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MURANG’A COUNTY TURNS TO MAKUENI FOR LESSONS IN MANGO VALUE ADDITION AT KALAMBA PROCESSING PLANT.

Makueni County continues to set the national benchmark in agricultural value addition, proving that when farmers, innovation, and visionary leadership align, agriculture becomes a thriving engine of economic transformation.

This leadership was on full display Wednesday as Murang’a County Assembly Committees on Agriculture and Trade undertook a benchmarking visit to the Kalamba Fruit Processing Plant, hosted by the Makueni County Fruit Development and Marketing Authority (MCFDMA). The visit reaffirmed Makueni’s position as a trailblazer in transforming the mango value chain from subsistence farming into a competitive agribusiness powerhouse.

Murang’a County’s benchmarking visit underscored the growing recognition of Makueni’s integrated approach to agricultural development. From farmer organization and extension services to processing, branding, and market access, Makueni has built an end-to-end value chain model that other counties are now eager to replicate.

The engagement provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange on governance frameworks, public-private partnerships, and sustainable agribusiness models-cementing Kalamba’s role as a national learning hub for fruit processing and value addition.

CIVIL SOCIETY, COUNTY OFFICIALS DISCUSS GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT IN MAKUENI

The Makueni Civil Society Network on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to explore collaboration aimed at strengthening grassroots participation and accelerating social development in the county.

Led by chairperson Daniel Mutunga, the delegation discussed priority areas including capacity building, civic education, and community-led development programmes.

Governor Mutula called on civil society organisations to champion good governance by sharing accurate and timely information with communities.

He urged the groups to advocate for the protection of county projects, noting that damage to public infrastructure strains county budgets and slows service delivery.

The governor encouraged civil society actors to carry out their advocacy and watchdog roles boldly and responsibly, saying independent oversight plays a critical role in promoting accountability, transparency, and order in government.

Members of the Civil Society Network welcomed the engagement and called for deeper involvement in county advocacy initiatives.

HUDUMA MASHINANI DRAWS OVER 1,600 RESIDENTS AS FREE SERVICES REACH MTITO ANDEI

Nthunguni Market came alive on Wednesday as more than 1,600 residents accessed government services during the Huduma Mashinani outreach in Mtito Andei Ward.

The exercise brought essential services directly to the community, including free affidavit services introduced for the first time to ease access to critical documentation.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, said the programme has now covered 16 wards, underscoring the county government’s drive to take services closer to the people.

Area MCA Francis Mulwa praised the initiative, noting that it spared residents long journeys to government offices and delivered timely services at the grassroots.

MAKUENI TO PILOT COMPOUND SEMICONDUCTOR RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR HEALTH AND WATER SYSTEM.

Makueni County will pilot compound semiconductor–enabled renewable energy technology to power its health and water infrastructure, a move expected to cut electricity costs by up to 30 percent.

The plan announced Wednesday during a consultative meeting between county officials and the University of Nairobi (UoN), will be carried out under the Compound Semiconductor–Enabled Renewable Energy Systems for Powering Critical Buildings in Africa project being implemented by UoN’s Department of Physics.

Briefing Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., the UoN team led by Prof. Julius Mwabora said the technology delivers higher efficiency and lower operating costs than conventional systems.

Governor Mutula welcomed the initiative, noting it will transfer technical skills to county staff and significantly reduce power bills for facilities that run continuously

The governor added that Makueni has strong solar resources and already has an energy plan and enabling policies in place to support large-scale renewable energy deployment.

MAKUENI REFERRAL HOSPITAL BOOSTED WITH ADVANCED SURGICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Wednesday commissioned new medical equipment at Makueni County Referral Hospital, marking a major boost to surgical and diagnostic services.

Among the additions is a modern diathermy monopolar machine that uses high-frequency electric currents to cut, coagulate or destroy tissue during surgery, significantly reducing blood loss.

The hospital also received infusion pumps, operating lights and tables, anesthesia machines, patient monitors for theatre and transit use, and a traction bed designed for orthopedic procedures.

A key highlight is a modern laparoscopic tower purchased by the county government. The mobile, integrated workstation supports minimally invasive surgeries and features high-resolution 4K UHD cameras, monitors, light sources, oxygen insufflators and suction systems that enhances precision, visualization and surgeon comfort.

In addition, the facility acquired a digital X-ray system that uses electronic detectors instead of film. The technology converts images into digital files within minutes, enabling faster diagnosis, improved image quality and reduced radiation exposure compared to conventional X-rays.

Governor Mutula noted that the high cost of medical equipment remains a major challenge for counties. He said the new acquisitions have enabled Makueni to expand operating theatres from two to four.

Hospital management reported that on busy days the X-ray unit handles between 70 and 80 patients, and the new equipment is expected to ease congestion and shorten waiting times.

Consultant general surgeon and endoscopist Dr. Alex Ombati said the upgrades will reduce referrals, allowing the hospital to manage even complex cases locally.

The equipment was procured through a collaboration between the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP) and county governments.

HUDUMA MASHINANI SERVES 2,199 AT KITUNDU MARKET

The Huduma Mashinani outreach programme on Tuesday served 2,199 residents at Kitundu Market, delivering essential government services closer to the community.

Residents accessed services including KRA registration and tax compliance, NSSF services, National ID processing, SHA registration, and NTSA services. The exercise drew a strong turnout as residents took advantage of the on-site support.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, urged residents to continue turning up in large numbers to benefit from the programme.

County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa said the outreach addressed long-standing documentation challenges faced by many residents, particularly those arising after the loss of loved ones. She cited issues such as replacement of lost identity cards and official searches, noting that the programme provided timely solutions to help residents regularize their documentation and secure their right

MAKUENI BENCHMARKS SCHOOLTRY VTC SYSTEM IN KILIFI COUNTY.

The Makueni County Department of ICT, Education and Internship is on a two-day benchmarking visit to Kilifi County to study the Schooltry digital system used in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).

The delegation, led by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili alongside CECM ICT, Education and Internship Japheth Mang’oka and Chief Officer Irene Makau, was received by Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule.

She said the county’s main focus is addressing school dropouts by tracking learners and transitioning them into VTCs.

Rolled out in December 2024, the Schooltry system is data-driven and includes an e-library, though internet access remains a challenge in remote areas.

The platform is already operational in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, with Cameroon next.

KANGI WATER PROJECT COMMISSIONED, BOOSTING CLEAN WATER ACCESS IN KATOLONI

The County Government of Makueni on Tuesday commissioned the Kangi Water Project in Katoloni Village, improving access to clean and safe water for residents of Wote Nziu Ward.

The project, implemented by the Sisters of Hope Self-Help Group with support from the Water Justice Fund through Neighbors Initiative Alliance and in partnership with the county government, rehabilitated the Kangi sand dam along River Ndue Nguu. It also included construction of a water sump, installation of a solar-powered pumping system, pipeline extension, and establishment of a communal water point with a storage tank. A tree nursery was also set up as part of the initiative.

County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Planning, Budget and Revenue, Damaris Kavoi, represented Governor H.E. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at the commissioning. She said the project demonstrates the county’s commitment to sustainable, community-led development and efficient use of public resources, and reaffirmed continued support for partnerships that improve livelihoods and climate resilience.

Chief Officer for Water and Sanitation David Makau called on residents to protect the infrastructure to ensure long-term service delivery, warning that vandalism of public water projects would attract legal action.

Wote Nziu Ward MCA Felix Mateso and other county officials attended the event, which included a tree-planting exercise to promote environmental conservation.

Residents welcomed the project, saying it will reduce the burden of fetching water and improve daily life in Katoloni Village.

GOVERNOR MUTULA REWARDS EXCELLENCE, CALLS FOR RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING COUNTY STAFF.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has called for a stronger culture of rewards and sanctions in the workplace, saying exceptional performance-especially work done beyond official mandates-should count toward promotions and recognition.

Speaking during an awards ceremony honoring public participation officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other teams, the governor praised Makueni County’s top-performing units for elevating the county’s profile locally and internationally.

He singled out the Makueni County Fire Brigade for winning four consecutive trophies at the Annual Africa Fire Mission Kenya Symposium and competitions, describing the team as a model of discipline, innovation, and dedication.

Governor Mutula also raised concern over volunteers within the county government who have delivered stellar service without formal recognition. He challenged the Makueni Public Service Board to absorb such volunteers and formally recognize their contribution to public service.

The governor urged award-winning teams to leverage their success to build partnerships that enhance productivity, including seeking international collaborations and serving as ambassadors for Makueni County.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili echoed the governor’s sentiments, commending the fire brigade for consistently putting Makueni on the map year after year.

Makueni Public Service Board Chairperson Benjamin Kioko Kasamba announced plans to develop a policy to guide recognition of officers who excel in duties outside their job descriptions.

The teams used the occasion to present to the Governor trophies won in various categories during previous competitions.

During the ceremony, 19 Civic Education coordinators were promoted, while 36 officers received training certificates in environmental and social safeguards, occupational health, climate change, and disaster risk mainstreaming in project management.

SAME-DAY BIRTH CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE MARKS MILESTONE AT KIBWEZI HUDUMA MASHINANI OUTREACH

The Huduma Mashinani outreach programme on Friday recorded a significant milestone in Kibwezi Town, where 1,425 residents were served, with many leaving the venue with their birth certificates issued the same day. The exercise also attracted a large number of young people seeking national IDs and voter registration services, highlighting growing youth participation in civic processes.

The same-day processing of birth certificates marked the first for the Huduma Mashinani programme, made possible through the dedication of the Kibwezi Office of Births and Deaths, which ensured efficient service delivery throughout the day. Residents expressed satisfaction with the convenience of accessing multiple government services under one roof.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to taking Huduma Mashinani services to every ward to ensure no resident is left behind.