News

MAKUENI COUNTY MOURNS THE SUDDEN PASSING OF DR. SONIA NZILANI

A somber mood engulfed the Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home on Saturday as family, friends, and leaders from both Makueni and Machakos counties gathered to receive the body of the late Dr. Sonia Nzilani, the Makueni CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, who led the procession, described Dr. Nzilani’s death as shocking and deeply unexpected, noting that she had appeared healthy, vibrant, and full of energy. He assured the public that his government would work closely with family to uncover the cause of her sudden passing on awaiting postmortem.

Mutula paid a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Nzilani, calling her “a pillar of development” and a passionate environmentalist whose commitment to a progressive and sustainable Makueni was unmatched. “We have lost more than a CECM—we have lost a key stakeholder and a true champion of our community,” he said.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, who was also present, praised Dr. Nzilani for her efforts to strengthen social and economic ties between the two counties. Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, along with several CECMs, MCAs, and Chief Officers from both counties, also attended to pay their respects.

MULILI VISITS NGOLUNI CRASH SURVIVORS, CALLS FOR CAUTION ON THE ROADS

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Saturday morning visited survivors of the tragic Ngoluni road accident, which occurred after a speeding lorry veered out of control and rammed into a 14-seater matatu that was stationed at a matatu bay.

Mulili expressed deep sorrow over the loss of six lives in the fatal crash and conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the affected families. She also wished the injured, currently receiving treatment at the Makueni County Referral Hospital, a swift recovery.

The Deputy Governor urged drivers and other road users to remain alert and strictly observe traffic regulations, especially during the festive season when road risks are heightened.

During her tour of the hospital wards, Mulili also visited victims of an earlier incident in which an epileptic driver lost control of a vehicle and crashed into a supermarket, injuring several shoppers.

Mulili commended the medical team at the referral hospital for their prompt and diligent response in handling the emergencies, noting that their professionalism had saved many lives.

She was accompanied during the visit by Wote Ward MCA Felix Mateso and Health Chief Officer Dr. Harvey Mulei.

NDUKUMA DAM BRINGS RELIABLE WATER SUPPLY TO MUVAU/KIKUMINI RESIDENTS

Residents of Mumbuni, Kwa Kathoka, Kaseve, Kwa Mulele and Senda in Muvau Ward are experiencing a new era of reliable water access thanks to the rehabilitated Ndukuma Dam, which was desilted in 2022/2023 by the Makueni County Dam Construction Unit with support from the National Youth Service (NYS).

For years, households in the area relied on unpredictable and often unsafe water sources. Today, the restored dam has eased the burden of fetching water, with many families reporting shorter distances, steady supply, and improved hygiene.

Beyond water for domestic use, the dam has also become a source of nutritional well-being for the community. To boost local food security, 5,000 fingerlings were stocked in the reservoir, opening opportunities for small-scale fishing that now supplements household diets and supports livelihoods.

Looking ahead, the county government is preparing to rehabilitate the existing water distribution network to serve 16 water points, a move expected to expand coverage and reach more residents across the ward.

#WauniWaKwikaNesaNaUlungalu

#LastMileWaterConnectivity

HOW DATA IS POWERING MAKUENI’S DEVELOPMENT VISION

Did you know that data can define the development path of a community? And did you also know that Makueni has been quietly steering its decisions using a robust, people-driven data system that begins at the cluster level, a model widely celebrated as participatory budgeting?

Annually, the Department of Finance has deployed teams to clusters across the county to collect data directly from the public and county staff working at the grassroots. These sessions capture real community priorities, challenges, and insights that ultimately shape key development blue prints including the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).

In partnership with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the county compiles and analyzes this data before subjecting it to validation by data producers from county departments and semi-autonomous government agencies. The validated findings are then refined into the County Statistical Abstract, an official publication launched annually as the county’s authoritative data resource.

This data is instrumental in tracking progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), monitoring county performance, and informing the next phase of development planning. It provides a clear picture of what is working, what needs improvement, and where resources should be directed.

According to Acting Director in charge of Socio-Economic Planning, Stanlaus Matheka, the Statistical Abstract also supports the domestication of national data from KNBS.

In 2024, Makueni was recognized as the best-performing devolved unit in implementing the SDGs, a prestigious title the county has held for six consecutive years.

As the conversation around development deepens, next week,we will explore what sustainable Development Goals really mean for communities and why every resident should care about them.

Before then,tell us, how many SDGs do you know and which ones matter to you?

MAKUENI TARGETS STRONGER MANGO MARKETS AHEAD OF 2025 PEAK SEASON

With Kenya producing about 650,000 metric tonnes of mangoes annually, Makueni continues to stand out with an estimated 183,891 metric tonnes harvested in the 2024 season—affirming its position as one of the country’s leading mango hubs.

To strengthen this key sector, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development partnered with Trademark Africa (TMA)—an EU-funded agency that supports fair trade and improved market access—and convened a two-day forum bringing together farmers, marketing agents and exporters.

The meeting aimed to streamline fair pricing across all levels of the mango value chain, link farmers with credible buyers, and organise producers by region to ease bulk collection and improve market coordination.

Speaking during the Thursday session, Agriculture CECM Liz Muli urged farmers to follow proper mango handling practices, noting that good post-harvest care is essential for meeting export standards.

With improved mango handling, stronger market linkages and fair pricing structures, farmers will be positioned to reap meaningful benefits from their orchards.

The Makueni’s sweet mango output includes 30.9 million kgs for farm consumption, 76.4 million kgs for urban markets, and 5.5 million kgs for export, reflecting its growing economic potential.

The attendance Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza and Dr. Victoria Kyallo underscored the county’s commitment—driven by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr‘s vision—to advancing economic empowerment and improving household incomes across Makueni.

ATHI–TUNGUNI WATER PROJECT ENDS YEARS OF THIRST IN KIBWEZI WEST

The completion of Athi–Tunguni–Kilema water project has brought long-awaited relief to thousands of households across Kikumbulyu North, Makindu and Nguumo wards, ending years of reliance on raw, untreated water from River Athi.

For decades, families walked long distances to fetch unsafe water, exposing themselves to waterborne diseases and the daily burden of hauling heavy containers. The water is now pumped from the river, treated and distributed through a 27-km pipeline.

For Eunice of Mukononi village, the project is nothing short of life changing. She recalls drawing water from a shallow well dug at the base of Mukononi River, an exposed pit whose high sandy walls could collapse at any moment. That was her everyday reality. Today, she says devolution has finally made meaning to her and fellow residents, as clean water now flows safely to their community.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr says the project will be expanded to cover a total of five wards.

UYI DAM: THE EPITOME OF CHANGE IN MASONGALENI WARD.

The long-awaited filling of the UYII Dam to full capacity has officially marked a turning point for the people of Masongaleni. For years, residents endured the exhausting 10-kilometre journey to River Athi, braving heat and hardship in search of water for their families.

Thanks to a collaborative rehabilitation initiative by the County Government and the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), clean and reliable water has finally been brought closer to the community.

For mothers and children—who carried the heavy burden of fetching water for generations—today is a dream fulfilled. The days of backbreaking treks and exposure to waterborne diseases are giving way to a future of dignity, safety, and hope.

This milestone brings lasting relief to Mukange, Kyumani, and several other water-scarce areas across Masongaleni Ward, offering a sustainable solution to one of the region’s most persistent challenges.

MAKUENI AND TMA PROGRESS A NEW DIGITAL PLATFORM TO IMPROVE AGRICULTURE

The Government of Makueni County, through the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development (DAFLCD), together with Trademark Africa (TMA), held a meeting to advance the Kilimo Makueni Management Information System (MIS).

The platform is a new digital tool created to make agricultural services easier, faster, and more organized for farmers and officers.

The Kilimo Makueni MIS https://kilimo.makueni.go.ke brings farmer registration, extension services, agricultural programs, farm mapping and management dashboards into one simple and accessible system.

Its main aim is to improve how farmers get information, strengthen field work, and help the county make better decisions using accurate data.

Accompanied by Education and ICT CECM Japheth Mang’oka, Agriculture CECM Liz Muli explained that the platform will give farmers quick access to advice, updates, and county programs.

The CECM noted that extension officers will work more efficiently with digital reporting tools, while partners will use reliable, up-to-date data to strengthen coordination and align their support with county priorities.

With this improved information flow from the field to the Department, the county will also be able to rely on real-time insights to plan better, allocate resources wisely and monitor progress across the agricultural sector.

The meeting was attended by Chief Officers Dr. Victoria Kyallo, Japheth Kiminza, and TMA’s Rachael Wangeci.

MAKUENI SETS GROUND FOR STRATEGIC YOUTH PARTNERSHIP WITH PASGR RESEARCH ORGANIZATION

Makueni County has kicked off talks with the Partnership for African Social & Governance Research (PASGR) to strengthen capacity among young people and anchor youth programmes in evidence-based governance.

PASGR, a non-state organization operating in 26 African countries, builds youth resilience by aligning youth initiatives with evolving governance systems through policy formulation, impact measurement, and mentorship.

On Wednesday, County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services Eng. Sebastian Kyoni led a delegation of youth officers in a meeting with senior PASGR officials at their Nairobi offices to forge a working partnership.

The county seeks to collaborate with PASGR in developing a comprehensive youth policy, a youth empowerment strategy, and integrating gender perspectives into food systems, gender-based education, and agribusiness, marking a decisive step toward a more informed and empowered generation in Makueni.

CHRISTAN AID’S INTEGRITY AND ACTION EARN A NOD FROM MULILI.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Wednesday commended Christian Aid for its continued partnership with Makueni County in advancing key development initiatives.

Mulili, who spoke during a partners’ dinner in Nairobi marking the launch of the organization’s East and Southern Africa multi-country cluster, recalled the swift support Christian Aid offered in 2023 to assist residents displaced by the El Niño-induced mudslides.

She emphasized the organization’s strong values of transparency, participation, and equity , qualities she said have earned Christian Aid a reputation as a trustworthy steward of the resources placed in its hands.

The organization’s new model aims to build a renewed foundation for global development, one that restores dignity and purpose, particularly in humanitarian interventions.

The dinner drew participation from the organization’s development partners, representatives of the national and county governments, clergy, and civil society groups.