News

BIG TURNOUT AS HUDUMA MASHINANI REACHES 700 RESIDENTS ON DAY ONE

The Huduma Mashinani Outreach program recorded an impressive start on its first day, reaching 700 residents, underscoring the high demand for decentralized service delivery.

The one-stop service program, launched by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kikima on Friday, witnessed a large turnout as residents sought identity documents, birth and death certificates, KRA assistance, NTSA services, pensions support and voter registration, among others.

County and national government officers worked seamlessly to ensure efficient service provision, with many residents completing processes that would ordinarily require multiple visits to different offices. The successful day-one rollout highlighted the effectiveness of collaboration between the County Government, Huduma Centre Wote and National Government Administration Officers in bringing services closer to the people.

The outreach will be rolled out across all wards in the county up to February 2026

GOVERNOR MUTULA POWERS KIKIMA SPORTS FESTIVAL

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Friday energized post–Jamhuri Day celebrations after officially commissioning an electrifying soccer and volleyball showdown at Kikima Secondary School grounds.

Addressing hundreds of enthusiastic youth and sports fans, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to elevating sports across the county.

Mutula praised the region’s growing talent pool and assured young people that increased investment in sporting facilities, training opportunities, and competitions remains a top priority.

Also present was Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili, as thrilling local matches kicked off moments after the commissioning—transforming Kikima into a lively arena of cheers, colour, and community spirit, reaffirming the county’s commitment to nurturing talent and uniting communities through sport.

MUTULA UNVEILS BOLD LAND AND DEVELOPMENT REFORMS IN JAMHURI DAY ADDRESS AT KIKIMA

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr used the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kikima Secondary School grounds to outline sweeping land and development reforms aimed at securing the county’s future prosperity.

The governor announced that his administration has already issued 700 title deeds to safeguard public utilities—among them ECDE centres, health facilities, churches, and boreholes—while 557 more are awaiting issuance.

In partnership with the national government, he said 2,700 freehold titles had been delivered in the Kinyoo, Syumile, Wathini and Kyamuoso adjudication areas, with plans underway to release a further 6,000 titles, including those for Kaunguni Settlement Scheme.

He added that the excision of Ngai Ndethia Game Reserve was being fast-tracked to facilitate human settlement.

Mutula also highlighted progress in tenure regularization, noting that 961 title deeds had been issued in Soko Mjinga, Misongeni and Mjini, while 104 plots in Nunguni had been surveyed and allotted. Efforts are ongoing to reclaim 25 acres of DWA land for a modern bus park and 381 acres for settlement of squatters, alongside opening a new public access road from Kibwezi Town to Kyumani.

On household land ownership, the governor celebrated the expansion of a pilot succession programme now covering 15 additional wards, expected to benefit 2,300 households and more than 10,000 people. He emphasised that the initiative brings justice closer to families, strengthens inheritance literacy and empowers women and vulnerable groups.

Turning to economic investments, the governor reported progress on the Economic Stimulus Programme markets in Kilala, Mutulani and Makindu, with stalled projects in Kikima and Kasikeu being revived. Construction of the Ksh 347 million Wote Modern Market is set to begin after relocation of traders, ultimately benefiting over 6,000 small businesses.

On infrastructure, the governor revealed that projects worth Ksh 146 million will be rolled out across all 30 wards under the Road Maintenance Fuel Levy.

MAKUENI BRINGS GOVERNMENT SERVICES CLOSER WITH HUDUMA MASHINANI PROGRAMME

Makueni County, in partnership with Huduma Kenya has launched the Huduma Mashinani outreach programme to bring essential government services closer to residents across all 30 wards.

The one-stop initiative will run until February 2026 and will offer ID applications, birth and death certificates, KRA and NTSA services, NSSF, SHA, DCI and HELB services, pension status checks, county revenue and land rates payments, police abstracts, and group registration services.

Speaking during the launch at Kikima Secondary School grounds during Jamhuri Day celebrations, Governor Mutula emphasized that the programme aims to strengthen service delivery at the grassroots.

The program benefited over 400 residents in the first day.

MAKUENI GOVERNOR TOUTS MAJOR WATER GAINS, SECURES KSH 150M FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Makueni Governor used Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kikima Secondary School to highlight sweeping gains in water access and environmental restoration, calling them the backbone of a “humane government that dignifies its people.”

He announced that Makueni is among only three counties selected for the KSh130 million K-WASH programme after developing a county water and sanitation strategy. Kibwezi–Makindu Water Company also qualified for an additional KSh37 million and was recognized for financial reporting excellence.

The governor cited major projects now delivering clean water to households, including the KSh68 million Athi–Kilema–Tunguni system serving 42,500 homes, the nearly complete Kalawa AKWASH project, and the ongoing Kiboko–Twaandu line targeting 1,000 more households. He said partnerships with World Vision and WHH are rehabilitating old water schemes and extending supply to underserved villages.

In a fresh environmental push, Makueni has secured KSh150 million from the World Bank under the Kenya Watershed Services Improvement Programme (KEWASIP) to restore degraded landscapes, strengthen water security and build climate resilience.

The governor urged residents, youth and community leaders to join restoration efforts, saying, “Together we shall build a Makueni where no child goes thirsty and where nature and people thrive in harmony.”

MAKUENI MOVES TO MITIGATE IMPENDING HUNGER

Makueni County is preparing for a hunger crisis following depressed rainfall. During Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kikima Secondary School, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jrr. announced that he will convene the County Steering Group on 19th December to review drought assessments and set up mitigation measures.

County Commissioner Khalif Dol Abdullahi said relief food will be distributed across all sub-counties, targeting all sub counties.

Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili urged the national government to provide additional relief food, citing imminent crop failure in several areas.

MAKUENI KICKS OFF KIUNDUANI MARKET PHYSICAL AND LAND USE PLANNING

The Department of Lands, Urban Planning & Development has kicked off the preparation of the Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan for Kiunduani Market, marking a major step toward structured growth and sustainable urban development.

During a stakeholders’ public participation forum on Tuesday, residents, traders, community leaders, and technical officers were taken through the County’s Land Information Management System and the urban planning process. The engagement aimed to ensure that Kiunduani develops in line with national and county planning laws. The session also provided an opportunity for the public to highlight existing challenges to inform the planning process.

County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Dr. Paul Musila, who led the process, noted that the proposed plan will guide land use, improve road networks, protect public land, enhance investment opportunities, and support future infrastructure development such as markets, water systems, and other public amenities.

He added that the plan will also form the basis for cadastral surveys, increase land value, and strengthen land administration to support orderly growth.

HEALTH CECM LEADS MATERNAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN IN KIBWEZI EAST.

Women in Kibwezi East have been urged to deliver in health facilities to reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal complications.

The call was made during a meeting at Kibwezi East Sub-County Hospital, which brought together more than 300 women for a maternal health sensitization forum.

Health CECM Joyce Mutua emphasized the importance of skilled birth attendance and cautioned mothers against the harmful practice of gum cutting on infants.

She further encouraged women to embrace modern contraceptives to support healthy spacing, safer pregnancies, and improved outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Mutua also announced an upcoming maternity block at the facility which will significantly expand maternal and newborn care capacity, ease congestion, and enhance access to quality services for mothers in Kibwezi East and surrounding areas.

The hospital also hosted over 100 bodaboda riders as part of a “men in maternity” engagement, urging them to actively support pregnant women, particularly by facilitating timely transport to health facilities.

The riders later led members of the public to a blood donation drive organized by the hospital to help bolster blood supplies for women experiencing postpartum hemorrhage.

Masongaleni Ward MCA Brian Nzoka noted the critical role bodaboda operators play in maternal health and called for their continued involvement in community health initiatives.

TIMBUKTOO ALUMNI ANNUAL GATHERING AT KONZA

Konza Technopolis, in partnership with timbuktoo Africa and UNDP Kenya, hosted the 2025 Timbuktoo Alumni Annual Gathering, marking one year since the launch of the Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub. The event brought together over 50 Kenyan founders who have participated in timbuktoo programmes across the continent, celebrating the growing wave of climate-smart, youth-driven innovation in Africa.

The gathering was graced by the UNDP Administrator, Alexander De Croo, who emphasized the importance of innovation and partnerships in accelerating sustainable development, noting that Africa’s youthful talent and green solutions are key to shaping a more resilient and inclusive future.

COUNTY MOVES TO ENHANCE SURGICAL SAFETY WITH NEW EQUIPMENT

Tawa Sub-County Hospital on Tuesday received a new anesthesia machine, a boost expected to strengthen surgical and critical care services at the facility.

The equipment replaces an aging unit that had broken down, a setback that had limited theatre operations.

Speaking at Tawa Sub County Hospital, Dr. Harvey Mulei who delivered the new machine on behalf of governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. noted that it anticipates to enhance the safety and efficiency of surgical procedures, ensuring uninterrupted access to quality anesthesia services for patients in Tawa Sub-County and neighboring areas.

Dr. Mulei also took the opportunity to introduce the hospital’s medical supretendant.

In a related effort to improve healthcare delivery across the county, Kilungu Sub-County Hospital has already installed a similar anesthesia machine, which is now fully operational and supporting theatre services.

The investment reflects an ongoing drive to equip facilities with modern medical technology that enhances patient outcomes and reduces the need for referrals to higher-level hospitals.