News

SWEET RETURNS: BEE KEEPING TRANSFORMS LIVELIHOODS IN LOWER MAKUENI

Bee keeping is fast emerging as a promising economic venture in the lower parts of Makueni, offering residents a sustainable source of income.

The Department of Agriculture has shown great commitment in promoting modern apiary practices to empower locals and boost honey production across the region.

On Tuesday, the department distributed 51 modern beehives to three community groups made up of more than 80 members, with each group receiving 17 hives.

Speaking during the exercise, group chairperson Peter Mwanzia Mumo expressed confidence that the new hives would significantly increase honey yields. He urged more residents, especially those with vast land, to embrace bee keeping as a profitable enterprise.

Agricultural extension officers have been actively training farmers on modern hive management, bee handling, and hygienic honey extraction methods.

The initiative seeks to increase productivity and enhance household incomes, in line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr‘s vision of an economically empowered Makueni.

GOVERNOR MUTULA BACKS KONZA CITY’S VISION, URGES FAST-TRACKING OF KEY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday joined President William Ruto at Konza City for the launch of Phase One of strategic infrastructure Projects critical for the development of the city.

The Governor expressed confidence in the realization of Konza City’s vision, describing recent legislation on the Konza Technopolis as a step in the right direction.

He urged the national government to fast-track key components of the city’s development plan.

Governor Mutula further emphasized the importance of constructing the envisioned Konza International Airport and called for the integration of a Standard Gauge Railway station within Konza City to enhance connectivity.

Responding to concerns raised by the governor, President Ruto said the government is implementing plans to dual the Mombasa Highway between Malili and Emali.

He affirmed the government’s commitment to integrating the SGR with Konza Technopolis in the upcoming phase of development.

ROTARY CLUB BOOSTS MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE AT MBOONI HOSPITAL

Mbooni Sub-County Hospital has received a significant boost to its maternal and child healthcare services following a donation of essential medical equipment from the Rotary Club of Nairobi, Muthaiga North.

The donation includes ward beds, neonatal warmers, baby bassinets, weighing machines, a suction machine, a phototherapy unit, a resuscitaire, a delivery bed, and Kangaroo Mother Care beds, all aimed at improving safe delivery and newborn care.

According to the Club’s president Michael Otuoma, the initiative is part of their broader effort to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths while strengthening healthcare systems across the country.

Health CECM Joyce Mutua lauded the contribution, saying it complements the county government’s commitment under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr to expand partnerships that enhance quality healthcare for mothers and children.

Earlier, Mutua led her team for an inspection of the upcoming family hospital at the facility.Among those that accompanied her were Chief Officer Health Dr.Harvey Mulei, directors Dr.Stephen Mwatha, Dr.Erick Chomba among others.

GOVERNOR MUTULA RALLIES SUPPORT FOR CHURCH & DEVELOPMENT IN NZAMBANI/IVINGONI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. joined worshippers at AIC Changamwe in Kambu for a special church service and fundraiser in support of the Komboyoo DCC office, which brings together 10 churches in the Ivingoni/Nzambani area.

While delivering his contribution, Governor Mutula emphasized the church’s role as a moral compass in society and encouraged continued community support.

Beyond the pulpit, the Governor made bold development commitments — including the construction of a modern maternity facilities in Kambu and Kibwezi Level 4 Hospitals, the expansion of water connections and the fast-tracking of title deed processing for the Ngai Ndethya Settlement Scheme.

Senator Dan Maanzo urged the youth to register as voters.

The Governor was flanked by CECMs Paul Musila (Lands), Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), Deputy Speaker Francis Mutie, MCAs Brian Nzoka (Masongaleni) and Harrison Mutie (Ivingoni/Nzambani) among others.

GOVERNOR MUTULA DONATES LAND FOR CONSTRUCTION OF MODERN HOSPITAL

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has donated land for the construction of a modern maternity hospital in Utangwa as part of the county’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services.

He also formally handed over a title deed for the Utangwa Police Station and announced plans to install high-mast floodlights in the area to improve security.

Governor Mutula made the announcements while addressing residents at Utangwa Catholic Parish during a fundraising event, where he was accompanied by Mbooni Member of Parliament, Nzioka Kivasu.

The governor urged Kenyans to register as voters expressing concern over the low voter registration turnout.

Mutula, who is the Vice Chairperson of the Wiper Patriotic Front, assured all prospective aspirants of a transparent nomination process.

GOVERNOR MUTULA, HIS DEPUTY MULILI JOIN LEADERS AT UHURU PARK AS WIPER HOLDS NATIONAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and his deputy Lucy Mulili on Friday joined national leaders at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, for the Wiper Patriotic Front National Delegates Conference, followed by a major political rally.

During the event, Governor Mutula expressed confidence in Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s ability to steer the country toward justice, unity, and accountable leadership.

He said Musyoka represents hope for a Kenya free from oppression, police brutality, and leadership that neglects the plight of its people.

Mutula described the Wiper leader as the transformative force capable of delivering the nation from years of retrogressive governance and guiding it toward a freer, fairer, and more dignified future for all Kenyans.

STAKEHOLDERS SHAPE NAVCDP 2026/2027 BUDGET PRIORITIES IN MAKUENI

National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) stakeholder participation forum to deliberate on the FY 2026/2027 and Medium-Term Budget plans.

The meeting aimed to collect views, recommendations, and priorities from various partners and community representatives to ensure the budget reflects the real needs of Makueni residents.

While addressing the forum, CECM for Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperative Development, Elizabeth Muli, emphasized the importance of teamwork and accountability in implementing agricultural projects that empower farmers and strengthen cooperatives across the county.

Ms. Muli reminded participants that the budgeting process should focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people and improving livelihoods.

The engagement, guided by the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, underscored public participation as a key pillar in ensuring inclusivity and transparency in resource allocation.

Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza and Dr. Victoria Kyallo also attended the forum, commending stakeholders for their active involvement in shaping Makueni’s agricultural development agenda.

THINKWELL GLOBAL DEEPENS COLLABORATION WITH MAKUENI TO STRENGTHEN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

On Thursday,ThinkWell Global leadership team visited Makueni to explore ways of strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) delivery.

During the engagement with County Executive Committee Member for Health Joyce Mutua, Chief Officer Dr. Harvey Mbithi, and other senior health officials, the team discussed progress made under the Strategic Purchasing for Primary Health Care (SP4PHC) project, an initiative aimed at improving how health services are financed, managed, and delivered at the community level.

Mutua emphasized that partnerships like this are helping Makueni build a more responsive and sustainable health system.

The ThinkWell delegation also toured Kathonzweni Health Centre and Kiangini Dispensary, where they witnessed first-hand how local health workers are applying data-driven approaches to improve service delivery and patient outcomes.

Impressed by the county’s leadership and innovation in health governance, the team expressed optimism about scaling up the partnership to further advance universal health coverage in Makueni.

MAKUENI COUNTY, BAMBURI LEAD EYE SCREENING DRIVE TO BOOST ROAD SAFETY

Makueni County, in partnership with Bamburi Cement Ltd, has launched a major road safety campaign targeting over 2,000 long-distance truck drivers along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway.

Dubbed “Healthy Eyes, Safer Roads,” the week-long drive at SUPASTOP, Sultan Hamud, focuses on early detection of vision problems and health risks like hypertension, diabetes, and fatigue-key contributors to accidents along the Highway, where 70% of the county’s road crashes occur.

Led by medical teams from Kilome Nursing Hospital, the initiative offers free eye checks, prescription glasses, safety gear, and referrals. It also includes safe driving education.

The public-private effort, involving NTSA, Kenya Transporters Association, Superior Homes, and others, supports Makueni’s goal to cut accidents and shape better transport policy.

DIGITAL HEALTH PLATFORM BOOSTS KATHONZWENI HOSPITAL OWN SOURCE REVENUE TO KSH 1.7 MILLION

Kathonzweni Level 3 Hospital has recorded a major revenue breakthrough, hitting KSh 1.7 million in SHA claims last month, a sharp rise from the previous average of KSh 600,000 to 1.1 million.

The impressive jump follows the rollout of TIBERBU, a digital health claims system under Taifa Care.

Implemented by the Digital Health Authority, in partnership with the Makueni County Government, TIBERBU is transforming healthcare by digitising service delivery, enabling real-time SHA claims and reducing turnaround time for patient care.

During an inspection visit on Wednesday, CECM for Health Joyce Mutua commended the staff for team work and noted the system’s impact, in expediting patient care and ensuring timely claims from SHA.

She said SHA rembursements will be retained at the health facilities to improve hospital infrastructure, restocking essential supplies, and hire additional staff.

Mutua urged the community step up SHA registration, including schools who form the bulk of the hospital’s clients, to help sustain and expand access to quality healthcare services.