups engaged in income-generating activities in Makueni are set for a major boost as the county government prepares to roll out the Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF).
With a capital outlay of Sh168 million, the fund will support women, youth, PWDs, and other marginalized groups to grow their enterprises and transition into mainstream financial systems.
Initially launched in 2015 as the Tetheka Fund, the initiative faced challenges including high default rates and weak recovery mechanisms.
Under the leadership of Mutula Kilonzo Jr, the fund has been restructured to align with reviewed legal frameworks, reduce default risks, and enhance financial inclusion.
On Tuesday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, alongside Gender Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, presided over the induction of the County Fund Committee ahead of the rollout phase.
Lending will be issued to organized groups through a digital platform developed in partnership with Safaricom.
Makueni County has made a significant stride towards defending its Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) Games title after successfully conducting talent scouting during the MKJ Supa Cup County Finals.
The MKJ Supa Cup served as a platform to select all-star teams in football, volleyball, handball, and basketball that will represent the county at the 11th edition of KYISA, scheduled to take place in Laikipia from 10th to 19th April 2026.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., who graced the closing ceremony of this year’s MKJ Supa Cup, said his administration continues to invest in sports infrastructure development to ensure more young people have opportunities to nurture their talents and secure recruitment into elite national clubs.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has urged a targeted push to register over 54,000 eligible voters in the county.
Speaking at a stakeholder forum convened by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) at Wote Technical Training Institute, Mutula called for a data-driven approach to identify and reach unregistered voters. He questioned whether uncollected national IDs account for a large share of those yet to sign up and pressed for their issuance alongside registration drives.
He also emphasized the need to ease voter transfers during the ongoing exercise to improve access.
The forum brought together county government leadership, County assembly leadership, youth leaders, religious groups, civil society, media, community organisations and other key stakeholders.
Officials cited the Huduma Mashinani initiative,through which about 2,000 voters were registered,as an effective outreach model.
County Executive Committee Member Sebastian Kyoni said the county will work with youth groups, boda boda operators, and women’s organisations to scale up mobilisation.
Makueni Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu called for stronger media partnerships to boost awareness.
So far, 4,295 new voters have been registered, far short of the 54,581 target.
The Government of Makueni County, Department of ICT, Education and Internship through Makueni Tech & Innovation Hub, today hosted Ripple Tech Innovation for Rural Development in Muvau/Kikumini Ward during an award ceremony recognizing innovation excellence at the grassroots.
The highlight of the event was the recognition of the Mumbuni Focused Mothers Group, who secured 2nd position out of 12 groups in a highly competitive inter-county innovation challenge involving Makueni, Kajiado, and Embu Counties. The virtual pitching, conducted on 27th March 2026, showcased solutions addressing climate change, while embedding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As the initiative advances into the incubation phase, the County Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening innovation ecosystems through targeted capacity building, structured mentorship, and strategic partnership positioning grassroots innovators for scalability, sustainability, and long-term impact.
#RippleTechAndInnovation#ClimateInnovation#InclusiveDevelopment#GrassrootsInnovation
The MKJ Supa Cup County Finals have kicked off today, showcasing outstanding talent across five disciplines.
The tournament marks the climax of the Ligi Mashinani ward league, where youth aged 18–23 showcase their abilities and earn opportunities for scouting, recruitment, and commercialization of their talent.
Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili flagged off the event at Makueni Boys High School, reaffirming Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration’s commitment to strengthening and growing sports as a pillar of youth inclusion.
