News

MULILI BOOSTS WOTE TRADERS, PLEDGES MARKET UPGRADES

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Wednesday visited traders at the Wote fresh produce market as part of the County Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen support for small-scale businesses and improve trading conditions for market vendors.

During the visit, Mulili distributed 500 aprons to traders and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment.

She announced plans to restore non-functional market lighting, improve drainage systems to enhance cleanliness, and explore the establishment of a dedicated breastfeeding space for nursing mothers operating within the market.

Mulili interacted with traders and listened to their views on improving market operations. She emphasized the county government’s commitment to supporting small-scale businesses, recognizing their vital role in driving local economic growth and livelihoods.

She was ccompanied by CECM for Finance, Planning, Budget and Revenue Damaris Kavoi, CECM for Health Services Joyce Mutua, several Chief officers,Wote/Nziu MCA Felix Mateso and other county officials.

KCB EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AS IT DEEPENS PARTNERSHIP WITH MAKUENI COUNTY.

Women entrepreneurs in Makueni County are now benefiting from enhanced access to financing and business development support through a female-focused initiative by KCB Foundation aimed at narrowing the gender gap in entrepreneurship.

The programme, which targets women-led enterprises, offers unsecured loans of up to KSh10 million, alongside mentorship, green financing opportunities and business advisory services designed to help businesses grow and become more sustainable.

The initiative mirrors the spirit of the Makueni Empowerment Fund, which supports youth, women, men and persons living with disabilities through access to affordable financing and economic empowerment opportunities.

On Tuesday evening, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili attended a dinner hosted by KCB Bank at the Kelvian Hotel in Wote, that brought together women-led and women-made enterprise customers.

The forum provided an opportunity for the bank and county government to explore areas of collaboration, strengthen existing partnerships and discuss issues of mutual interest affecting businesses and communities.

Speaking during the event, Mulili lauded KCB for its continued partnership with Makueni County in programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting economic growth.

She noted that the bank has been a key development partner in several initiatives that have positively impacted residents across the county.

Among the notable collaborations is the Mifugo ni Mali programme, which focuses on strengthening agricultural livelihoods, as well as the Tujiajiri initiative, which seeks to address youth unemployment by equipping young people with skills and opportunities for self-employment.

Mulili further said such partnerships play a critical role in empowering entrepreneurs, creating jobs and driving inclusive economic development.

The engagement underscored the growing role of financial institutions in supporting enterprise development, particularly among women, who continue to face barriers in accessing capital and business support services.

Mulili was accompanied by finance CECM Damaris Kavoi, Energy Chief Officer Nomi Nthambi, County Public service CEO Redempter Kavindu and the County referral Hospital CEO Martha Munyao.

MAKUENI LAUNCHES FIVE-DAY PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS

The Government of Makueni County has launched a five-day capacity-building programme on Integrated Performance Management aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability and service delivery across county departments.

The training, which began on June 8 and will run until June 12, is being implemented in partnership with GIZ Kenya and brings together county officials from various departments and agencies.

The programme is designed to strengthen skills in performance planning, target setting, monitoring, evaluation and statutory reporting. The initiative seeks to improve institutional productivity, enhance financial accountability and ensure more effective delivery of public services.

A key component of the training focuses on linking productivity to performance contracting, with departments expected to align their targets to measurable outcomes that directly impact residents.

The initiative aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s agenda of building an accountable and high-performing county government capable of meeting the service delivery expectations of Makueni residents.

GOVERNOR MUTULA COMMISSIONS KSH15 MILLION MUKUYUNI-KITHUNGO ROAD UPGRADE

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has launched the upgrading of the 15-kilometre Mukuyuni–Kithungo Road, a key link between Kaiti and Mbooni sub-counties aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic activity in Ukia and Kithungo/Kitundu wards.

The KSh15 million project is being implemented through a partnership between the County Government of Makueni and the National Youth Service (NYS), with additional civil works by Megastride Limited.

NYS will undertake road opening, bush clearing and heavy grading while Megastride will carry out gravelling, culvert installation, drainage improvements, masonry drifts, gabion protection works and water-harvesting interventions.

The works are expected to improve year-round access, reduce flood damage and lower transport costs for residents, traders and motorists.

Speaking during the launch, Governor Mutula said the project is part of the county’s broader effort to expand rural infrastructure and improve access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities.

The road upgrade is scheduled for completion in October 2026.

‘I CAN FINALLY SEE HOPE’, ELDERLY WOMAN PRAISES ACCESS TO SPECIALIZED CARE

A 70-year-old resident of Kitaingo, Grace Wambua, is overjoyed after receiving medical attention following years of struggling with an eye condition.

Grace, who has been diagnosed with cataracts and is scheduled to undergo eye surgery, could not hide her excitement after meeting Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili at Mukaa Comprehensive School in Kilome, where a free medical camp took place.

Speaking during the event, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to access specialized treatment and commended Governor Mutula for fostering partnerships that bring essential services closer to the people.

MUTULA HAILS M-PESA FOUNDATION AFTER SUCCESSFUL MUKAA MEDICAL CAMP

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has commended the M-PESA Foundation for honouring its partnership commitment with the county government following the successful medical camp jointly organised at Mukaa Comprehensive School.

The Governor described the exercise as an “amazing concept,” noting that the venue effectively operated like a Level Six health facility due to the wide range of medical services offered to residents.

Speaking after touring various service points to assess the progress of the services offered, Mutula said that 33 patients had already been diagnosed with cataracts and identified for corrective surgery, while others had received prescription spectacles.

He further announced that 23 pints of blood had been collected through the blood donation drive conducted at the blood bank tent, noting that the initiative would significantly contribute to strengthening healthcare services in the county.

Governor Mutula also acknowledged the M-PESA Foundation team for its continued support to the county through various health initiatives, including the construction of state-of-the-art maternity facilities and the donation of medical equipment, among other interventions.

The Governor expressed satisfaction that many residents from Kilome would return home with medication sufficient to last at least three months, easing their access to essential healthcare services.

FREE MEDICAL CAMP OFFERS NEW HOPE TO ELDERLY MAN BATTLING HEARING LOSS

A seventy-eight-year-old Soo Kiamba from Kitaingo could not hide his joy after meeting Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at Mukaa Comprehensive School on Saturday, whom he commended for forging partnerships that directly benefit the public and urged him to sustain such collaborations.

Makueni is collaborating with the M-Pesa Foundation, is conducting a free general medical camp at Mukaa comprehensive school on Saturday.

Kiamba said he has been seeking treatment at private clinics for years but is now hopeful that he may finally regain his hearing following consultations at the camp.

Having experienced hearing difficulties for several years, he described the free medical outreach as a lifeline and praised the initiative for bringing essential healthcare services closer to residents.

Governor Mutula, accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili and officials from the M-Pesa Foundation, toured various service points at the venue to assess the progress of the medical camp.

Hundreds of residents had already registered for treatment by Saturday morning, with the exercise expected to continue until 5 p.m.

HUNDREDS TURN UP FOR FREE MEDICAL CAMP IN KILOME.

Hundreds of residents from Kilome and neighbouring areas have flocked to Mukaa Comprehensive School for a free medical camp jointly organized by the Makueni County Government and the M-Pesa Foundation.

According to Kilome Sub-county Medical Officer of Health, Charles Mulwa, at least 750 patients had already been registered and are currently receiving healthcare services .

The camp is expected to serve more than 3,000 people.

The medical outreach is offering a wide range of services, including X-ray and ultrasound examinations, laboratory tests, management of chronic diseases, telemedicine consultations, electrocardiogram (ECG) services, fistula screening, general cancer screening, mental health services, eye screening, and dental care, among other health interventions.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and his deputy Lucy Mulili are expected to join the M-Pesa Foundation team, which is already on the ground overseeing the exercise.

Makueni County has partnered with the M-Pesa Foundation on several other healthcare initiatives, including the provision of medical equipment and the construction and improvement of maternity facilities across the county.

MAKUENI MARKS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY WITH LAUNCH OF LANDSCAPE RESTORATION STRATEGY

Makueni County on Friday joined the global community in commemorating World Environment Day at Kea Comprehensive School in Kilome Sub-County, with a renewed call for environmental conservation, ecosystem restoration and community-led climate action.

As part of its commitment to restoring degraded ecosystems, the County Government unveiled the County Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) Scaling Strategy, a roadmap designed to accelerate landscape restoration across the county over the next three years.

Speaking during the event, Lands Executive Committee Member Dr. Paul Musila said the strategy provides a practical and cost-effective framework for restoring degraded landscapes through the protection, regeneration and sustainable management of naturally occurring trees and vegetation.

The strategy outlines an ambitious implementation plan running from 2026 to 2030, targeting the restoration of 55,000 hectares of degraded land, training of 40,000 farmers, 100 extension officers and 60 teachers and tutors in public learning institutions, while strengthening community governance systems to support sustainable natural resource management.

MAKUENI RALLIES COMMUNITY TO RESTORE RIVER ECOSYSTEMS AHEAD OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

As the world prepares to mark World Environment Day tomorrow, the Makueni Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority on Thursday conducted a tree-planting exercise at Kiaoni along the Muuoni River in Nguu/Masumba Ward.

The initiative seeks to restore and protect the fragile riverine ecosystem, enhance water retention, and strengthen community resilience to the impacts of climate change.

The Authority has been at the forefront of efforts to rehabilitate rivers degraded by years of uncontrolled and unsustainable sand harvesting. Through restoration programs, environmental conservation initiatives, and community engagement, it continues to promote sustainable sand utilization while safeguarding vital water resources and ecosystems for future generations.