News

MAKUENI FRUIT PROCESSING PLANT BEGINS MANGO PROCESSING TO BOOST MANGO UPTAKE

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili has announced that the county government will review the budget for the Makueni Fruit Processing Plant in the next financial year to ensure it continues supporting local farmers. Speaking on Wednesday during an official tour of the facility, Mulili assured farmers in the county that all mangoes collected at the plant are sourced from Makueni county.

She encouraged mango farmers to explore additional markets, including exports, which she said have significant potential for increased off-take.

The Deputy Governor made the remarks while meeting chairpersons of contracted cooperative societies responsible for purchasing mangoes from farmers at the plant.

The Plant has begun large-scale mango processing to create space for increased fruit intake during the peak harvest season. The move follows an overwhelming response from farmers across the county.

So far, the plant has received more than 250 metric tonnes of mangoes and is targeting to receive up to 580 metric tonnes, supported by an allocated budget of KSh 13.9 million.

According to the plant’s Chief Executive Officer, the facility is working with seven cooperative societies mandated to off-take mangoes from farmers across the county. Agriculture Executive Committee Member Elizabeth Muli said a thorough verification process is underway to ensure only genuine Makueni farmers benefit from the programme.

She added that aggressive marketing and farmer sensitisation have resulted in deliveries exceeding capacity at the ripening chambers. Processing is currently ongoing to free up space and allow continued intake, with more mango deliveries expected in the coming week.

MAKUENI, KENAS EXPLORE COLLABORATION ON ACCREDITATION

Makueni County on Wednesday hosted the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) on a courtesy call ahead of a public participation forum on a proposed law that seeks to make accreditation mandatory in Kenya.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili received the delegation, led by Doris Mueni Mengo, Manager for Medical Laboratories Accreditation at KENAS. The team will conduct a public participation exercise in Wote on Thursday as part of consultations on the proposed KENAS Bill.

The Bill proposes to require laboratories, inspection bodies and certification agencies to obtain accreditation in line with internationally recognised standards, strengthening quality assurance, public safety and access to international markets.

The County expressed interest in deepening collaboration with KENAS, particularly in accrediting public health laboratories and agricultural value chains as it would improve the quality and credibility of diagnostic services in its health facilities and enhance competitiveness of its agricultural produce.

Mulili said the process would help ensure that Makueni products, such as mangoes and other horticultural produce, meet international market requirements.

KENAS is the national body mandated to provide accreditation services in Kenya and is a signatory to international mutual recognition arrangements, which allow accredited institutions in Kenya to have their results accepted globally.

COUNTY STEPS UP MANGO UPTAKE TO CUT LOSSES AND BOOST FARMER EARNINGS

Makueni County has intensified mango off-taking through the Makueni County Fruit Development and Marketing Authority (MCFDMA) to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure equitable uptake across all wards.

Speaking during a public participation forum at Kalawani Cold Store and Pack House, Agriculture CECM Liz Muli firmly stated that the county has deliberately structured an allocation for every ward to ensure farmers directly benefit from their produce.

She further committed that the department has established a multi-agency taskforce to strictly verify mango uptake and safeguard local farmers from exploitation and safeguard county farmer interests.

Supporting the initiative, Tulimani Ward MCA Kyalo Mumo assured robust Assembly oversight to ensure Kalamba Processing Plant benefits local farmers.

The sensitization forum organized by Trademark Africa, aims to operationalize the facility, strengthen aggregation, stabilize markets, and advance Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s household economic empowerment agenda.

MAKUENI COUNTY ADVANCES LAND TENURE SECURITY FOR MATILIKU, TAWA MARKETS

The Department of Lands, Urban Planning and Development on Tuesday held public participation forums in Matiliku and Tawa markets as part of an ongoing survey exercise aimed at issuing letters of allotment and title deeds to plot owners.

The exercise covers 118 plots in Matiliku Market and 178 plots in Tawa Market, with the survey and validation of beneficiary lists expected to be completed by 30th June 2026, after which the process of issuing title deeds will commence.

County officials noted that the process will enable traders and property owners to acquire legal ownership documents, safeguard public land, and facilitate planned infrastructure development in line with county and national planning frameworks.

Officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Tawa and Matiliku residents to secure land ownership and accelerate service delivery in 2026 to support local economic growth.

MAKUENI COUNTY, SPORTS KENYA COLLABORATE TO COMPLETE WOTE STADIUM

Officials from Makueni County led by County Secretary Dr. Justine Kyambi, on Wednesday held a consultative meeting with Sports Kenya to review progress and agree on timelines for the completion of Wote Stadium, a National Government–funded sports infrastructure project.

During a joint site visit, the two teams agreed that the contractor will finalize all pending works by May 2026. The remaining scope includes construction of a retaining wall to prevent soil erosion, stone pitching on both sides of the field, installation of a tartan running track, completion of electrical works including a transformer and floodlights to enable night use, and finalization of the on-site borehole to make it fully operational.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, noted that the stadium will be completed to the required national standards as guided by Sports Kenya.

The team also visited two proposed sites for the construction of another stadium following President William Ruto’s directive.

MTITO ANDEI FARMERS RECEIVE IMPROVED GALLA GOATS

Farmers in Mtito Andei Ward have received improved Galla goats to enhance livestock productivity and boost household incomes.

The 55 goats, funded through ward projects under the Agriculture Department, are aimed at improving breed quality, increasing resilience to harsh climatic conditions and economic boost.

The issuance exercise, led by Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza together with area MCA Francis Mulwa Mwania, demonstrated a shared commitment to farmer empowerment.

The program aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s agenda to economically empower households and strengthen livestock production across the county.

SULTAN HAMUD HEALTH WORKERS PRAISED AS COUNTY NEARS COMMISSIONING OF NEW MATERNAL WING

Health Services CECM Joyce Mutua and Chief Officer Dr. Harvey Mulei on Friday commended healthcare workers at Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital for outstanding performance, after the facility successfully handled 168 deliveries in December last year despite having a maternity bed capacity of just 11.

The commendation came as the County prepares to commission a new 57-bed Mother and Child Wing at the hospital, a major investment expected to significantly expand access to quality maternal and child healthcare services in the region.

The new facility is being constructed through a partnership initiated by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., with support from the MPESAFoundation. Once completed, the wing will offer a wide range of services, including neonatal care, antenatal services, obstetric and gynecological care, as well as consultative services, among others.

The county health leadership made the remarks during a routine supervisory visit to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital, where they held a meeting with the health management technical team to assess service delivery and operational challenges.

Dr. Mulei attributed the rising number of deliveries at the facility to its strategic location, noting that the hospital serves not only residents of Makueni County but also patients from neighbouring Kajiado and Machakos counties.

Ag. Director for Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Stephen Mwatha, emphasized the need for enhanced training on family-centred, point-of-care approaches in maternity services to strengthen collaboration and improve maternal health outcomes.

Mutua also commended the hospital for effectively integrating HIV services into routine care, observing that stigma among people living with HIV had significantly reduced as a result of the integrated approach.

The meeting was attended by members of the hospital’s Board of Management, led by Chairperson Major Leonard Kasyoka, who echoed the call for continued investment in infrastructure and capacity building to match the growing demand for services at the facility.

MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES FEEDING PROGRAMME FOR ECDE LEARNERS IN KEE WARD.

The Government of Makueni County today launched a school feeding programme for ECDE learners in Kee Ward, benefiting over 900 children across 28 schools.

The 12-month programme aims to improve school attendance, nutrition, and learning outcomes among young learners.

The launch was led by the CECM for ICT, Education and Internship, Japheth Mang’oka, alongside Chief Officer Irene Makau, Chief Officer for Devolution Daniel Ndolo, and the area MCA Arbanus Manzu, among other departmental officers.

Speaking during the event, CECM Mang’oka urged other ward representatives to consider rolling out similar feeding programmes in their wards, noting that proper nutrition plays a key role in enhancing early childhood development and school retention.

The initiative underscores the county government’s commitment to supporting ECDE education and promoting the well-being of learners across Makueni County.

KIKUU–KAWALA WATER PROJECT TO DELIVER CLEAN WATER TO 6,000 NZAUI/KILILI/KALAMBA RESIDENTS

Over 6,000 residents of Nzaui/Kilili/Kalamba Ward are set to benefit from clean, safe and reliable water following the launch of the Kshs 16 million Kikuu–Kawala Water Project, funded through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program.

Construction of the project will commence immediately, following site handover to a contractor by Makueni’s Climate Change Unit officers on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Once completed, the project will provide year-round water supply to residents of Upper and Lower Mutulani, Mutanda, Iuluka, Kawala, Kyaani, Mikooni, Kithukini, Itulu, Ngomano, Kyanguu, Ilingoni, Kwa Mutumia and Kanzili clusters.

Key institutions set to benefit include Kawala Primary and Secondary Schools, Kawala CTTI and Kawala Dispensary. The project entails the construction of a 100,000-litre sump along Kikuu River, a solar-powered pumping system, water distribution lines and storage tanks to ensure sustainable and reliable water access.

To enhance community resilience to drought and food insecurity, the project will also establish a climate-smart agriculture demonstration farm at Kawala CTTI for community sensitization. Additionally, a tree nursery and pasture development initiatives will be implemented as part of the project, which is expected to be completed within six months.

MAKUENI COUNTY USHERS IN NEW PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD

Makueni County has ushered in a new Public Service Board following the expiry of the constitutional mandate of the previous board.

On Thursday, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. witnessed the swearing-in of new board members during a ceremony held in Wote, marking the installation of the third Makueni County Public Service Board since the county’s establishment.

During the event, Benjamin Kasamba Kioko took the oath of office as the new Chairperson of the Makueni County Public Service Board, taking over from the outgoing chairperson whose term had lapsed. Distinguished auditor Silvestor Ngei Kiini was also sworn in as a member of the board.

The appointments followed a rigorous vetting exercise by the Makueni County Assembly.

Addressing county employees during the ceremony, Governor Mutula cautioned staff to exercise responsibility when using tools and machinery in the course of their duties. He warned that his administration would not tolerate carelessness, particularly where public equipment meant to serve residents is damaged through negligence.

The governor further challenged the newly sworn-in board and as well as human resource managers to consider rewarding exemplary employees who demonstrate outstanding performance and commitment to duty. He emphasized that public service remains the engine of transformation in Makueni County.